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Notice: The NSCA website is scheduled to undergo system maintenance from 12:00 AM - 2:30 AM EST. During this time, there may be short service interruptions across the site and some parts of the site may not be accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience while we work to improve the website experience and security.
Planning and designing training programs for a new group of athletes (e.g., a new recruiting class or a new coaching job) can be problematic without a base level understanding of the athletes’ current skill levels. This article describes one system that can be used to determine an athlete's self-confidence on different exercises.
CoachesExercise ScienceProgram designstrength trainingstrength and conditioningprogram designself-confidenceSports Psychologyhs-coaching
Military and law enforcement needs analyses are not specifically matched to firefighting, but those training styles are better than basic fitness regimens or no regimen at all. For firefighters who are attracted to other styles of training not specific to firefighting, there are ways to train for all the demands of firefighting without making the firefighter use training modalities that they dislike or are not comfortable using.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designfirefighter trainingtactical strength and conditioningTSAC-FTSACfirefighters
This article describes an innovative approach that was used to implement a long-term athletic development (LTAD) program in a health club, and includes the steps used for implementation.
CoachesProgram designNSCA CoachLTADLong-term athletic developmentyouth training
Abstract submissions are open yearly from November to March (exact dates change annually). See the Abstract Submission and Presentation Guidelines for more information (below). Research abstract presentations are an opportunity to present current research findings to researchers and strength and conditioning professionals at the NSCA National Conference.
This article provides recommendations and advice from a former active-duty Infantry/Military Intelligence Officer in the United States Army on the transition to becoming a tactical strength and conditioning coach.
TSAC FacilitatorsProfessional DevelopmentTactical Strength and ConditioningTSAC-FCSCSNetworking
This NSCA Coach article examines strength and conditioning strategies for collegiate distance runners to build performance for outdoor competition. Visit NSCA online to read about sport science.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentReturn To Play (RTP)NCAA AthleticsMuscular EnduranceExercise ProgramsAerobic PowerWeight TrainingRunningCollege Track and FieldWomen Sports
There is no argument that periodization is successful, and that different models can be applied with success in different fashions. The question of how shift work really affects a periodized program—more specifically firefighter shift work—is less clear.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designshift workperiodizationfitness for firefighterstactical strength and conditioningfirefightersTSAC
This brief excerpt from NSCA’s Essentials of Sport Science discusses skill-based key performance indicators (KPIs).
Personal trainersTSAC FacilitatorsCoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationProfessional DevelopmentKey Performance IndicatorsGymnasticsFencingBiomechanical
This three-part series will show how personal trainers can create a physically literate cradle-to-grave culture for all, with LTAD as the framework. This article addresses awareness of LTAD and why is it important for personal trainers.
Personal trainersProfessional DevelopmentLTADPhysical LiteracyHealthFitnessLifespanAthleticism
Explore 2027 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in San Antonio and online, August 23–26, for tactical strength and conditioning education. See 2026 highlights.