(1,803 found)
From Flag to Friday Night—Long-Term Athlete Development in Youth American Football
February 11, 2019by Joe Eisenmann, PhD and Clive J. Brewer, MS, CSCS
Approximately 2 million youth from 6 - 12 years of age participate in football every year. This article discusses the importance of long-term athletic development (LTAD) for youth football athletes and the significance of a player development pathway for long-term success and longevity in the sport.
Coaches Exercise Science Program design Organization and Administration
Developing Athleticism is the C.O.R.E. of Positive Youth Development
April 21, 2018by Rick Howard, MEd, CSCS,*D
This article breaks down youth training. To develop athleticism for youth, coaches should follow the C.O.R.E. principles: context in which to apply movement patterns, opportunities to develop proper movement, recognition of physical attributes required, and environments in which youth explore movement.
Coaches Exercise Technique Program design
Why Youth Strength and Conditioning Matters
June 11, 2018by Rick Howard, MEd, CSCS,*D, USAW
Providing a safe and effective youth strength and conditioning program is only the foundation of their long-term athletic development.
Coaches Exercise Science Program design
Practical Application for Long-Term Athletic Development
June 11, 2018by Larry Meadors PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, RSCC*E, USAW-2
Learn about the framework for practical, functional, and sequential skill development for a “best practices” model. This model is designed to develop a movement vocabulary, physical literacy, and movement skills for improved athleticism.
Coaches Exercise Science
An Introduction for Parents: What is Long-Term Athletic Development?
What does LTAD mean and how can parents get more involved with their child’s athletic development? Rick Howard provides an overview of youth development, important concepts to understand, ways to impact physical development, signs of overtraining, and further resources that are a great refresher for coaches and can be passed onto parents.
The Role of Resistance Training in Enhancing Mental Health and Self-Esteem in Youth – A Guide for Educators and Coaches
February 23, 2026by Josh McMillian, PhD, CSCS,*D, RSCC*D
This NSCA Coach article summarizes key findings on coach-focused strategies to help educators use resistance training to support healthy youth development. Visit NSCA online to read more on mental health and youth sports.
Coaches Exercise Science Exercise Technique Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or Disease Professional Development
A Closer Look at the 10 Pillars of LTAD – Part 3: The Participant Pillars of LTAD for Strength and Conditioning Professionals
July 11, 2022by Rick Howard, DSc, CSCS,*D, RSCC*E, FNSCA
As the final article of the three-part series on long-term athletic development (LTAD), this article will focus on enhancing physical fitness and participation in LTAD programs that promote physical fitness and physiological wellbeing, regardless of age, ability, and aspirations.
Coaches Exercise Science Program design Professional Development
Using LTAD to Program for a Middle School Athlete and a High School Athlete: Part 1—Generating an Athletic Profile
October 29, 2018by Rick Howard, MEd, CSCS,*D
This article applies LTAD principles to guide the process of generating an athletic profile (part 1) and sample program design (part 2) for a middle school athlete and a high school athlete.
Coaches Program design
Teaching and Motivating Youth Athletes—A Personal Perspective
April 21, 2018by Ryan T. McClure, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
Strength and conditioning coaches should strive to teach athletes in a way they can understand: by hearing, seeing, and practicing. This article describes some techniques that a coach can use to accomplish this.
Coaches Exercise Technique Program design
Feeding the Youth Athlete – Three Key Messages
October 14, 2026by Karina Christopher, PHD, RND, LD
This article explores evidence-based nutrition practices for youth athletes, emphasizing hydration, dietary quality, and breakfast consumption to support long-term athletic development. Visit NSCA online to read more about sports nutrition and athletic development.
Coaches Exercise Science Nutrition Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Safety Professional Development
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