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
Research on the benefits of using goals to increase athletic performance has shown that performance generally increases for athletes that use goals consistently. Learn how to move beyond generalities and see how a systematic goal setting approach can be paired with training athletes.
The “five Ss” of trainability and performance are critical periods of development that all youth strength and conditioning coaches should consider when creating a training program. Coaches should take advantage of each window to maximize a youth athlete’s potential and help ensure a long athletic career.
CoachesProgram designLTADyouth training guidelinesyouth athletic training
Looking for a job is an art and a skill. Not looking at it that way may cost a strength and conditioning coach a great opportunity. This article provides one experienced coach’s perspective on what is important as a strength and conditioning coach looks to climb the ladder or change positions in the profession.
CoachesOrganization and AdministrationProfessional Developmentcoaching careerhow to get a jobstrength and conditioning
This article provides an overview of how information collected through a performance-monitoring program can be used to assist in the development of a sliding sport talent identification program.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designperiodizationsliding sport trainingBobsled training
Adam Feit, Coordinator of Physical and Mental Performance at Springfield College, discusses the use of psychological skills in collegiate strength and conditioning and shares his insight into how strength coaches are in an optimal position to incorporate more of these skills into the weight room.
CoachesProfessional DevelopmentPsychological SkillsMental PerformancePerformance PotentialProfessional Development
Coaching staffs need to be mindful of how groups are formed for training, who the leaders are, and what group norms are established across the different combinations of athletes training.
Strength training is an often neglected aspect of training for distance athletes. This article gives an overview of the importance of strength training for collegiate female distance runners by providing a sample of an annual training program and considerations to increase performance and avoid injury.
CoachesExercise ScienceNutritionProgram designStrength TrainingFemale AthleteCollegiate Distance RunnerAnnual Training ProgramInjury Prevention
Monitoring training load is essential for determining if athletes are adapting positively or negatively to their training program. This article goes over the various measurement metrics and includes recommendations to monitor training load for football athletes.
Linemen often do not get the same attention of the skill positions like a quarterback or wide receiver. However offensive and defensive linemen can control much of a football games tempo and outcome. This article goes over key areas to develop a well-rounded program for football linemen.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designFootballLinemenhs-coachingProgramming for Linemen