How to Develop a Training Philosophy Using Basic Training Principles
by Jesse Padgett, MS, CSCS, RSCC*D
NSCA Coach
September 2026
Vol 13, Issue 2
This article discusses how strength and conditioning coaches can create an effective training philosophy by combining core values, coaching beliefs, and evidence-based programming principles.
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This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
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REFERENCES
1. Caulfield, S, and Gearity, B. Philosophy in strength and conditioning – Clarifying coaching and training philosophy. NSCA Coach 5(1): 2018.
2. Clayton, N, Drake, J, Larkin, S, Linkul, R, Martino, M, Nutting, M, and Tumminello, N. Foundations of Fitness Programming. National Strength and Conditioning Association, 2015.
3. Cope, E, and Partington, M. Sports Coaching: A Theoretical and Practical Guide. New York, NY: Routledge; 2019.
4. Cunanan, A, DeWeese, B, Wagle, J, and Carroll, K. The general adaptation syndrome: A foundation for the concept of periodization. Sports Medicine 48(10): 2018.
5. DeFreitas, JM, Beck, TW, Stock, MS, Dillion, MA, and Kasishke, PR. An examination of the time course of training-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy. European Journal of Applied Physiology111(11): 2785-2790, 2011.
6. Devantier, C. Psychological predictors of injury among professional soccer players. Sport Science Review 20: 2011.
7. Endrissat, N, Müller, W, and Kaudela-Baum, S. En Route to an empirically-based understanding of authentic leadership. European Management Journal 25: 207-220, 2007.
8. Gardner, PJ. Developing a philosophy. Training and Conditioning. 2018. Retrieved April 2024 from https://training-conditioning.com/article/developing-a-philosophy/.
9. Gearity, B. The discipline of philosophy in strength and conditioning. Strength and Conditioning Journal 32: 110-117, 2010.
10. Gill, A. Foundations of Sports Coaching: Applying Theory to Practice. New York, NY: Routledge; 2020.
11. Haff, G, and Triplett, NT. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. (4th edition.) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2016.
12. Hanne, K. Core values in the workplace: 84 powerful examples. Indeed.com. Retrieved May 2024 from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/core-values.
13. Kasper, KMD. Sports training principles. Current Sports Medicine Reports 18(4): 95-96, 2019.
14. Kraemer, WJ. A series of studies—The physiological basis for strength training in American football: Fact over philosophy. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 11: 131–142, 1997.
15. Lloyd, R, Cronin, J, Faigenbaum, A, Haff, GG, Howard, R, Kraemer, WJ, et al. National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement on long-term athletic development. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 30(6): 1491-1509, 2016.
16. Malloy, E, Yukhymenko, M, and Kavussanu, M. Investigating the relationship between authentic leadership and athletes’ commitment, positive affect, and perceived teammate prosocial behaviour via trust and team culture. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching 18(4): 1082-1090, 2022.
17. Philosophy. Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved May 2024 from https://www.merriam-webster. com/dictionary/philosophy.
18. Sands, WA, Wurth, JJ, and Hewit, JK. Basics of Strength and Conditioning Manual. National Strength and Conditioning Association. 2012.
19.Van Mullem, P, and Brunner, D. Developing a successful coaching philosophy: A step-by-step approach, strategies. Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educator 26(3): 29-34, 2013.
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Keywords:
Training Methods Exercise Progression Professional Development Leadership Evidence Based Training Training Principles Coaching Philosophy
Training Methods Exercise Progression Professional Development Leadership Evidence Based Training Training Principles Coaching Philosophy
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