2026 NSCA Training Prescriptions for Overhead Athletes Summit

Light Breakfast Provided

1. Articulate the fundamental kinematics and kinetics of overarm throwing.
2. Biomechanically define the performance and injury risk indicators of throwing.
3. Identify the emerging technologies currently used to assess and monitor throwing performance.
4. Evaluate the throwing motion from 3D biomechanical perspectives.

Lecture

1. Performance and Longevity come from the same qualities - we will identify some of these qualities and discuss their importance.
2. Describe ways to train the system, not just pieces of it.
3. How to Design A Broad Framework for Training and keeping these athletes performing at a high level for longer.

Lecture

1. Identify the biomechanical demands placed on the shoulder and thoracic spine of volleyball athletes.
2. Participants will learn and actively practice fundamental movement patterns and how they address the demands of overhead athletes.

Hands-On

1. The session combines traditional and velocity based programming strategies with an emphasis on upper body considerations for overhead athletes.
2. Attendees will learn to set realistic training goals, apply velocity based training (VBT) principles, and protect the anatomy and of the shoulder and trunk through effective training.

Lecture

1. Describe the application of performance testing within overhead athletes.
2. Discuss the impact of performance testing on programming and training decisions for overhead athletes.
3. Describe the use of VALD hardware and software to accurately measure performance testing data.

Hands-on

1. Identify how thoracic spine extension and proper sequencing allow efficient overhead arm elevation and reduce shoulder stress.
2. Recognize common movement and timing issues that increase stress on the shoulder and elbow.
3. Use simple assessment and training strategies to improve force transfer and support healthier overhead performance.

Lecture

1. Elucidate the foundational principles of glenohumeral joint centration and dynamic stability essential for efficient and safe overhead performance in weightlifting.
2. Implement a systematic, evidence-informed progression of accessory and corrective exercises designed to enhance glenohumeral joint strength, control, and stability.
3. Strategically integrate these targeted stability and control exercises into a comprehensive, top-down snatch progression, with drills and exercises for beginners and more advanced athletes.

Hands-On

1. Performance and Longevity come from the same qualities - we will identify some of these qualities and discuss their importance.
2. Describe ways to train the system, not just pieces of it.
3. How to Design A Broad Framework for Training and keeping these athletes performing at a high level for longer.

Lecture

1. Identify the biomechanical demands placed on the shoulder and thoracic spine of volleyball athletes.
2. Participants will learn and actively practice fundamental movement patterns and how they address the demands of overhead athletes.

Hands-On

1. The session combines traditional and velocity based programming strategies with an emphasis on upper body considerations for overhead athletes.
2. Attendees will learn to set realistic training goals, apply velocity based training (VBT) principles, and protect the anatomy and of the shoulder and trunk through effective training.

Lecture

1. Describe the application of performance testing within overhead athletes.
2. Discuss the impact of performance testing on programming and training decisions for overhead athletes.
3. Describe the use of VALD hardware and software to accurately measure performance testing data.

Hands-on

1. Identify how thoracic spine extension and proper sequencing allow efficient overhead arm elevation and reduce shoulder stress.
2. Recognize common movement and timing issues that increase stress on the shoulder and elbow.
3. Use simple assessment and training strategies to improve force transfer and support healthier overhead performance.

Lecture

1. Elucidate the foundational principles of glenohumeral joint centration and dynamic stability essential for efficient and safe overhead performance in weightlifting.
2. Implement a systematic, evidence-informed progression of accessory and corrective exercises designed to enhance glenohumeral joint strength, control, and stability.
3. Strategically integrate these targeted stability and control exercises into a comprehensive, top-down snatch progression, with drills and exercises for beginners and more advanced athletes.

Hands-On

1. Clearing up some of the myths is the biggest part of overhead athlete health, second only to a lack of rigor by practitioners to delve into the science.
2. Making the connection to the entire body and shoulder health.
   Pitchers are not the only athletes that are "overhead athletes", and we can learn from the other sports.
3. The high speeds that accompany the shoulder with overhead athletes, cannot be treated with low intensity exercise then be expected to have a robust existence.
4. Talking about only shoulder and elbow exercises as injury mitigations tools, and not including some mention of the benefits of lower body and trunk training is irresponsible.