When William Kraemer first entered the field, strength and conditioning was, as he puts it, “primordial.” There were few standards, limited research, and little shared understanding. As one of the most influential figures in strength and conditioning, Kraemer recounts how the profession grew from humble beginnings into a science-driven discipline. That history still holds weight for coaches today. He explains why coaches are often drawn to new ideas, but progress comes from building on proven principles. Workout logs are central to his approach, and he notes how analyzing training over time can improve decision-making. He also emphasizes alignment across the performance ladder to support innovation and athlete development. As the Senior Advisor for Sports Performance and Sports Science at The Ohio State University, he shares his perspective on where the field is headed next. Apply his wisdom to stay grounded in solid principles, evaluate training with greater precision, and better serve your athletes.
Reach out to Dr. Kraemer by email: Kraemer.44@osu.edu | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
This article provides high school strength and conditioning coaches with a comprehensive guide for implementing plyometric training for high school athletes effectively.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentTriple extensionNeuromuscular coordinationExplosive powerSpeed-strength Stretch-shortening cycle (SSC)High school athletesPlyometric training
This TSAC Report article examines the primary risk factors contributing to shoulder pain in tactical athletes and provides evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. Visit NSCA online to learn more about exercise research for tactical athletes.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentRehabilitationShoulder ExercisesFirst RespondersInjury PreventionExercise ResearchLTADOccupational FitnessPathology
This article examines ways that personal trainers can take steps in order to effectively reduce the risk of clients suffering a training-related injury.
Personal trainersExercise TechniqueProgram designpersonal traininginjury reductioninjury prevention
This article recommends how to split the responsibilities of planning and executing the platoon physical training formation from the company commander’s echelon to the individual soldier level.
This article will focus on three common areas of injuries that occur with ice hockey players and some recommended strategies for the strength and conditioning professional.
CoachesExercise ScienceProgram designTesting and EvaluationIce HockeyAcromioclavicular JointAdductor StrainMobilityMedial Collateral Ligament
This section from the book, Developing Endurance, gives an overview of how to plan and develop a program for endurance athletes by following four steps.
Personal trainersTSAC FacilitatorsCoachesProgram designEndurance TrainingEndurance AthleteProgrammingDeveloping Endurance
This excerpt from NSCA’s Essentials of Sport Science briefly explains the force-velocity-power profile and how it can give strength and conditioning coaches a more holistic view of athletes.
The goal of this article is to understand contralateral and ipsilateral loading, how to set-up loaded carries, electromyography activity during exercises, and how to apply these exercises into the strength training program.