Elite sport often gets more attention, but youth training gives strength and conditioning coaches an earlier chance to build athletes’ competence and confidence. Kelli Brightwell specializes in youth development and brings more than a decade of sports training experience, including four years at Michael Johnson Performance. Brightwell defines peak height velocity as the period during which height increases fastest. She then explains why its timing can differ among teammates of the same age. So what should strength coaches test, and what do the results mean? The answer changes with each athlete’s maturity and training experience. Brightwell addresses the growth-spurt “awkward phase,” when familiar movement patterns can break down as an athlete adjusts to a changing body. She also considers how sport sampling can expand children’s range of physical skills and help them discover what they enjoy. Learn how maturation can affect movement, testing, and programming — and why young athletes need foundations before specialization.

Colorado Springs, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association is proud to announce that Jay Dawes, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, TSAC-F,*D, FNSCA, has been selected as the NSCA’s Tactical Strength and Conditioning Professional of the Year for 2021. Award winners are selected by a volunteer committee, the NSCA’s Awards Taskforce, who determine the winner based on their contributions to the NSCA and their community, and whose influential contributions to the field result in its advancement in a measurable way that exceeds the outcomes achieved by others.

Meet the 2026 NSCA Peer & Special Recognition Awards recipients, who will be recognized for excellence across the profession at the NSCA National Conference.

Colorado Springs, CO – Coaches Bill Foran, Jeff Connors, and Domenic Reno recognized for their career accomplishments at the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Coaches Conference on January 4, 2017 in Nashville, TN.

In this 2018 National Conference Video Bill Parisi describes the opportunity in youth sport development, as well as how to expand your personal business and revenue in a fast growing market.

The purpose of this article is to present pedagogical content knowledge to personal trainers aimed to enhance client performance and satisfaction.

The purpose of this case study was to assess a one-day peer fitness leaders workshop for firefighters and law enforcement officers to test the feasibility of creating a “Train the Trainer” program, which could be implemented for continued intervention.

Your start in strength and conditioning starts with the NSCA's comprehensive Career Guide. Packed with advice and guidance from industry leaders, you'll get a head start on taking the next step as a strength coach, fitness professional, researcher, educator and beyond.

Colorado Springs, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the foundation’s 2019 scholarships. Since the Foundation’s creation in 2007, it has awarded 455 scholarships, which includes the 38 new recipients this year.