The purpose of this article is to strongly suggest and offer a pragmatic and stepwise approach that takes into account the ideas and concepts of shared decision making that allows for the “best practices,” pre-participation screenings, evaluations, and stratification flow charts for safe and effective return to play for athletes.
CoachesProgram designAcclimationHealth Risk ScreeningCOVID-19Resistance Training
Strength and conditioning coaches who systematically progress specific training variables, including games, can help youth improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designyouth training guidelinesyouth fitness trainingYouth athletic training
This article sets out to address and dispel these myths, offering evidence-based insights into the significance, safety, and multifaceted benefits of strength training for youth.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designProfessional DevelopmentYouth TrainingLTADGrowthFlexibilitySkill Development
As the final article of the three-part series on long-term athletic development (LTAD), this article will focus on enhancing physical fitness and participation in LTAD programs that promote physical fitness and physiological wellbeing, regardless of age, ability, and aspirations.
The NSCA has built a collection of resources to help our community of strength and conditioning professionals and athletes safely return to training and adapt to the new challenges created by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
As the second of a three part series, this article will focus on the Practitioner Pillars of LTAD, including relevant monitoring and assessment tools, as well as systematical progressions and individualized training programs for successful long-term physical development.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designTesting and EvaluationProfessional DevelopmentLTADLoad MonitoringMovement CompetencyPubertyRPEhs-coaching
This second article of a two-part series continues the discussion of long-term athletic development (LTAD). This article provides practical application of the LTAD principles by examining two sample programs.
CoachesNutritionProgram designOrganization and AdministrationLTADLong Term Athletic DevelopmentYouth TrainingYouth SportsProgram DesignPeak Height Velocityhs-coaching
Recent research has developed new ways of approaching macronutrient ratios that challenge the conventional way of thinking. This article takes a look at what is usually recommended for athletes, as well as different lower carbohydrate variations.
CoachesNutritiondiet for sports performancecarbohydrate countingketogenic dietpaleo dietLow carb dietNSCA Coach
Not all diets are appropriate for every population and this is especially true of an athlete who is expected to train and perform at a high level. Learn about the negatives of fad diets, potential pitfalls, and realistic dietary guidelines for athletes.
Strength and conditioning coaches should strive to teach athletes in a way they can understand: by hearing, seeing, and practicing. This article describes some techniques that a coach can use to accomplish this.
CoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designyouth athletic trainingyouth athletesmotivational toolsYouth training guidelineshow to motivate childrenhs-coaching