Ron McKeefery, Vice President of Performance and Education for PLAE, talks to the NSCA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Scott Caulfield, about how he got started with the Iron Game Chalk Talk, his involvement with the NSCA, the value in attending and putting on events, the future of the profession, decision paralysis, and creating culture in the weight room.
When considering applying advanced methods to affect and augment maximal power output, this excerpt from Developing Power explains three key points to consider.
Personal trainersTSAC FacilitatorsCoachesExercise TechniqueProgram designRate of Force DevelopmentMaximal Power OutputForce-Velocity RelationshipMuscular Power
This article seeks to provide insight on a training method based around prescribing small amounts of training to achieve a large amount of physical improvements.
CoachesProgram designTesting and EvaluationNeeds AnalysisTestingBasketball
Tom Williams’ journey to Head of Performance and Sport Science for Major League Soccer (MLS) powerhouse, the Los Angeles (LA) Galaxy, began at a crossroads: pursue traditional coaching or medical pathways. As a soccer “Swiss Army knife,” he embraced early sport science alongside coaching, building a career defined by collaboration and innovation. At the Galaxy, Williams is part of a web of support that uses rich data storytelling tailored to stakeholders and players, guiding decisions and infusing value in every encounter. This system drives their three key pillars: winning championships — including their recent record-breaking sixth MLS Cup — developing a robust academy pipeline, and leading innovation. In MLS’s “cultural melting pot,” Williams balances diverse backgrounds and short-term demands like fixture congestion while employing sustainable long-term strategies. With a unique full-time cognitive department and creative approaches like dodgeball warm-ups, he combines trust and ingenuity to elevate performance and presents a blueprint for those exploring emerging sport science.
Reach out to Tom on LinkedIn: @tom-williams and X/Twitter: @Williams26Tom | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Did you know MLS has a newly mandated Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®) role? Engage with NSCA’s Pro Sport Partner, the Professional Soccer Performance Association (PSPA), on social media to learn more:
Instagram: @pspa_performance
X/Twitter: @PSPA_perform
LinkedIn: @professional-soccer-performance-association
Learn about how a potentiating stimulus can induce a postactivation potentiation (PAP) response in vertical jump, sprint, and upper-body performance, as well as the optimal structure of a strength-power potentiating complex.
This excerpt explains the importance of optimal nutritional strategies in conjunction with good sleep hygiene and how that can help mitigate damaging effects of deployment and shift work on performance.
Diets moderately higher in protein and slightly lower in carbohydrate may be beneficial when it comes to weight loss and improving body composition, as well as for sport performance.
CoachesNutritionLow carb high protein dietlow carb diethigh protein dietprotein sourcesweight gainhow to gain musclehow to lose fathow to build musclehow to gain massprotein shakesprotein barsprotein supplementssupplemental protein
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) announces the results of its 2024 Elections, as selected by NSCA Members. These chosen individuals, nominated for their dedication and contributions to the NSCA and professional community, will help shape our future and further our mission to advance strength and conditioning research and education.