This article presents a contemporary, evidence-based, and practical framework that reduces the many strength and speed-strength metrics into five distinct qualities.
Personal trainersTSAC FacilitatorsCoachesProgram designTesting and EvaluationInfographicsIsometric StrengthExplosive StrengthReactive Strength
Endurance sports are typically not thought of as highly technical endeavors, but proper movement during training and competition for endurance sports can affect both performance and health.
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
This infographic provides a brief summary of a study discussing the differences in training bilateral and unilateral strength and its implications on performance variables.
CoachesProgram designInfographicsStrength TrainingChange of DirectionMaximal Force Velocity
This bundle includes videos of five of the best high school coaching sessions from the NSCA’s 2016 National Conference. If you could not attend the sessions live, this is the next best thing. CEU quiz available.
CoachesExercise ScienceNutritionProgram designLegal IssuesProfessional DevelopmentLTADPlayer developmentHigh School Strength and ConditioningStrength and Conditioning CoachesAthletic Developmenths-coaching
The CSCCa and NSCA have created consensus guidelines which recommend upper limits on the volume, intensity, and work:rest ratio during transition periods where athletes are more vulnerable.
NSCA has a network of volunteer leaders who direct NSCA’s efforts at the state level. NSCA’s Southwest Regional Coordinator provides oversight and training to local state directors. Members in the Southwest Region can connect at local and regional events as well as on Facebook to others in this area.
Interest is growing in warm-up procedures that involve dynamic activities and sport-specific movements that maximize active ranges of motion at different movement-specific speeds while preparing the body for the demands of sport training and competition.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise Techniquewarm-updynamic warm-upstrength and conditioning