Similarities and overlaps exist between the realm of sport psychology and the profession of strength and conditioning coaching. This article provides a basic introduction to sport psychology and provides some guidance for preliminary directions; ideally, it will help strength and conditioning coaches find effective people and resources to help them in their coaching pursuits.
CoachesExercise ScienceNSCA CoachIntroduction to Sport PsychologySport Psychologymental trainingstrength and conditioning
This article builds upon a previous article on the potential benefits personal trainers can offer clients by combining both cognitive and physical training.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProgram designProfessional Development
As the prevalence of disordered eating in sport continues to increase, sports dietitians and all medical personnel must learn to identify it properly and follow evidence-based practice, including sound judgment, when treating athletes with these issues.
CoachesNutritionBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Diseasefemale athlete triaddieteating disorderssports dietitiansport nutrition
This article describes an innovative approach that was used to implement a long-term athletic development (LTAD) program in a health club, and includes the steps used for implementation.
CoachesProgram designNSCA CoachLTADLong-term athletic developmentyouth training
Those who are in key decision-making positions should understand the importance of proper research, validation, and implementation procedures when developing physical fitness standards.
TSAC FacilitatorsTesting and EvaluationSafetyphysical fitness testingtesting for job applicantsPhysical fitness standards
As Director of Sport Science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Heather Farmer spearheads comprehensive integration efforts. This includes ensuring every stakeholder, from sport performance staff to academic advisors, has a seat at the table. Farmer also outlines developing an internship and graduate assistantship program to meet staffing needs and offer opportunities for practical experience. She recounts how leveraging relationships — not data — has been her key to scalability. Additionally, Farmer recognizes that to make an impact, she must meet athletes and sport coaches where they are, which she uncovers through “highlights” and “hurdles.” She suggests that sport scientists with strength and conditioning backgrounds, like herself, are uniquely equipped to excel due to their communication skills. Farmer and McMahon also discuss avoiding “analysis paralysis” and how to incorporate data to elevate the student-athlete experience — an unignorable factor as athletes bring an element of “self” in the age of name, image and likeness (NIL).
Reach out to Heather by email at: heather.farmer@unlv.edu | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Ultra-endurance performance is likely determined by quality of physical preparation, effective nutritional management, ability to cope with the environmental stressors, psychological resilience, and recovery capacity.
CoachesExercise ScienceProgram designlong distance runningMarathon Des Sablesultra marathonmarathon trainingUltraendurance training
As an international professional community that supports athletic performance and health, we recognize how we are all impacted by the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. This page has been developed to keep you updated on NSCA’s efforts and activities.
The Strength and Conditioning Journal is the professional journal for strength coaches, personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other health professionals working in the strength and conditioning field. The journal's mission is to publish articles that report both the practical applications of research findings and the knowledge gained by experienced professionals.
The purpose of this article is to provide information about the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certification exams that were administered during 2024.