Developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this text offers strength and conditioning professionals a scientific basis for developing training programs for specific athletes at specific times of year.

Founded in 1978, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit educational association with members in more than 56 countries. Drawing on its vast network of members, the NSCA develops and presents the most advanced information regarding strength training and conditioning practices, injury prevention, and research findings.

Unlike any other organization, the NSCA brings together a diverse group of professionals from the sport science, athletic, allied health, and fitness industries. By working to find practical applications for new research findings in the strength and conditioning field, the association fosters the development of strength training and conditioning as a discipline and as a profession.

Jay Hoffman, PhD, is a professor of exercise science at the University of Central Florida and coordinator of their sport and exercise science program. Long recognized as an expert in the field of exercise physiology, Hoffman has more than 150 publications to his credit in refereed journals, book chapters, and books, and he has lectured at more than 300 national and international conferences and meetings. He also has more than 17 years of experience coaching at the collegiate and professional levels. This combination of the practical and the theoretical provides him with a unique perspective on writing for both coaches and academic faculty.

Hoffman was elected president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2009. He was awarded the 2005 Outstanding Kinesiological Professional Award by the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut and the 2007 Outstanding Sport Scientist of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He also was awarded the 2000 Outstanding Junior Investigator Award by the NSCA. He is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and serves on the board of directors of the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. He is the author of Physiological Aspects of Sport Training and Performance (Human Kinetics, 2002) and Norms for Fitness, Performance, and Health (Human Kinetics, 2006).

Chapter 1. Athlete Needs Analysis

William J. Kraemer, PhD, Brett A. Comstock, MA, James E. Clark, MS, and Courtenay Dunn-Lewis, MA

Metabolic Demands of the Sport

Biomechanical Demands of the Sport

Injury Risks of the Sport

Integrating the Needs Analysis

Chapter 2. Athlete Testing and Program Evaluation

Jay R. Hoffman, PhD

Factors That Affect Performance Testing

Test Selection

Practical Considerations for Test Administration

Tests for Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation

Chapter 3. Dynamic Warm-Up

Avery D. Faigenbaum, EdD

Static Stretching and Performance

Dynamic Warm-Up and Performance

Developing a Dynamic Warm-Up Protocol

Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises

Chapter 4. Resistance Training

Nicholas A. Ratamess, PhD

Adaptations to Resistance Training

Customizing Resistance Training Programs

Resistance Training Program Variables

Chapter 5. Power Training

Robert U. Newton, PhD, Prue Cormie, PhD, and William J. Kraemer, PhD

Factors Contributing to Power Output

Targeting Power Development

Training Methods for Power Development

Selecting Load and Velocity for Power Development

Chapter 6. Anaerobic Conditioning

Jay R. Hoffman, PhD

Physiological Adaptations From Anaerobic Conditioning Programs

Developing Anaerobic Conditioning Programs

Anaerobic Conditioning Exercises

Chapter 7. Endurance Training

Joel T. Cramer, PhD, and Abbie E. Smith, PhD

Factors in Aerobic Endurance Performance

Aerobic Endurance Training Variables

Aerobic Endurance Training Strategies

Periodization for Aerobic Endurance Training

Chapter 8. Agility Training

Lee E. Brown, EdD, and Andy V. Khamoui, MS

Factors in Agility Performance

Assessing Agility

Training for Agility

Agility Program Design

Chapter 9. Speed Training

Jay R. Hoffman, PhD, and John Graham, MS

Factors in Speed Performance

Sprinting Mechanics and Technique

Speed Program Design

Chapter 10. Balance and Stability Training

Nejc Sarabon, PhD

Program Planning and Periodization

Safe Progression for Balance Exercises

Stability Training for Joint Systems

Chapter 11. Training Integration and Periodization

G. Gregory Haff, PhD, and Erin E. Haff, MA

General Principles of Periodization

Training Periods

Sequencing and Integration of the Training Process

Practical Guidelines

Chapter 12. Training Program Implementation

Jay R. Hoffman, PhD, Lee E. Brown, PhD, and Abbie E. Smith, PhD

Workout Sessions

Off-Season Training

Competitive Season

Considerations for Endurance Athletes

Program Evaluation