Few strength coaches have shaped sport performance like Al Vermeil — the only strength coach to earn championship rings in both the National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA). In this Gatorade Performance Partner Special Episode, Vermeil shares how a career built on explosiveness, adaptability, and relentless curiosity has transformed teams at every level. From advancing plyometrics and Olympic lifts in the 1970s to creating the performance pyramid and the innovative “time machine” testing system, his methods have influenced generations of coaches and athletes worldwide. Known for blending timeless principles with fresh, actionable ideas, he explains how mechanics, group management, and collaboration create consistent results and lasting trust. Along the way, Vermeil offers rare perspectives on coaching longevity, revealing how his adaptability and curiosity have kept him learning — and lifting — into his 80s. Gain practical insights to keep explosiveness central, integrate performance science, and strengthen your long-term coaching impact. Reach out to Coach Vermeil by email at: a60vermeil@sisna.com | Email Jon Jost at: jonathan.jost@pepsico.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs. This special episode is brought to you in part by Gatorade Performance Partner. Learn more and join their community at GatoradePerformancePartner.com.

Bridge the Gap Hands-On: Considerations for Speed, Agility and Movement in Ice Hockey

Loren Landow, owner of Landow Performance in Denver, CO, demonstrates errors and coaching tips for the pro agility drill.

Considerations for Speed, Agility and Movement in Ice Hockey

Tammy Kovaluk, CSCS, introduces the "pac-man drill" (also known as the "Ickey shuffle") which can be used for speed, agility, and quickness sessions.

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This NSCA Coach article examines strength and conditioning strategies for collegiate distance runners to build performance for outdoor competition. Visit NSCA online to read about sport science.

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In this video from the NSCA's 2014 National Conference, Bret Contreras discusses how moving horizontally - quick breaks and agility drills vs. hopping - can result in explosive acceleration and speed.

In this lecture from the NSCA's 2014 Coaches Conference, Mike Robertson talks about corrective exercise and its application. Invoking Gray Cook, Mike defines corrective exercise as "a holistic approach where an assessment is used to determine specific weaknesses and/or limitations of the athlete" - be it aerobic, strength, or agility.