This article uses relevant research and literature to provide suggestions for optimal recovery in tactical operators.

Football is evolving fast, and the coaches who keep pace are the ones who control what they can and win the little details. Ted Rath, Director of Sports Performance for the New Orleans Saints, reflects on over 15 years in the National Football League (NFL). He explains how training times, availability, and sheer athleticism have shifted with the game's expansion. Rath makes the case for gaining a well-rounded experience by coaching different sports, seeking knowledge, and being patient on your path. He also shares his linear progression approach to sport science that keeps new tools actionable and avoids technology overload. With players now arriving more educated and invested in their data, creating understanding and buy-in remains essential. Rath reveals that his coaching philosophy and culture starts with “leading yourself,” emphasizing ownership and helping others. Apply his perspective to protect availability, dial in the little details, and integrate sport science with purpose. Reach out to Ted on Instagram: @tedrathstrengthcoach | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Catch Ted’s session, “The Future of Training in Professional Football,” at the 2026 NSCA National Conference in New Orleans, July 8–11. Sign up early and save at NSCA.com/NSCACon.

This excerpt from Developing Agility and Quickness aims to provide a snapshot of programming volleyball-specific agility and quickness sessions.

The purpose of this article is to help disseminate information on the thermal environment during track meets, risk management, and thermal reducing approaches coaches, athletes, and sports medicine personnel can employ for improved athletic performance in a hot environment.

People's attention span is limited, cautions Nick Winkelman in this lecture from the NSCA's 2014 National Conference. Join Nick as he talks about not inundating your athletes and clients with information, and tailoring your cueing to their individual needs.

This excerpt from Developing Agility and Quickness explains the agility considerations for different wrestling disciplines.

This excerpt from Developing Speed looks at how a fundamental understanding of the biomechanical principles that affect speed can assist coaches and athletes in developing running speed.

This excerpt from the book Developing Endurance, published by Human Kinetics, presents a sample 5K training plan for runners.

This excerpt briefly explains the steps to create a resistance training plan for endurance athletes.

The goal of this article is to overview the most evidenced-based recovery strategies that are promoted in United States Air Force Special Warfare.