Ankle sprains are an extremely common injury of both sports and everyday life. In the post-rehabilitation setting, it is important to first identify and then address deficits in ankle, hip, and knee range of motion and strength.

The power position is an integral position for a variety of power lifting movements. Athletes can develop their power position via an integrated approach involving sound exercise selection and purposeful instruction leading to enhanced strength and technique.

The purpose of this article is to outline the three general formats in which sports science programs are implemented within intercollegiate athletic departments and to provide pros and cons of each situation.

Mentorship isn’t flawless — and that’s where its power lies. Erik Hernandez, Associate Director for Sports Performance – Olympic Sports at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, has built his career on turning imperfect scenarios into lasting lessons for athletes and young coaches alike. For over 14 years at UNC, he has guided lacrosse, volleyball, and golf, adapting his voice to each culture while holding firm to shared standards of accountability and growth. Hernandez streamlines training into a three-phase model — explosive, strength, and remedial — yet emphasizes that delivery and communication matter more than complexity. He reminds athletes, “modifications are part of progress,” linking health, recovery, and seasonal demands to long-term development. For interns and early-career coaches, his advice is clear: earn mentors by serving others, and learn from every scenario, even the imperfect ones. Hear how mentorship, adaptability, and athlete health point the way forward for stronger teams and longer careers. Reach out to Coach Hernandez on Instagram: @hernandezstrength or by email: ehhernan@email.unc.edu | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Answer Bryan Mann’s “call to arms!” Many volunteer applications are open now through December 15. Step up and give back to your strength and conditioning community at NSCA.com/Volunteer.

Preventing injury, such as patellar tendinopathy, for athletes can be done through using various volumes, loads, contractions, and equipment in the off-season. The following info-graphic shows exercises and techniques to help with patellar tendinopathy.

Dave Terry, Associate Director of Sports Performance at Georgetown University, discusses simplifying the process of programming for coaches to optimize their team’s potential. Terry also talks about fostering a culture that his athletes can take beyond the weight room and implement into their lives after college.

This article discusses how high-intensity interval training may be an effective metabolic training method for soldiers trying to maintain physical preparedness during deployment.

Duncan French, Vice President of Performance at UFC Performance Institute, and Bo Sandoval, Director of Strength and Conditioning, talk to the NSCA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Scott Caulfield, about how they holistically support around 570 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) athletes and push the boundaries of the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. Topics under discussion include staying open to new ideas and perspectives, being adaptable as a coach, and the different ways they support their athletes. Find Duncan on Twitter: @DuncanFrench or Instagram: @dr_duncan_french | Find Bo on Twitter: @olystrength or Instagram: @bo.sandoval | Find Scott on Instagram: @coachcaulfield

In this practical session from the 2015 NSCA National Conference, Jimmy Radcliffe explains how to integrate strength and speed complexes and plyometric progressions into periodic progressions. Radcliffe is well-known for authoring “Functional Training for Athletes at all Levels” and “High-Powered Plyometrics.”

Dwight Daub, Director of Athletic Performance for the Oklahoma City Thunder, spoke at National Conference 2012 on designing a warm-up and training program for basketball players.