This article discusses the importance of a creative and open mind in strength and conditioning coaches, as well as tips to develop it.

In this session from the NSCA’s 2015 Training for Hockey Clinic, Joe Maher from the University of Michigan covers the process of developing an annual plan for a collegiate ice hockey year. It will cover the benefits and results of an annual plan, and how it relates to long-term athletic development for a collegiate ice hockey player.

The “coach’s dozen” is a collection of 12 principles that will help youth coaches, physical education teachers, and pediatric exercise specialists maintain inclusive, sustainable, and enjoyable participation in exercise and sport.

This article provides a brief overview of the physical demands of table tennis, plus recommendations of specific strength and conditioning exercises to improve table tennis performance.

Integrating weight room cues that are more consistent with those used to reinforce safer tackling techniques on the field may help with athlete retention and buy-in, and prevent potential confusion.

In this session from the 2019 NSCA National Conference, Rhodri Lloyd, Co-Founder of the Youth Physical Development Centre, examines the science and practice behind the development of athleticism in youth athletes.

Strength coaches build resilience in others, but sometimes life puts their own to the test. Katie Guillory, now Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at her alma mater, Louisiana State University (LSU), faced that test after a summer accident led to a below-knee amputation. As a former LSU softball captain with extensive knee and hip surgeries, Guillory explains her strong foundation for physical and mental recovery. For her, that means showing up and getting after it, even on hard days. Guillory encourages others to “act yourself into existence for a second,” believing that small, consistent steps — especially when motivation is low — are what build strong mindsets. Supported by the LSU community, she reflects on balancing relentless drive with vulnerability, accepting help, giving herself grace, and finding strength in connection. Her experience underscores that resilience is a lifelong mindset, reminding listeners that the same habits that build athletes can also rebuild their coach. Reach out to Katie on Instagram: @steel_guil and X/Twitter: @steel_guil | 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.

Learn how to identify the performance benefits associated with weightlifting and effective teaching progressions for weightlifting. In this session from the NSCA’s 2016 National Conference, Bo Sandoval discusses effective weightlifting methods to address common training errors and common concerns practitioners have with weightlifting.

This article gives readers a personal insight into the qualities that a successful and credible personal trainer should have.

The purpose of this article is to provide personal trainers an overview of training clients for their first Spartan Sprint event.