The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the world’s leading organization in the field of sport conditioning. Drawing on the resources and expertise of the most recognized professionals in strength training and conditioning, sport science, performance research, education, and sports medicine, the NSCA is the world’s trusted source of knowledge and training guidelines for coaches and athletes. The NSCA provides the crucial link between the lab and the field.

G. Gregory Haff, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, is the course coordinator for the postgraduate degree in strength and conditioning at Edith Cowan University in Joondalup, Australia. He is the president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a senior associate editor for the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Dr. Haff was the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year for Research and Education and the 2011 NSCA William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist award winner. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction, a UKSCA-accredited strength and conditioning coach, and an accredited Australian Strength and Conditioning Association level 2 strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, he is a national-level weightlifting coach in the United States and Australia. He serves as a consultant for numerous sporting bodies, including teams in the Australian Football League, Australian Rugby Union, Australian Basketball Association, and National Football League.

N. Travis Triplett, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, is a professor and chairperson of the department of health and exercise science at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She has served as the secretary-treasurer of the board of directors for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and was the 2010 NSCA William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist award winner. She has served on two panels for NASA, one for developing resistance exercise countermeasures to microgravity environments for the International Space Station, and was a sports physiology research assistant at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dr. Triplett is currently a senior associate editor for the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction as well as a USA Weightlifting club coach.

Chapter 1. Structure and Function of Body Systems
N. Travis Triplett, PhD
Musculoskeletal System
Neuromuscular System
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 2. Biomechanics of Resistance Exercise
Jeffrey M. McBride, PhD
Skeletal Musculature
Anatomical Planes and Major Body Movements
Human Strength and Power
Sources of Resistance to Muscle Contraction
Joint Biomechanics: Concerns in Resistance Training
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 3. Bioenergetics of Exercise and Training
Trent J. Herda, PhD, and Joel T. Cramer, PhD
Essential Terminology
Biological Energy Systems
Substrate Depletion and Repletion
Bioenergetic Limiting Factors in Exercise Performance
Oxygen Uptake and the Aerobic and Anaerobic Contributions to Exercise
Metabolic Specificity of Training
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 4. Endocrine Responses to Resistance Exercise
William J. Kraemer, PhD, Jakob L. Vingren, PhD, and Barry A. Spiering, PhD
Synthesis, Storage, and Secretion of Hormones
Muscle as the Target for Hormone Interactions
Role of Receptors in Mediating Hormonal Changes
Categories of Hormones
Heavy Resistance Exercise and Hormonal Increases
Mechanisms of Hormonal Interactions
Hormonal Changes in Peripheral Blood
Adaptations in the Endocrine System
Primary Anabolic Hormones
Adrenal Hormones
Other Hormonal Considerations
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 5. Adaptations to Anaerobic Training Programs
Duncan French, PhD
Neural Adaptations
Muscular Adaptations
Connective Tissue Adaptations
Endocrine Responses and Adaptations to Anaerobic Training
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Responses to Anaerobic Exercise
Compatibility of Aerobic and Anaerobic Modes of Training
Overtraining
Detraining
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 6. Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training Programs
Ann Swank, PhD, and Carwyn Sharp, PhD
Acute Responses to Aerobic Exercise
Chronic Adaptations to Aerobic Exercise
Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training
External and Individual Factors Influencing Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training
Overtraining: Definition, Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Potential Markers
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 7. Age- and Sex-Related Differences and Their Implications for Resistance Exercise
Rhodri S. Lloyd, PhD, and Avery D. Faigenbaum, EdD
Children
Female Athletes
Older Adults
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 8. Psychology of Athletic Preparation and Performance
Traci A. Statler, PhD, and Andrea M. DuBois, MS
Role of Sport Psychology
Ideal Performance State
Energy Management: Arousal, Anxiety and Stress
Influence of Arousal and Anxiety on Performance
Motivation
Attention and Focus
Psychological Techniques for Improved Performance
Enhancing Motor Skill Acquisition and Learning
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 9. Basic Nutrition Factors in Health
Marie Spano, MS, RD
Role of Sport Nutrition Professionals
Standard Nutrition Guidelines
Macronutrients
Vitamins
Minerals
Fluid and Electrolytes
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 10. Nutrition Strategies for Maximizing Performance
Marie Spano, MS, RD
Precompetition, During-Event, and Postcompetition Nutrition
Nutrition Strategies for Altering Body Composition
Feeding and Eating Disorders
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 11. Performance-Enhancing Substances and Methods
Bill Campbell, PhD
Types of Performance-Enhancing Substances
Hormones
Dietary Supplements
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 12. Principles of Test Selection and Administration
Michael McGuigan, PhD
Reasons for Testing
Testing Terminology
Evaluation of Test Quality
Test Selection
Test Administration
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 13. Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of Selected Tests
Michael McGuigan, PhD
Measuring Parameters of Athletic Performance
Selected Test Protocols and Scoring Data
Statistical Evaluation of Test Data
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 14. Warm-Up and Flexibility Training
Ian Jeffreys, PhD
Warm-Up
Flexibility
Types of Stretching
Conclusion
Static Stretching Techniques
Dynamic Stretching Techniques
Learning Aids

Chapter 15. Exercise Technique for Free-Weight and Machine Training
Scott Caulfield, BS
Fundamentals of Exercise Technique
Spotting Free-Weight Exercises
Conclusion
Resistance Training Exercises
Learning Aids

Chapter 16. Exercise Technique for Alternative Modes and Nontraditional Implement Training
G. Gregory Haff, PhD, Doug Berninger, MEd, and Scott Caulfield, BS
General Guidelines
Body-Weight Training Methods
Core Stability and Balance Training Methods
Variable-Resistance Training Methods
Nontraditional Implement Training Methods
Unilateral Training
Conclusion
Alternative Modes and Nontraditional Exercises
Learning Aids

Chapter 17. Program Design for Resistance Training
Jeremy M. Sheppard, PhD, and N. Travis Triplett, PhD
Principles of Anaerobic Exercise Prescription
Step 1: Needs Analysis
Step 2: Exercise Selection
Step 3: Training Frequency
Step 4: Exercise Order
Step 5: Training Load and Repetitions
Step 6: Volume
Step 7: Rest Periods
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 18. Program Design and Technique for Plyometric Training
David H. Potach, PT, and Donald A. Chu, PhD, PT
Plyometric Mechanics and Physiology
Design of Plyometric Training Programs
Age Considerations
Plyometrics and Other Forms of Exercise
Safety Considerations
Conclusion
Plyometric Drills
Learning Aids

Chapter 19. Program Design and Technique for Speed and Agility Training
Brad H. DeWeese, EdD, and Sophia Nimphius, PhD
Speed and Agility Mechanics
Neurophysiological Basis for Speed
Running Speed
Agility Performance and Change-of-Direction Ability
Methods of Developing Speed
Methods of Developing Agility
Program Design
Speed Development Strategies
Agility Development Strategies
Conclusion
Speed and Agility Drills
Learning Aids

Chapter 20. Program Design and Technique for Aerobic Endurance Training
Benjamin H. Reuter, PhD, and J. Jay Dawes, PhD
Factors Related to Aerobic Endurance Performance
Designing an Aerobic Endurance Program
Types of Aerobic Endurance Training Programs
Application of Program Design to Training Seasons
Special Issues Related to Aerobic Endurance Training
Conclusion
Aerobic Endurance Training Exercises
Learning Aids

Chapter 21. Periodization
G. Gregory Haff, PhD
Central Concepts Related to Periodization
Periodization Hierarchy
Periodization Periods
Applying Sport Seasons to the Periodization Periods
Undulating Versus Linear Periodization Models
Example of an Annual Training Plan
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 22. Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
David H. Potach, PT, and Terry L. Grindstaff, DPT
Types of Injury
Tissue Healing
Rehabilitation and Reconditioning Strategies
Program Design
Reducing Risk of Injury and Reinjury
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 23. Facility Design, Layout, and Organization
Andrea Hudy, MA
General Aspects of New Facility Design
Existing Strength and Conditioning Facilities
Assessing Athletic Program Needs
Designing the Strength and Conditioning Facility
Arranging Equipment in the Strength and Conditioning Facility
Maintaining and Cleaning Surfaces and Equipment
Conclusion
Learning Aids

Chapter 24. Facility Policies, Procedures, and Legal Issues
Traci Statler, PhD, and Victor Brown, MS
Mission Statement and Program Goals
Legal and Ethical Issues
Staff Policies and Activities
Facility Administration
Emergency Planning and Response
Conclusion