Ryan Metzger, Senior Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Clemson University, talks to the NSCA Coaching Program Manager, Eric McMahon, about their internship program going virtual amidst the pandemic to provide young strength coaches the education they need to grow despite the lack of in-person training. Topics of discussion also include early sport specialization and burnout, as well as being a role model for female athletes. Find Ryan on Instagram: @clemsonolystrength or @coach_metz | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or Twitter: @ericmcmahoncscs

This article breaks down youth training. To develop athleticism for youth, coaches should follow the C.O.R.E. principles: context in which to apply movement patterns, opportunities to develop proper movement, recognition of physical attributes required, and environments in which youth explore movement.

In this session from the NSCA’s 2017 National Conference, Joe Eisenmann explains how to identify the components of an integrated holistic youth sports performance program and takes a look at the unique challenges of training the youth athlete.

Currently in his 30th year as the strength and conditioning coach for Ben Davis High School, Kevin Vanderbush understands high school athletes. In this video from the NSCA's 2014 Coaches Conference, he answers some frequently asked questions about high school strength and conditioning.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Fellows are an accomplished group of professionals whose frequent and sustained contributions to the profession have promoted the goals and activities of the NSCA. The purpose of the Fellowship is to promote excellence and leadership within the NSCA by recognizing high standards and extraordinary professional development.

In this session from the 2018 NSCA National Conference, Lance Walker talks about how to create and develop age-specific strength training programs for ages 9 – 18 and how the programs change and progress. He also discusses how to get the most out of each program for young individuals.

Growth and maturation are two important processes that occur throughout an individual’s childhood and adolescent years. The purpose of this article is to review the dimensions, proportions, stature, body mass, and maturational events of all female pediatric athletes in general. It also serves to identify how early sport specialization and different modes of training of the female pediatric athlete affects her growth and maturation.

A fundamental training program at a young age gives the athlete the opportunity to develop many skills needed to succeed. The implementation of agility and coordination training can help reduce the risk of injury and elevate a young developing athlete.

Youth practitioners need to be aware of the competing demands on young athletes’ lives in order to help them effectively balance these demands. Wellness provides a reference point that can be used to better understand the competing demands placed on youngsters by identifying the six dimensions of wellness.