All fitness components depend on body composition to some extent, and the demands of many sports require that athletes maintain standard levels of body composition.

The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to contrast training, including how it is defined, what variables are utilized, and examples of how to use it in training.

This infographic shows the effects of sprint specific training, both forward and backward, and its relation to speed and power output.

Research shows that the appropriate integration of resistance training into the endurance athlete’s training can result in significantly better performance when compared to classic endurance training plans that focus only on aerobic endurance.

Scenarios that provide a stimulus relevant to the sporting environment may help athletes develop better anticipation skills through the refinement of search strategies, response speed and accuracy, pattern recognition, and decision-making abilities.

Identify methods of prioritization and individualization within the training week plans to make training specific for individual athletes within the team setting. In this session from the NSCA’s 2016 National Conference, Ashley Jones explains how to design effective week plans for each of three major phases of a training year, and describes the format and content of key training areas of speed, strength, and fitness within each training phase.

This article contains examples of how to periodize training programs to help aerobic endurance athletes reach their peak condition at the appropriate time of the year.

This infographic takes a look at resisted sled training and the benefits it may have on sprint performance. It also offers insight into when and how to utilize resisted sled training.

"Absolute strength affects speed and athleticism," according to world record powerlifter Matt Wenning. "You get strong to get faster." In this lecture from the NSCA's 2015 Coaches Conference, Matt discusses using powerlifting as a training method with athletes. Matt debunks myths and explains how training athletes to get stronger and more powerful benefits everyone, no matter the sport.

Learn about programming tactics you can use for your strength/power athletes who are preparing for the 2018 Olympic Games. Brad DeWeese, coach for several Team USA athletes, shares his first-hand experience preparing athletes for the Olympic Games in this session from the NSCA’s 2018 Coaches Conference.