2024 NSCA Tactical Annual Training

See the latest in technology and training tools by visiting the exhibitors.  A breakfast sandwich, coffee and whole fruit will be provided.

all attendees and exhibitors welcome

1. Identify components of a comprehensive wellness program
2. Understand the value, strength and conditioning professionals have on implementing a well-rounded program.
3. Evaluate health and fitness data as it relates to the success of a tactical wellness program.

Lecture

1. The importance of training agility and COD in the tactical athlete’s program.
2. How does it relate to the tactical athlete’s daily duties.
3. How this training contributes to prevention of MSK, aids in human performance and career longevity.

Bridge the Gap Lecture

1. Everyone that chooses to participate will move better, and take home at least a few new tools to add to their current training, no matter the skill or experience level.

Hands-On

1. Identify the nutritional demands of the firefighters.
2. Understand how to implement a food first, but not food-only approach to
   improve cognitive and physical performance outcomes.
3. Understand how to "meet them where they are at".

Lecture

1. Identify the quality of the source of human performance data
2. Reduce confusion around those sources in terms of measuring, calculating, & estimating
3. Apply data to professional practice with appropriate confidence

Lecture

1. You will learn practical anatomy and biomechanics of the foot and ankle relevent to the functions of tasks based on movement.
2. How the foot and ankle are vital for effective and purposeful movement for the tactical individual
3. Effective foot and ankle mobility, stability and strength exercises.

Hands-On Sponsored by Perform Better

Carve out time to visit all the exhibitors – leaders in equipment, nutrition, and cutting-edge technology.  We’ll also be providing lunch!

Unopposed exhibit hall time

1. Describe terminology, protocols, and expert advice related to energy systems.
2. Explain the similarities and differences between inside-out and outside-in perspectives of conditioning and work capacity.
3. Create or evaluate different rubrics for developing general or specific work capacities.

Lecture

1. Basic understanding of female physiology and hormonal function throughout the menstrual cycle
2. RED-S vs RED-M and special considerations for females
3. Common nutrient deficiencies
4. Birth control options and nutrition considerations
5. Where research lacks in military, fire, police, SWAT (and generally) for women’s longevity and performance

Lecture

1. Possess a basic understanding of shoulder anatomy and causes of pain/injury in tactical athletes.
2. Able to provide clients with shoulder injury prevention exercises.
3. Demonstrate understanding of when to recommend clients for physical therapy for a shoulder evaluation. 

Hands-On

1. Discuss how nutritional interventions can assist in mTBI recovery or in a risk reduction capacity.
2. Identify the importance of mTBI identification and adequate recovery.
3. Offer lessons learnt from collision sport (rugby) in terms of injury risk reduction and the lived experiences of current and retired athletes.

Lecture

1. Demonstrate sex differences in sleep at a physiological and behavioral level
2. Identify nutritional strategies and interventions to mitigate sex differences 

Lecture

1. The importance of training agility and COD in the tactical athlete’s program.
2. How does it relate to the tactical athlete’s daily duties.
3. How this training contributes to prevention of MSK, aids in human performance and career longevity.

Bridge the Gap Practical

1. Learn how to balance both performance and wellness education in an academy training setting
2. Learn how to organize training to teach cadets workout structure and different training modalities/strategies
3. Building buy-in from cadets as well as academy cadre

Lecture

1. Understand morphological and physiologcial differences between the sexes that impact training/adaptations.
2. Identify specific hormone profiles across pre, peri, and post menopause (including surgical menopause/premature ovarian failure).
3. Design programs to incorporate mixed methods approach to training (e.g. the sociocultural environment, language, as well as traditional physiological stressors).

Lecture

1. Understand how to leverage clinical assessment, testing, and screening relevance to workforce care programs
2. Explore a dynamic process of analyzing performance variables in firefighter job tasks
3. Identify keyways for the firefighter and fire departments to implement holistic health and performance monitoring to ensure occupational readiness

Hands-On

Chalk talks give the attendee an opportunity to participate in the discussion as Michol Dalcourt is available to delve further into his topic.

Chalk Talk

Here’s an opportunity to participate in a small group setting and work through scenarios provided by the speaker.  Great opportunity to collaborate and network with your peers.

Thought Exchange

1. The audience will learn how to implement AI tools like expert systems, large language models, machine learning, and stable diffusion into their routine practice to enhance myriad tasks across all human performance domains. 
2. The audience will practically analyze the synergy between AI and human performance in tactical professions by examining a significant amount of case studies within the professional environment.
3. The audience will build the requisite beginner knowledge to innovate new strategies for utilizing AI technology in their future practice to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in tactical human performance.

Lecture

1. Understanding Acute v. Chronic stress
2. Impact on performance
3. Mitigation strategies

Lecture

1. Identify the universal kinetic and kinematic factors for performing olympic weightlifting movements.
2. Apply a system of movement analysis that identifies critical inefficiencies in lifting performance.
3. Demonstrate and perform lift variations that improve lifting performance.

Hands-On

Take this opportunity to participate in a discussion as Stacy Sims, Kelsey Bailey, & Allison Brager are available to delve further into their topics.

Chalk Talk

Join the exhibitors for complimentary food & beverage. 

All attendees & exhibitors welcome

Grow as a professional and connect with peers during this meeting. Discover resources, share your knowledge, and get your questions answered.

See the latest in technology and training tools by visiting the exhibitors.  A breakfast sandwich, coffee and whole fruit will be provided.

Unopposed exhibit hall time

1. Born a Hero: Learn how your brain differs. Why do you run toward when everyone else runs away?
2. Test your Response: Who are you under pressure? Who do you want to be?
3. Strengthen your Superpower: Intense intervals and extreme adventure, your innate predisposition to test the limits can help you master the moment.

Bridge the Gap Lecture

1. Understand and apply gate and skill acquisition theory for tactical athletes.
2. Safely apply flossing and tempering techniques on common areas under supervision.
3. Educate athletes about IASTM and self-care potential with the purposes of facilitating buy-in and efficacy.

Bridge the Gap Lecture

1. The audience will learn how to design cognitive-physical training sessions tailored to different tactical populations' specific needs and environments.
2. The audience will walk away with practical examples of how to run cognitive-physical training sessions.
3. The audience will develop the skills to critically analyze the outcomes of cognitive-physical training sessions and apply this knowledge to refine training programs.

Hands-On

1. Describe the differences in load carriage requirements across the different tactical occupations
2. Define the impacts of load carriage on different elements of task performance
3. Produce an evidence-based load carriage strength and conditioning program for different tactical populations 

Lecture

1. In this session you will learn The Importance of Health & Human Performance in Law Enforcement and how to scale the implementation.
2. How to use technology in Skill Development for Law Enforcement.

Lecture Sponsored by Perform Better

Learn how, when and the techniques to perform for this population. 

Hands-On

Carve out time to visit all the exhibitors – leaders in equipment, nutrition, and cutting-edge technology.  We’ll also be providing lunch!

Unopposed exhibit hall time

1. Understand the vital role of spinal health and nervous system function in enhancing cognitive abilities, agility, and injury prevention for tactical professionals.
2. Learn how neurovision eye tracking exercises, supported by scientific research, can significantly improve cognition, reaction times, and postural alignment, leading to better decision-making in high-stakes situations.
3. Gain practical knowledge on implementing advanced training methodologies, nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies to optimize physical readiness and overall performance in tactical environments.

Bridge the Gap Lecture

1. Understand the respiratory system's regulatory role as a rate-limiting factor to human performance (metaboreflex response).
2. Understand how personal protective combat equipment might affect the respiratory system during physical activity.
3. Identify key physiological capacities (Maximal Metabolic Steady State), physical ability traits (Critical Speed) to improve respiratory muscle power development and load carriage performance.

Lecture

1. Understand and apply gate and skill acquisition theory for tactical athletes.
2. Safely apply flossing and tempering techniques on common areas under supervision.
3. Educate athletes about IASTM and self-care potential with the purposes of facilitating buy-in and efficacy.

Bridge the Gap Practical

Chalk talks give the attendee an opportunity to participate in the discussion as Matt Krause is available to delve further into his topic.

Chalk Talk Sponsored by Perform Better

1. Attendees will learn the current state return to duty outcomes after common injuries,
2. Attendees will learn objective tests and measures to assist in return to duty decisions,
3. Attendees will learn how to practically evaluate the reliability and results of tests and measures used in the return to duty decision-making process

Lecture

1. Understand the significance of incorporating data science principles into tactical athlete performance and injury prevention programs, emphasizing the importance of data-driven insights for enhanced program outcomes and support.
2. Apply fundamental data analysis techniques to interpret collected fitness and performance data, enabling evidence-based decision-making in designing effective strength and conditioning strategies for tactical athletes.
3. Develop proficiency in proficiency in handling and visualizing common data sets collected by tactical strength and conditioning practitioners

Lecture

1. Born a Hero: Learn how your brain differs. Why do you run toward when everyone else runs away?
2. Test your Response: Who are you under pressure? Who do you want to be?
3. Strengthen your Superpower: Intense intervals and extreme adventure, your innate predisposition to test the limits can help you master the moment.

Bridge the Gap Practical

Here’s an opportunity to participate in a small group setting and work through scenarios provided by the speaker.  Great opportunity to collaborate and network with your peers.

Thought Exchange

1. Develop a plan to impact culture through concepts provided by building relationships and influencing behaviors of tactical athletes.
2. Apply and scale a cradle to grave human performance system to optimize quality of life, physical readiness, and career longevity of tactical athletes.
3. Appraise the results of a cradle to grave human performance system in order to validate concepts for utilization in multiple tactical settings

Lecture

Upon completion of this session attendees will be able to analyze running form using a smartphone or tablet. Upon completion of this session attendees will be able to teach a client how to make meaningful changes to their running form based upon their individual video analysis. Upon completion of this session attendees will be able design an individualized return to run training progression that will prevent injury.

Bridge the Gap Lecture

1. Understand the vital role of spinal health and nervous system function in enhancing cognitive abilities, agility, and injury prevention for tactical professionals.
2. Learn how neurovision eye tracking exercises, supported by scientific research, can significantly improve cognition, reaction times, and postural alignment, leading to better decision-making in high-stakes situations.
3. Gain practical knowledge on implementing advanced training methodologies, nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies to optimize physical readiness and overall performance in tactical environments.

Bridge the Gap Practical

Chalk talks give the attendee an opportunity to participate in the discussion as Mark White is available to delve further into his topic.

Chalk Talk

1. Learn diverse and alternative methods of training multiple types of people within the same unit.
2. Take away some coaching and programming strategies to train everyone in the unit optimally regardless of injury, age, motivation level, ability, etc.
3. Learn training modalities that are have worked for a large portion of H2F, AFSOC, etc. as S&C expands into non-operator areas and continues to grow.

Lecture

1. Understand the cycles of personal development
2. Recognize the moments to initiate change and challenge in life
3. Develop personal vision
4. Align goals with your vision

Lecture

1. Differentiate heart rate from Heart Rate Variability and describe how each changes with physical exertion and other forms of stress.
2. Describe the strengths and limitations of HRV assessment in tactical selection environments.
3. Demonstrate basic data handling and interpretation with readily available equipment and software

Hands-On

See the latest in technology and training tools by visiting the exhibitors.  A breakfast sandwich, coffee and whole fruit will be provided.

1. Understanding common misconceptions surrounding pyramidal and polarized endurance training methodologies.
2. Evaluate the efficacy of prospectively programming based on pyramidal or polarized intensity distributions on endurance performance.
3. Apply knowledge gained to design effective endurance training programs that address the specific demands of tactical athletes.

Bridge the Gap Lecture

1. Understand the concept of concurrent training and its application in enhancing both absolute strength and aerobic ability within a specific training program, during a 19-week federal law enforcement training center.
2. Recognize the importance of using Excel as a tool for strength coaches to track physical training (PT) test and strength outcomes during a 19-week federal law enforcement training center course.
3. Be able to develop a flexible and effective strength and conditioning program tailored to the specific needs and constraints of law enforcement training curriculum, ensuring compliance with legal requirements while maximizing physical fitness outcomes.'

Lecture

Upon completion of this session attendees will be able to analyze running form using a smartphone or tablet. Upon completion of this session attendees will be able to teach a client how to make meaningful changes to their running form based upon their individual video analysis. Upon completion of this session attendees will be able design an individualized return to run training progression that will prevent injury.

Bridge the Gap Practical 

1. Review the Roles of Mitochondria in Health & Fitness
2. Describe Metabolic Flexibility & Metabolic Fitness
3. Review Historical and Emerging Roles of Lactate
4. Observe Examples of Assessments, Programming, & Outcomes

Lecture

1. Introduce Work Capacity and explain how I implement into my training.
2. Introduce a few testing protocols focusing on low-impact options staying in high HR zones.
3. Demonstrate the ability to modify assessments to meet your criteria [space, money, time, equipment, buy-in, etc.]

Lecture

1. Learn Tactical Mobility for individual and group movement.
2. Building strong and mobile Hips to help absorb and deliver punishment. 

Hands-On Sponsored by Perform Better

1. Review running injuries, running gait, and types running programs
2. Discuss running interventions - gait interventions, training modifications, alternative training modalities, and running shoes.
3. Provide running training templates for different distance/events.

Lecture

1. Describe the potential cognitive benefits of alpha gpc, tyrosine, omega-3, creatine, rhodiola rosea and vitamin D.
2. Identify dietary sources of the compounds and best chemical versions of the compound for supplementation.
3. Explain the appropriate amount of each compound to consume along with optimal timing to maximize cognitive benefits.

Lecture

1. Understanding common misconceptions surrounding pyramidal and polarized endurance training methodologies.
2. Evaluate the efficacy of prospectively programming based on pyramidal or polarized intensity distributions on endurance performance.
3. Apply knowledge gained to design effective endurance training programs that address the specific demands of tactical athletes.

Bridge the Gap Practical

Here’s an opportunity to participate in a small group setting and work through scenarios provided by the speaker.  Great opportunity to collaborate and network with your peers.

Thought Exchange

1. Utilize research to show physical demands and needs of wildland firefighters
2. Share personal stories from my time on the fireline and how my career in S&C helped me thrive as a wildland firefighter
3. Call to arms to increase human performance interest and involvement in wildfire community

Lecture

1. Attendees are provided a proven framework to effectively cultivate a culture of collective and individual accountability.
2. Attendees are shown how to practically apply cognitive and open-ended physical tests to enhance candidate’s mental and physical preparation.
3. Attendees learn how to integrate life in and outside the training facility through habits, visualisation, mindset, and a unified, supportive cast of SMEs.

Lecture

1. Introduce Work Capacity and explain how I implement into my training.
2. Introduce a few testing protocols focusing on low-impact options staying in high HR zones.
3. Demonstrate the ability to modify assessments to meet your criteria [space, money, time, equipment, buy-in, etc.]

Bridge the Gap Practical