Interview with Power 5 Strength and Conditioning Coach Brady Collins
Interview with Power 5 Strength and Conditioning Coach Brady Collins

Coach Brady Collins is the head Strength and Conditioning coach for the Division 1 Badgers Football team. Read about his upbringing and tips for aspiring coaches.

Why DUP is Superior for Tactical Athletes
Why DUP is Superior for Tactical Athletes

Prevent plateaus and efficiently utilize training time with the benefits of Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP).

5/3/1 and Run: Training for a Race
5/3/1 and Run: Training for a Race

This comprehensive 20-week training program blends endurance and strength training to get you prepared for your next race.

A High School Strength and Conditioning Program
A High School Strength and Conditioning Program

Here’s insight into our high school strength and conditioning program. Consider the principles we follow.

6 Ways to Increase Performance
6 Ways to Increase Performance

Increase your athlete’s performance so they become stronger, faster and more efficient. Here are 6 program designing concepts to implement.

The Education of a Strength and Conditioning Coach
The Education of a Strength and Conditioning Coach

Motivate your pupils to become the best version of themselves and the TEAM will dominate on the field.

18 Tips to Be a Better Intern
18 Tips to Be a Better Intern

Follow these 18 tips and you’ll be light years ahead of your peers.

Why We Should Cancel the Anti-Back Squat Culture
Why We Should Cancel the Anti-Back Squat Culture

Some coaches are jumping on the bandwagon of not back squatting their athletes (for various reasons). Ummm…what?

Don't Touch the Bar
Don't Touch the Bar

The art of bro lifting has infiltrated the ranks of strength coaching like never before. What in the world are we teaching these kids?

The End of a Strength and Conditioning Career
The End of a Strength and Conditioning Career

What do you do when you wake up one morning and realize that your best years are behind you? Retirement is a double-edged sword.

Honoring Those Who Came Before Us
Honoring Those Who Came Before Us

Let’s honor those who came before us. Who gave you a better chance to succeed as you started your new role?

Do We Deliver on Our Job Title?
Do We Deliver on Our Job Title?

For whatever reason, there’s a constant need to reframe what we do by a change in job title. Our job description has yet to change.

6 Unorthodox Strategies to Find an Internship Above Your Experience Level
6 Unorthodox Strategies to Find an Internship Above Your Experience Level

You can’t just follow what everybody else does and expect to magically find the perfect internship. Consider these strategies.

The Devil is in the Detail for Gym Start-Ups
The Devil is in the Detail for Gym Start-Ups

As strength and conditioning coaches, before you buy the gym equipment and create an exercise selection chart, answer these questions.

Weightlifting Variations for Strength and Conditioning
Weightlifting Variations for Strength and Conditioning

Weightlifters are among the strongest and most explosive athletes in the world. So, let’s see how your athletes can benefit from doing them!

Pre-Season Camp is Over and We're Into the Fall Season
Pre-Season Camp is Over and We're Into the Fall Season

Here’s a brief look at the tentative training plans for Football, Women’s Soccer and Cross Country/Track for the Fall In-Season.

Summer Football Training - End of Cycle 3 - Results and Some Thoughts
This has been a good summer for the football team. We have some work ahead of us, but the improvements they have made, beyond just strength, are awesome.
The S&C Role in Early Sport Specialization
The S&C Role in Early Sport Specialization

From a physical literacy perspective and contrary to popular belief, playing sports is not enough to become physically literate for life.

Summer Football - Cycle 3
Summer Football - Cycle 3
Summer Football - Cycle 3 (Final Training Cycle of the Summer). SOme thoughts and observations of what I've seen over the last 7 weeks.
Summer Football Training - Cycle 1 and Cycle 2
Summer Football Training - Cycle 1 and Cycle 2
This is a brief review of the first 3 week cycle I ran with football in June and the set-up for the second 3 week cycle.
Why Athletes Should Use Cheat Reps
Why Athletes Should Use Cheat Reps

Because it can be a wonderful tool to increase power, muscle mass, and performance in a given sport. That’s why.

Transitional Guide to Tactical Strength and Conditioning
Transitional Guide to Tactical Strength and Conditioning

As the tactical sector of strength and conditioning grows, so does the awareness, curiosity, and interest from coaches currently in athletics. Here’s a quick breakdown if you’re considering making the leap from collegiate to tactical strength and conditioning.

Utilization and Progressions of the Hip Thrust in Baseball
Utilization and Progressions of the Hip Thrust in Baseball

Hip thrusts are my go-to exercise for minor league baseball players to improve strength and acceleration. Here’s a typical progression I use for my players. And no, we don’t load this movement at the start.

How to Make It Big as a Strength Coach: The Application Process
How to Make It Big as a Strength Coach: The Application Process

Now, it’s time to get our hands dirty… Let’s start with the internship search. You have to ask yourself what you want. Assuming you want to be a strength and conditioning coach, ask yourself the following questions (part two of three).

The Best Lift for Collegiate Athletes
The Best Lift for Collegiate Athletes

Although collegiate athletes are not powerlifters, powerlifting is the ultimate inspiration for their training. Hands down, the barbell Romanian deadlift should be a part of their exercise selection.

25 Years of Leadership
25 Years of Leadership

In 2021, we as coaches need to find out what makes our athletes tick and then continue to throw logs on that fire. Some guys need a little, and some need a lot. Over the past 25 years in this business regarding leadership, this is the difference between winning and mediocrity.

A Peek Inside Minor League Baseball S&C
A Peek Inside Minor League Baseball S&C

It isn’t always about the program.

INTERVIEW: Chip Ganassi Racing Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Snyder
INTERVIEW: Chip Ganassi Racing Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Snyder

During my time in Indianapolis with the Firebirds, I came across pit crews that were training at the same place we were. I volunteered my time to help with training for a season then went on to work exclusively with Chip Ganassi about 16 years ago.

Guns Up, Let's Do This!
Guns Up, Let's Do This!

We have been analyzing data, scientific and non-scientific research, burned up phone lines talking to everyone and anyone to see what they are doing, and also getting guidelines from our prospective schools or employers about what to do. In the spirit of Leeroy Jenkins, it’s time for action!

Why Do Strength and Conditioning Coaches Specialize So Early?
Why Do Strength and Conditioning Coaches Specialize So Early?

Just like early specialization in youth athletics stunts a child’s athletic development, the same holds true for coaches. Coaches, don’t set your own ceiling.

INTERVIEW: Stewart-Haas Racing Athletic Director Greg Honeychuck
INTERVIEW: Stewart-Haas Racing Athletic Director Greg Honeychuck

From football and baseball to NASCAR, learn from Greg as he continues to climb (and race) the strength and conditioning ranks.

Programming is Irrelevant
Programming is Irrelevant

The last time I checked, there are places that squat, don’t squat, wicket run, don’t wicket run, Olympic lift, Conjugate, Triphasic, unilateral, bilateral, and whatever else…BUT ALL OF THEIR ATHLETES SEEM TO DEVELOP.

LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #53 with Eric Cressey
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #53 with Eric Cressey

Eric Cressey, a strength and conditioning legend known best for his expertise in baseball athletes, joins the Table Talk Podcast to talk with our elitefts co-hosts. This talk sounds off how to get athletes stronger, healthier, and better in spite of COVID-19.

INTERVIEW: Fighting Illini Football Assistant S&C Coach Micah Cloward
INTERVIEW: Fighting Illini Football Assistant S&C Coach Micah Cloward

Coach Micah Cloward has experienced invaluable lessons nearly paving the way for his strength and conditioning career. Read his 13-year journey that continues to unfold.

INTERVIEW: UW Head Assistant S&C Coach Shaun Snee
INTERVIEW: UW Head Assistant S&C Coach Shaun Snee

Don’t just know the strength and conditioning coaches you hope will help you out. Invest in the world of strength and conditioning, powerlifters, strongmen, weightlifters, athletes in your desired sport, and check out their routines and habits.

COVID-19 and S&C
COVID-19 and S&C

Albert Einstein says it best, “Out of clutter, find simplicity. Out of discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

It's as Easy as 1, 2, 3…4, 5, 6, 7
It's as Easy as 1, 2, 3…4, 5, 6, 7

The path to becoming a strength and conditioning coach at the collegiate level is unique to everyone. However, there are some similarities and tips that this strength and conditioning coach wants you to know.

ConjugateU for College Baseball — A Powerful Combination
ConjugateU for College Baseball — A Powerful Combination

Jim Seratt doesn’t understand how anyone wouldn’t want baseball players to bench press. Here is his method for implementing conjugate training in his baseball program.

The Rise of Live Stream Conferences
The Rise of Live Stream Conferences

A key part of being a strength and conditioning coach is something many people may not expect: networking. Be sure you’re not missing out on making important connections that online productions can’t imitate.

Highland High School Teaches Student Athletes About Accountability and Growth Through the Weight Room
Highland High School Teaches Student Athletes About Accountability and G...

Highland High School is dedicated to the strength and conditioning of both students and athletes. More than just their physical education, the team at Highland High School is dedicated to teaching the kids leadership and accountability.

5 Must Do’s for an Intern
5 Must Do’s for an Intern

There is much to learn from being an intern. Take it from a former intern himself, there are a few things you should keep in mind during your interning process. Do this and your dreams of being a coach get closer.

LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #44 with Dave Tate
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #44 with Dave Tate

This week’s table talk will be a combination of Dave’s weekly sport science meetings with the strength and conditioning intern and answering your questions. Whether you want to advance your knowledge as a coach or athlete this one is sure to be a knowledge bomb on everything strength!

How to Avoid Pitfalls with Exercise Selection and Progression
How to Avoid Pitfalls with Exercise Selection and Progression

You found a new fancy-looking exercise on the ‘gram, so you do it. Then, you have your athletes do it. But you don’t know the exercise’s common technique flaws or how to fix them — all you know is how the person looked and how you felt doing it.

5 Things I Learned in the Transition From Intern to Strength Coach
5 Things I Learned in the Transition From Intern to Strength Coach

Becoming a strength and conditioning coach is not the path for everyone. However, for those ready for the challenges, here is some advice from a young coach.

Conjugate for Throwers—Putting Your Athletes on the Right Trajectory
Conjugate for Throwers—Putting Your Athletes on the Right Trajectory

Conjugate training can make a huge difference in track and field athletes’ overall performance. For throwers in particular, give this conjugate workout a try and see the improvement for yourself.

LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #43 with Julia Anto, Yessica Martinez, and Alycia Israel
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #43 with Julia Anto, Yessica Martinez, and Al...

This episode will have a little less testosterone than usual, but don’t let that stop you from listening! Tune in to find out what makes these three women strong(er) than you…

Know When to Hold 'Em and Know When to Fold 'Em
Know When to Hold 'Em and Know When to Fold 'Em

Reading enriches our lives and teaches us invaluable lessons. One of these lessons is taking control of our own lives and doing what’s necessary for our happiness and our career.

Finding Your Way into the Strength and Conditioning Industry
Finding Your Way into the Strength and Conditioning Industry

My hope is that this article will help new coaches or aspiring coaches with their transition into strength and conditioning by highlighting some barriers and providing a personal example of how those barriers can be overcome.

The Waverly Project: Phase I and II
The Waverly Project: Phase I and II

In phase I of Nate Harvey’s Waverly Project, it’s all about movements; getting them down properly before moving on. Phase II is where the work really comes in for student athletes.

LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #42 with Mason Nowak
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #42 with Mason Nowak

This week’s Table Talk features elitefts strength and conditioning editorial intern, Mason Nowak. Tune in to this dialogue between the industries of powerlifting and strength and conditioning.

The First Eight Months
The First Eight Months

The journey of being a strength and conditioning coach is different for everyone. However, there’s something to be gained from sharing what you’ve learned along the way.

Mount Baker High School Looks at What Really Matters
Mount Baker High School Looks at What Really Matters

Chris Bartl is an experienced powerlifter dedicated to teaching high school kids the proper way to lift weights. More than that, he’s teaching them life lessons they’ll take with them well past graduation.

Week of Testing: Rest or Train?
Week of Testing: Rest or Train?

Rest and recovery is a key part of any workout program, no matter the type or level of difficulty. Remember that while reaching your PR goals is important, so is your mental and physical health.

WATCH: I am Jordan Shallow
WATCH: I am Jordan Shallow

“I’m not the strongest guy in the world, but I might have a run as one of the stronger chiropractors.” elitefts coach and columnist Dr. Jordan Shallow wants to make his mark in chiropractic, education, training, and fitness — and he might be doing just that through his travels and writings.

The Path to Greatness: Tension
The Path to Greatness: Tension

To me, greatness is a journey, not a destination. The next few articles I write are going to talk about the path to greatness and the key things that I think are necessary for ultimately reaching that goal. The first thing is tension.

A Strength and Conditioning Program for Youth Swimming
A Strength and Conditioning Program for Youth Swimming

As with training any new client, there is a trial and error process to see what is effective and what isn’t. In this case, the training system I have put in place for my swimmers has supported them in breaking multiple national records in various events.

What's Most Important?
What's Most Important?

This is a question that we need to ask ourselves as many times as possible year after year because everything we do on a daily basis needs to be grounded on our answer.

Win Games by Waving Volume
Win Games by Waving Volume

Most college programs that I’ve seen basically run three sets on all accessories. I didn’t want to be most college programs. I had to find a way to do a ton of work and build work capacity but also not run the kids into the ground. That’s where waving volume came into play.

Does the 225 Bench Press Repetitions Test Even Matter?
Does the 225 Bench Press Repetitions Test Even Matter?

In a published journal article, we examined 31 football players on the 225 Test (and we also collected some velocity data, so hold on to your hats for future publications from this data set) to see if this test made any difference in playing time.

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