Strength and conditioning coach

Not to be confused with Physical therapy, Athletic trainer, or Personal trainer.

A strength and conditioning coach is a fitness and physical performance professional who uses exercise prescription specifically to improve performance in athletic competition. Strength coaches also help athletes with injury prevention and proper mechanics within their sports performances.

Employment characteristics

Strength and conditioning coaches typically work with sports teams, but may also work with individuals. Strength and conditioning coaches are also often employed by higher education institutions and professional athletic teams.

While some strength and conditioning coaches may specialize in a certain sports team, type of performance, training type, or training philosophy, many at the collegiate level must work with any team to which they are assigned. In general, most strength and conditioning coaches develop exercise prescription plans that specifically modulate aerobic, resistance, and/or flexibility training to suit the metabolic and physical demands of the sport in question. With aerobic exercise prescription, strength and conditioning coaches determine the type of exercise, duration of exercise, frequency, and duration. For resistance exercise prescription, the type of exercise, total session volume, rest period, frequency, and intensity are determined. They may also be involved in prescription of stretching routines or other approaches. Nutrition and medical consultation are not within their scope of practice and training qualifications.

Effectiveness of strength and conditioning coaches

Research has demonstrated that not only does training improve performance but that incorrect training (distance running, a slow-twitch muscle fiber activity, in football athletes with fast-twitch characteristics) can cause decrements to performance. Using techniques such as plyometrics in some high-power athletes and sports-specific movements in others, strength coaches may improve physical function and athletic performance.

Qualification standards

The National Strength and Conditioning Association and The UK Strength and Conditioning Association offer a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach qualification that is usually required for positions in the field. In addition to the C.S.C.S. certification needed to become a strength and conditioning coach, a Bachelor's degree is also required.

The Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches association also offers certification exclusive to the collegiate and professional-level strength and conditioning coach. This certification is known as Strength & Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) and requires a bachelor's degree and a 640 hour internship in addition to passing the certification exam.