Practices of Strength and Conditioning Coaches: A Snapshot from Different Sports, Countries and Expertise Levels

This study describes the practices of strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) from different sports, countries and expertise levels. One-hundred and fifty-six SCCs (31.9 + 8.9 years old) completed an online survey, consisting of 40 questions (36 fixed response and 4 open-ended), with eight sections: (a) background information, (b) muscular strength and power development, (c) speed development, (d) plyometrics, (e) flexibility development, (f) physical testing, (g) technology use, and (h) programming and any additional comments. Responses were received from 48 sports and 17 countries. This study provides exploratory evidence incorporating responses primarily in soccer (45%), track and field (30%), volleyball (23%), golf (17%) and tennis (17%). A Bachelor’s degree or higher were held by 99% of SCCs, of which 94% were in a sports science related field, and 71% held a strength and conditioning related certification or accreditation. Periodization strategies and physical testing were used by 94% of SCCs. The hang clean (82%), power clean (76%), and clean high pull (63%) were the most commonly prescribed Olympic Weightlifting exercises. Multiple hops/lunges (84%) were the most commonly prescribed plyometrics exercises. For open ended questions, 40% of SCCs wanted to integrate more technology into their programs, whereas, 30% of coaches believed technology will be the main future trend in strength and conditioning. SCCs from different sports, countries and expertise levels can use the information presented in this study to review their current practices and potentially provide a source of new ideas for diversifying or modifying future practices too.