Strengthening the Springs: Improving Sprint Performance via Strength Training

How the inclusion of properly sequenced weightlifting derivatives into the strength-training program can improve sprint performance

Testing and profiling athletes: recommendations for test selection, implementation, and maximizing information

Understanding the physical qualities of athletes can lead to improved training prescription, monitoring, and ranking. Consequently, testing and profiling athletes is an important aspect of strength and conditioning. However, results can often be difficult to interpret because of the wide range of available tests and outcome variables, the diverse forms of technology used, and the varying levels of standardization implemented. Furthermore, physical qualities can easily be misrepresented without careful consideration if fundamental scientific principles are not followed. This review discusses how to develop impactful testing batteries so that practitioners can maximize their understanding of athletic development while helping to monitor changes in performance to better individualize and support training. It also provides recommendations on the selection of tests and their outcome measures; considerations for the proper interpretation, setup, and standardization of testing protocols; methods to maximize testing information; and techniques to enhance visualization and interpretation

Development Pathways for the Sport Scientist: A Process for the United States

A variety of sport organizations employ sport scientists (SSs) in a range of capacities to support team operations, whereas universities employ SSs in academic (teaching and research), consulting, and support roles. Despite the growth in professional opportunities in the United States over the last few decades, little discussion has occurred to identify best practices in developing SSs. Here, we identify several examples of professional development pathways used by overseas organizations that govern SS roles and highlight key features of existing U.S.-based sport support role pathways. This information can be used to develop, implement, and evaluate professional training of SSs, along with shaping SS training programs in the U.S