The four components of the coach-athlete relationship are closeness, commitment, complementarity, and co-orientation. Coaches should seek to deeply understand the value of each category and how to maximize these reciprocal characteristics with their athletes.
CoachesExercise ScienceOrganization and Administrationsport psychologymotivationcoachingstrength coachNSCA Coach
Matt Shaw, Director of Sports Performance at the University of Denver, talks to the NSCA Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Scott Caulfield. Topics under discussion include transitioning between jobs, separating yourself as an intern, building strategic relationships, working between departments, and how strength and conditioning coaches should be evaluated
In this career series article, developing personal training skills to train special populations is discussed; it includes starting out as a novice through the expert level.
Personal trainersExercise ScienceProfessional DevelopmentCareerConferenceSpecial PopulationsCSPSPersonal Traininghealthcare
A client asks you about melatonin, are you prepared to answer? This article explores the efficacy and safety of supplemental melatonin as a sleep aid in adults.
Personal trainersNutritionMelatoninSupplementsSleep CycleHormones
Tom Williams’ journey to Head of Performance and Sport Science for Major League Soccer (MLS) powerhouse, the Los Angeles (LA) Galaxy, began at a crossroads: pursue traditional coaching or medical pathways. As a soccer “Swiss Army knife,” he embraced early sport science alongside coaching, building a career defined by collaboration and innovation. At the Galaxy, Williams is part of a web of support that uses rich data storytelling tailored to stakeholders and players, guiding decisions and infusing value in every encounter. This system drives their three key pillars: winning championships — including their recent record-breaking sixth MLS Cup — developing a robust academy pipeline, and leading innovation. In MLS’s “cultural melting pot,” Williams balances diverse backgrounds and short-term demands like fixture congestion while employing sustainable long-term strategies. With a unique full-time cognitive department and creative approaches like dodgeball warm-ups, he combines trust and ingenuity to elevate performance and presents a blueprint for those exploring emerging sport science.
Reach out to Tom on LinkedIn: @tom-williams and X/Twitter: @Williams26Tom | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs
Did you know MLS has a newly mandated Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®) role? Engage with NSCA’s Pro Sport Partner, the Professional Soccer Performance Association (PSPA), on social media to learn more:
Instagram: @pspa_performance
X/Twitter: @PSPA_perform
LinkedIn: @professional-soccer-performance-association
This article includes examples of exercises that can be incorporated into a training program that is performed outdoors. Take advantage of warm weather with these suggestions.
Personal trainersExercise TechniqueProgram designtraining outsidealternative training methodsPersonal training
Learn, participate and network with colleagues at (location) while earning CEUs. Hosted by the state, provincial and regional directors, this local event brings cutting-edge research and application to your backyard.
Welcome to the NSCA Global program where there are over 10,000 certified professionals found in over 50 countries. The NSCA is committed to empower international partners to advance world understanding of the NSCA’s mission. The NSCA Global community is motivated by educating first.