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A Strength and Conditioning Coach facilitates the strength and conditioning training of athletes. Assisting with the development of exercise routines and nutritional intake, exercise supervision, tracking athlete progress and adjusting exercise plans accordingly, the Strength and Conditioning Coach both designs and implements full-scale fitness programs.
The Strength and Conditioning Coach typically works under the supervision of a Strength and Conditioning Manager or Director. Most often working for high schools and universities with student athletes, but a decent amount also work with professional and semi-professional athletes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field for Coaches in general is expected to grow at a rate of about 6 percent through 2024.
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Strength and Conditioning Coach Duties and Responsibilities
In order to successfully coordinate the strength and conditioning of athletes, a Strength and Conditioning Coach performs many different tasks. We analyzed job listings for Strength and Conditioning Coaches in order to identify these core duties and responsibilities.
Design Training Programs
The Strength and Conditioning Coach works with the head coaches to design training programs that revolve around strength, conditioning and weight training geared toward specific sports. They must account for procedures and regulations over their athletic department's governing body and use training programs not just to maximize athlete performance but also to minimize injury.
Evaluate Athletes
Strength and Conditioning Coaches observe training, practice, and performance and use their observations in conjunction with athlete records to assess strengths and weaknesses and design programs accordingly.
Maintain Athlete Records
The Strength and Conditioning Coach must maintain detailed, accurate and updated athlete records in order to track athlete progress. They communicate this information with coaches and use athlete data in order to assess training programs for effectiveness.
Administer Tests
In order to properly individualize training programs and evaluate athletes, the Strength and Conditioning Coach designs and performs baseline tests to assess the skills and weaknesses of each individual athlete.
Strength and Conditioning Coach Skills
Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Strength and Conditioning Coaches with these core skills. If you want to work as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, focus on the following.
- Demonstrating strength and conditioning experience
- Possessing first aid certification
- Becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, multiple job listings included them as preferred. Add these to your Strength and Conditioning Coach toolbox and broaden your career options.
- Experience in university athletic departments
- Experience managing a fitness or weight training facility
- Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
Strength and Conditioning Coach Resources
We searched the Web to find the best industry resources to help you continue exploring a career as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. From thought leaders to industry groups, this list is packed with opportunities to learn, connect and engage.
On the Web
Coach Up
A blog for athletic coaches
I Train Therefore I Eat
A strength training blog
NATA Now
The National Association of Athletic Trainers' blog
Industry Groups
National Association of Athletic Trainers
National organization for athletic trainers
American Football Coaches Association
The biggest national organization for football coaches
National High School Athletic Coaches Association
Organization for high school athletic coaches
Strength and Conditioning Coach Books
The Encyclopedia of Underground Strength and Conditioning
A comprehensive strength and conditioning guide
The Coach's Strength Training Playbook
Tips and tricks for coaching strength training
Coaching the Mental Game
How to be a leader as an athletics coach
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