This book introduces a new view of agility theory, given recent serious discussion concerning the methods of open-loop skills improvement. It offers experimental research results and theoretical knowledge on both reactive and running types of agility. The book also details a number of agility training methods and exercises.

Speed and agility are central to success in a wide range of sports. Training for Sports Speed and Agility is the first evidence-based study of all those aspects of athletic preparation that contribute to the expression of speed and agility during competition. Drawing on the very latest scientific research in the fields of strength and conditioning, applied physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and sports medicine, the book critically examines approaches to training for speed and agility. This book further explores the scientific rationale for all aspects of effective training to develop sports speed and agility, comprising a diverse range of topics that include: assessment strength training for speed and agility development speed-strength development and plyometric training metabolic conditioning mobility and flexibility acceleration straight-line speed development developing change of direction capabilities developing expression of agility during competition periodization. Every chapter includes a review of current research as well as offering clear, practical guidelines for improving training and performance, including photographs illustrating different training modes and techniques. No other book offers a comparable blend of theory and practice. Training for Sports Speed and Agility is therefore crucial reading for all students, coaches and athletes looking to improve their understanding of this key component of sports performance.

The ball handler who fakes and then drives past a defender for an easy score. A pass rusher who leaves a would-be blocker in his wake on the way to sacking the quarterback. A setter who manages to maneuver both body and ball in the blink of an eye to make the perfect pass for the kill and match-winning point. These are all reasons agility and quickness are such prized physical attributes in modern sport. Efforts to become markedly quicker or more agile, however, aren’t always successful. Genetic limitations, technical deficiencies, and inferior training activities are among the major obstacles. Developing Agility and Quickness helps athletes blow past those barriers thanks to the top sport conditioning authority in the world, the National Strength and Conditioning Association. NSCA hand-picked its top experts to present the best training advice, drills, and programs for optimizing athletes’ linear and lateral movements. Make Developing Agility and Quickness a key part of your conditioning program, and get a step ahead of the competition.

Provides useful, practical information on how to improve speed and agility. In an easy-to-understand and apply manner, Sport Speed and Agility explains the science behind speed and agility training, including the technique behind running, the physiology behind speed and agility training, the role that motor learning and skill acquisition plays in agility training, and the theory behind program design. Offers sport-specific high school and collegiate speed and agility training programs for baseball/softball, basketball, football, ice hockey, rugby, and soccer. Also includes acceleration, maximum velocity, and agility drills with tips on how to make the drills more effective and more difficult.

The ultimate training resource for athletes and coaches includes more than 262 exercises and drills, programming, and exclusive access to online video library. Assessments provide parameters for individual programs and sport-specific training.

Athletic Development offers a rare opportunity to learn and apply a career full of knowledge from the best. World-renowned strength and conditioning coach Vern Gambetta condenses the wisdom he's gained through more than 40 years of experience of working with athletes across sports, age groups, and levels of competition, including members of the Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, and U.S. men's 1998 World Cup soccer team. The result is an information-packed, myth-busting explanation of the most effective methods and prescriptions in each facet of an athlete's physical preparation. Gambetta includes never-before-published and ready-to-use training approaches in - sport-specific demands analysis, - work capacity enhancements, - movement skills development, - long- and short-term training program progressions, and - rest and regeneration techniques. Athletic Development explains what works, what doesn't, and why. Gambetta's no-nonsense approach emphasizes results that pay off in the competitive season and reflect his work at the highest echelons of sport. Merging principles of anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology with sports conditioning applications and four decades of professional practice, this is the definitive guide to performance-enhancing training.

High-Performance Training for Sports changes the landscape of athletic conditioning and sports performance. This groundbreaking work presents the latest and most effective philosophies, protocols and programmes for developing today’s athletes. High-Performance Training for Sports features contributions from global leaders in athletic performance training, coaching and rehabilitation. Experts share the cutting-edge knowledge and techniques they’ve used with Olympians as well as top athletes and teams from the NBA, NFL, MLB, English Premier League, Tour de France and International Rugby. Combining the latest science and research with proven training protocols, High-Performance Training for Sports will guide you in these areas: • Optimise the effectiveness of cross-training. • Translate strength into speed. • Increase aerobic capacity and generate anaerobic power. • Maintain peak conditioning throughout the season. • Minimise the interference effect. • Design energy-specific performance programmes. Whether you are working with high-performance athletes of all ages or with those recovering from injury, High-Performance Training for Sports is the definitive guide for developing all aspects of athletic performance. It is a must-own guide for any serious strength and conditioning coach, trainer, rehabilitator or athlete.

Are you ready to challenge yourself, and turn up the intensity of your workouts? Are you ready for a proven program that burns fat, increases muscle, and sculpts the physique you’ve always wanted? If so, then Maximum Interval Training is for you! Maximum Interval Training combines high-intensity exercises and nontraditional equipment with a variety of modalities and training options to stimulate muscle growth, avoid plateaus, and produce results.

NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments offers strength and conditioning professionals a one-stop resource for the best research-supported fitness and performance measures available. Created by top experts in the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this comprehensive text offers extensive information on which factors matter and how to evaluate them as accurately and easily as possible. Editor Todd Miller and an authoritative team of contributors have compiled an exceptional reference and valuable tool for practicing professionals and an indispensable educational resource for students. NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments presents the latest research from respected scientists and practitioners in exercise testing and assessment. The text begins with an introduction to testing, data analysis, and formulating conclusions. It then features a by-chapter presentation of tests and assessments for body composition, heart rate and blood pressure, metabolic rate, aerobic power, lactate threshold, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, speed and agility, mobility, and balance and stability. Using descriptions of multiple test options for each key fitness component, readers will learn to choose from a range of alternatives to meet the needs of their athletes, reach training objectives, choose from available equipment, and work within budgets. Each chapter provides a summary detailing the key testing and assessment information for each fitness component, the equipment needed for performing the tests, step-by-step instructions, normative data for the tests, and multiple test options per conditioning component. Insights into the applications of testing for certain fitness components are also presented: • The value of body composition assessments in determining health and fitness levels for competitive athletes as well as individuals across the life span • How an understanding of 24-hour energy expenditure can be useful in structuring a complete diet and exercise plan for weight loss, gain, or maintenance • How to select a maximal or submaximal aerobic power test that is specific to the demands of a client’s or athlete’s sport • Discussion of the mechanical and physiological factors shown to influence the expression of muscular strength • An examination of the relevant factors influencing power production and explosive movement capacity • Differences between mobility and flexibility and a discussion of the acute versus chronic effects of static stretching • Theories and concepts of balance and stability, their effects on performance, and categories of testing for balance and stability NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments also includes NSCA-approved testing protocols, extensive references to current research, and applications for the testing of conditioning components. Information is presented in an accessible manner to help explain the findings of both researchers and practitioners so that readers can select the most effective and efficient approach for athlete and client assessments. Properly conducted tests and skillful assessment of data enable fitness professionals to develop individualized training programs based on their clients’ or athletes’ physiological and functional capacities. Credible, current, and complete, NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments provides a clear understanding of the test selection process, how to implement appropriate data collection, and how to analyze data to make appropriate training decisions that will help athletes and clients achieve their performance goals. NSCA’s Guide to Tests and Assessments is part of the Science of Strength and Conditioning series. Developed with the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this series of texts provides the guidelines for converting scientific research into practical application. The series covers topics such as tests and assessments, program design, and nutrition. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.