8 Must Read S&C Articles

These are the most important fundamental studies every S&C coach needs to read if they're truly serious about their career and development.

Owen Walker

By Owen Walker
Last updated: February 29th, 2024
2 min read

Coaches who haven’t read these yet are seriously missing out!

Here we have compiled a list of eight studies we believe every strength and conditioning coach should read, and more importantly, understand (in no particular order).

#1 Strength Training

The Importance of Muscular Strength in Athletic Performance. Suchomel, T. J., Nimphius, S., & Stone, M. H. (2016). Sports Medicine, 46(10), 1419–1449.

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#2 Monitoring Training-Load

Training Monitoring for Resistance Exercise: Theory and Applications. Scott, B. R., Duthie, G. M., Thornton, H. R., & Dascombe, B. J. (2016).  Sports Medicine, 46(5), 687–698.

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#3 Agility & Change of Direction Speed

Agility and Change-of-Direction Speed are Independent Skills: Implications for Training for Agility in Invasion Sports. Young, W. B., Dawson, B., & Henry, G. J. (2015). International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 10(1), 159–169.

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#4 Youth S&C

National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Long-Term Athletic Development. Lloyd, R. S., Cronin, J. B., Faigenbaum, A. D., Haff, G. G., Howard, R., Kraemer, W. J., … Oliver, J. L. (2016). Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(6), 1491–1509.

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#5 Needs Analysis (A system-based approach)

Performance Modeling. Read, P. J., Bishop, C., Brazier, J., & Turner, A. N. (2016). Strength and Conditioning Journal, 38(4), 90–97.

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#6 Plyometric Training

The Stretch-Shortening Cycle: Proposed Mechanisms and Methods for Enhancement. Turner, A. N., & Jeffreys, I. (2010). Strength and Conditioning Journal, 32(4), 87–99.

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#7 Sprinting

Effects of Running Velocity on Running Kinetics and Kinematics. Brughelli, M., Cronin, J., & Chaouachi, A. (2011). Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(4), 933–939.

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#8 Periodisation

The Science and Practice of Periodization: A Brief Review. Turner, Anthony MSc, CSCS Strength and Conditioning Journal: February 2011 – Volume 33 – Issue 1 – p 34-46
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Owen Walker

Owen Walker

Owen is the Founder of Science for Sport and has a Master’s degree in Strength & Conditioning and a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Conditioning & Rehabilitation from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Before founding Science for Sport, he was the Head of Academy Sports Science at Cardiff City Football Club, and an interim Sports Scientist for the Welsh Football Association.

He’s published research on the ‘Practical Applications of Water Immersion Recovery Modalities for Team Sports’ in the Strength & Conditioning Journal by the NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association). He has also been featured in the Sports Business Journal and The Roar, Australia’s leading sports opinion website.

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