Strength training for football

How to improve your game with weights

Strength and conditioning conference in Orlando, Florida enhances skills and increases coaches' knowledge of athletic performance.

The old assumption that weight training limits a footballer's flexibility and agility, and wears the body down, has been replaced with the stronger and faster approach—due in part by the practice of employing professional strength and conditioning coaches into every major league team. In addition, many minor league teams, colleges and universities, junior colleges, and high schools are joining in the conditioning movement.

“Strength and conditioning is a scientific process—an understanding of sport conditioning that allows coaches to train athletes to perform at their best, for the entire season and beyond. As in baseball for example: athletes play 162 games in 180 days—they need to be in top condition year around,” stresses Michael Barnes, NSCA Education Director.

And where do these coaches learn to successfully condition athletes? Each year, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) hosts a Sport-Specific Training Conference and Trade Show specially designed for strength and conditioning coaches as a way to develop new skills and heighten existing abilities. The conference also provides career opportunities, continuing education credits, the latest research, and proven applied practices in football, baseball, and multi-sport training, plus the ability to interact with equipment providers and product suppliers.

Over 750 strength and conditioning professionals from the NBA, NFL, college, and high school levels will convene at the Orlando Marriott World Center, January 3-4, 2004.