2nd Edition
Advanced Strength and Conditioning An Evidence-based Approach
Becoming an effective strength and conditioning practitioner requires the development of a professional skills set and a thorough understanding of the scientific basis of best practice. Aimed at advanced students and novice-to-expert practitioners, in this book the authors explore the latest scientific evidence and apply it to exercise selection and programming choices across the full range of areas in strength and conditioning, from strength and power, speed and agility, to aerobic conditioning. Since the first edition of this text was written extensive research has expanded the supporting evidence base that provides the theoretical foundation for each chapter. In addition, some areas that were previously under-researched have now been expanded and some key concepts have been further challenged. Each chapter is written by experts with experience in a wide variety of sports, including both applied and research experience, ensuring this concise but sophisticated textbook is the perfect bridge from introductory study to effective professional practice.
While advanced concepts are explored within the book, the coach must not forget that consistency in the application of the basic principles of strength and conditioning is the foundation of athletic development. Advanced Strength and Conditioning: An Evidence- based Approach is a valuable resource for all advanced students and practitioners of strength and conditioning and fitness training.
Introduction to the 2nd edition
1. Strength and Conditioning: Coach or Scientist?
Perry Stewart, Paul Comfort, and Anthony N. Turner
Part 1: Developing Your Athlete
2. Developing Muscular Strength and Power
Timothy J. Suchomel and Paul Comfort
3. Stretch-shortening Cycle and Muscle-tendon Stiffness
John J. McMahon
4. Understanding and Developing Aerobic Fitness
Richard Blagrove
5. Repeat Sprint Ability: Physiological Basis and Implications for Training
Anthony N. Turner and David Bishop
6. Concurrent Training
Richard Clarke, Rodrigo Aspe, and Johnathan Hughes
Part 2: Programming and Monitoring for Your Athlete
7. Periodisation
Shyam Chavda, Anthony N. Turner, and Paul Comfort
8. Strategies to Enhance Athlete Recovery
Vince Kelly, Patrick Holmberg, and David Jenkins
9. Priming Match Day Performance: Strategies for Team Sport Players
Mark Russell, Natalie Brown, Samuel P. Hills, and Liam P. Kilduff
10. Fitness Testing and Data Analysis
John J. McMahon, Paul Comfort, and Anthony N. Turner
11. Analysis and Presentation of Fitness Test Results
John J. McMahon, Anthony N. Turner, and Paul Comfort
12. Eccentric Training: Scientific Background and Practical Applications
Mellissa Harden, Paul Comfort, and G. Greg Haff
13. Cluster Sets: Scientific Background and Practical Applications
G. Greg Haff and Mellissa Harden
Part 3: Coaching Your Athlete
14. Movement Screening: A Systematic Approach to Assessing Movement Quality
Louis Howe and Chris Bishop
15. Technical Demands of Strength Training
Timothy J. Suchomel and Paul Comfort
16. Weightlifting for Sports Performance
Timothy J. Suchomel and Paul Comfort
17. Plyometric Training
Christopher J. Sole, Christopher R. Bellon, and George Beckham
18. Training for Change of Direction and Agility
Tom Dos’Santos and Paul Jones
19. Speed and Acceleration Training
Pedro Jimenez-Reyes and Jean-Benoît Morin
20. Applied Coaching Science
Nick Winkelman
21. Developing as a Coach: Leadership, Culture and Purpose
Brian Gearity and Christopher Szedlak
Biography
Anthony N. Turner is Associate Professor in Strength and Conditioning and the Director of Programmes for postgraduate studies in sport at the London Sport Institute, Middlesex University. Anthony is a consultant to numerous sports teams as well as the British Military. Anthony is Associate Editor for the Strength and Conditioning Journal, has published over 100 peer- reviewed journal articles and numerous book chapters, and has edited two textbooks.
Paul Comfort is Reader in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Salford (UK), where he leads the master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning. He is Adjunct Professor at Edith Cowan University (Australia) and an honorary research fellow at Leeds Beckett University (UK). He regularly consults with numerous professional rugby and soccer teams and is a founder member and accredited member of the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA). Paul is an editorial board member for the European Journal of Sport Science and Sports Biomechanics, associate editor for the Strength and Conditioning Journal, Senior Associate Editor of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and has edited three textbooks.
"Advanced Strength and Conditioning: An Evidence-based Approach is a fantastic core text which students in particular should read. It covers all the key areas relating to developing your athlete, programming and monitoring your athletes and of course, coaching your athlete, which provides a great blend of theory and practice with a fantastic author line-up adding to the credibility of this book."
Chris Bishop Programme Leader: MSc in Strength and Conditioning, Middlesex University, UK