Closed change of direction drills are a highly specific tool that builds physical antifragility and prepares athletes for unforeseeable worst-case scenarios in their sport. Coach Daniel Kadlec uses simple, pragmatic drills to lower the risk of failure and create success despite the often-compromised positions athletes face.

Many of us understand the value of monitoring performance with velocity-based training devices. Yet the technology is underused in measuring upper body vertical pulling performance. Coach Richter explains how to monitor vertical pulling to improve athletes’ power and speed in their respective sports.

Coach, researcher, and therapist Rob Panariello believes the design of both an athlete’s training and rehabilitation programs should include a philosophical foundation that’s proven successful. In this article, he makes a case for using Al Vermeil’s Hierarchy of Athletic Development for performance enhancement, as well as a modified version of it for rehab.

When training the upper body with throwing athletes, the movement is what matters. To that end, Coach Zach Dechant presents the four most common patterns he associates with upper body training for baseball athletes and the errors in motion that limit the full benefits of those movements.

Those pursuing a career in strength and conditioning often don’t know exactly what to do after they receive their undergraduate degree. Eric Udelson outlines some essential steps, including certifications and internships, for aspiring S&C coaches.

Positive adaptations don’t happen overnight, but they are imperative for your athletes to reach the highest level of performance. Coach Dylan Hicks helps coaches meet the challenge of determining and developing an athlete’s driver of adaptation so they can tailor their training programs more successfully.

What is it that makes truly elite athletes not just stay ahead of the pack and reach the highest performance levels, but stay there? Coach Rob Schwartz looks beyond work ethic and talent to the three traits that S&C coaches should help athletes develop in addition to enhancing athleticism.

Coach Valle proves why the GymAware is not just a “velocity-based training device,” but a “lab in a lunchbox.” He presents eight additional ways to use this power tool beyond VBT, providing a great start for athletes trying to polish their game with strength and conditioning.