How to Become a Successful Sports Strength and Conditioning Coach

A sports Strength and Conditioning coach is a person who works closely with athletic teams and departments at the high school, college and professional-athlete level. He or she makes effective training programs in the areas of strength, speed, survival and power.

Become a Sports Strength and Conditioning Coach

Join the collegial Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa), a professional organization that provides certification, maintains a list of current job chances and boosts a sense of respect for the field.

Read about the process of certificate for the Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) and its requirements on the CSCCa Web site (see Resources below). Most sports Strength and Conditioning coach positions require or strongly suggest this certification.

Apply for an internship, practicum or graduate assistantship that is authorized by the CSCCa. This is one of the requirements for certificate and usually durations 8 to 9 months. You may be free from this step if you were a full-time Strength and Conditioning coach for a college or professional sports team prior to September 1, 2000.

Review the subjects that are covered on the written portion of the SCCC, as well as additional study guides that are suggested, on the CSCCa website. Areas to study may include, but are not limited to, stretching and flexibility, weight management, physiology, metabolism, function of the cardiorespiratory system, program development, goal setting and nutrition.

Prepare for the practical section of the exam by practicing a variety of Strength and Conditioning techniques you will need to explain and show.

Register for and sit for the SCCC exam after you have completed the preparation requirements.

Apply to become a sports Strength and Conditioning coach at the organization of your choice. Get help with finding chances on the CSCCa website.