Learning From Some Of The Best Sport Scientists and Strength & Conditioning Specialists From All Over The World: The iTPA At The 2012 National Strength & Conditioning Association

The 2012 National Strength & Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition was held in Providence, Rhode Island (July 11-14th, 2012). This was the 35th year that the NSCA has been in existence, and the conference was a great event which highlighted the founding of the organization through its growth to a leading association providing strength and conditioning information to coaches throughout the world. The NSCA started as a group of strength coaches who got together over some drinks to “talk shop.” Over the years it has grown into an important organization in the industry which aims at providing scientific information relevant to testing, training and rehabilitating athletes. This year’s conference had over 1000 people in attendance from a number of countries. The conference combines keynote lectures, research presentations, practical hands-on training sessions, the latest scientific research studies presented in poster and free-communication form as well as an extensive exhibit hall with the latest strength and conditioning equipment on display. Some great information was presented over the four days from all aspects of sport science and strength & conditioning.

Very little information is focused on tennis, but much of the information that was presented can be applied to training tennis athletes and improving speed, strength, power, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, flexibility and a number of other physical variables. The iTPA was very well represented with a number of certification commissioners and advisory board members presenting lectures, hands-on presentations and serving on different committees. A number of iTPA members were also in attendance, and some great tennis-specific training information was discussed. Over the coming week the iTPA is developing a series of summaries that will provided to the iTPA membership posted in the iTPA Inner Circle Member Only Website www.itpamembers.org. These summaries are providing the latest information from the conference with specific emphasis on how this information can help train the tennis athlete. Some of the topics discussed include:

• Some basics on periodization
• The importance of micronutrients. Specific information on Magnesium, Zinc, Iron and Vitamin D.
• The role of core stability and some of the latest research
• Compatibility of training programs. What does the research tell us about combining strength/power workouts with endurance focused workouts. How best to structure activities and training
• A coach’s perspective on training the overhead athlete
• How High Intensity Training (HIT) can improve aerobic capacity and is it relevant and important for training athletes
• The growth and development challenges (and opportunities) of developing elite young athletes who plan to go pro!
• A review of sarcopenia and the older athlete. How resistance training can improve longevity and reverse many effects of ageing.
• Some great practical video exercises from USTA Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Satoshi Ochi
• Interviews with leading physical therapist Morey Kolber on upper extremities issues and prevention.
• Many other topics also added to improve the quality of training and recovery for the tennis athlet