@Article{Weldon2022,
journal="Biology of Sport",
issn="0860-021X",
volume="39",
number="3",
year="2022",
title="Practices of strength and conditioning coaches in professional sports: a systematic review",
abstract="The practices of strength and conditioning (S\&C) coaches have been reported in various professional sports. This study aims to comprehensively assess this available evidence to help establish whether theoretical, practical, and evidence-based guidelines align with the practices employed by these experienced S\&C coaches. Three databases were searched (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane) until November 2020. Studies surveying the practices of S\&C coaches in professional sports using a survey design with common questions, written in English, and published in peer-reviewed journals were reviewed. Eight studies (n = 318 S\&C coaches) were finally included. All studies adapted a similar survey, providing a strong basis for comparison between sports. Periodization strategies were widely used (89%), with training volume consistently reduced during the in-season period. Olympic weightlifting was commonly used across sports, except in baseball (29%). Plyometric exercises were predominantly prescribed for speed development (74%) and lower body power (68%), which were mostly programed as complex training (45%) and conducted all year round (52%). Flexibility exercises were mostly performed before practice (83%) for 6–10 min (40%). Physical tests were mainly conducted during the preseason period (66%), with body composition (86%) being the most used test. S\&C coaches generally adhered to current guidelines and research in S\&C concerning training prescription and physical testing. Whereas, intersport differences were also noted and further discussed. Results of this study can be used by S\&C coaches to plan, implement, and review their professional practices. Furthermore, may inform the development of general and sport-specific guidelines, and future research in S\&C.",
author="Weldon, Anthony
and Duncan, Michael J.
and Turner, Anthony
and Lockie, Robert G.
and Loturco, Irineu",
pages="715--726",
doi="10.5114/biolsport.2022.107480",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2022.107480"
}