This textbook is for students and professionals in sport science, strength and conditioning, and athlete training. Stressing the scientific perspective, coverage encompasses body systems, exercise techniques and training, program design, testing and evaluation, and facilities. Material covered corresponds to the requirements of the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Exam. Learning features include key points, key terms, study questions, and sample resistance training programs for several sports. The color layout offers color photos and color-coded boxes and summary charts. This fourth edition contains updated research. There is a new chapter on exercises using alternative modes and nontraditional implements, along with expanded info on agility. This edition offers 10 new fitness tests and new flexibility, resistance training, and plyometric exercises. Also new is a web site offering 21 resistance training videos. There are also many new features online for instructors. Annotation c2016 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com) The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the world’s leading organization in the field of sport conditioning. Drawing on the resources and expertise of the most recognized professionals in strength training and conditioning, sport science, performance research, education, and sports medicine, the NSCA is the world’s trusted source of knowledge and training guidelines for coaches and athletes. The NSCA provides the crucial link between the lab and the field. G. Gregory Haff, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, is the course coordinator for the postgraduate degree in strength and conditioning at Edith Cowan University in Joondalup, Australia. He is the president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a senior associate editor for the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Dr. Haff was the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year for Research and Education and the 2011 NSCA William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist award winner. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction, a UKSCA-accredited strength and conditioning coach, and an accredited Australian Strength and Conditioning Association level 2 strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, he is a national-level weightlifting coach in the United States and Australia. He serves as a consultant for numerous sporting bodies, including teams in the Australian Football League, Australian Rugby Union, Australian Basketball Association, and National Football League. N. Travis Triplett, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, is a professor and chairperson of the department of health and exercise science at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She has served as the secretary-treasurer of the board of directors for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and was the 2010 NSCA William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist award winner. She has served on two panels for NASA, one for developing resistance exercise countermeasures to microgravity environments for the International Space Station, and was a sports physiology research assistant at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dr. Triplett is currently a senior associate editor for the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction as well as a USA Weightlifting club coach.