NSCA's Guide to Program Design

NSCA's Guide to Program Design, Second Edition, is the definitive resource for designing scientifically based training programs. Developed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the second edition provides the latest information and insights from the leading educators, practitioners, and researchers in the field.

Created for strength and conditioning professionals, educators, and candidates preparing for certification, NSCA's Guide to Program Design presents an evidence-based framework for athlete assessment strategies and training principles. This authoritative text moves beyond the simple template presentation of program design to help readers understand the reasons and procedures for sequencing training in a safe, sport-specific manner. In addition to programming for resistance training, the book also addresses how to design training programs for power, endurance, agility, and speed.

Straightforward and accessible, NSCA’s Guide to Program Design details the considerations and challenges in developing a program for each key fitness component. It shows you how to begin the process of assessing athlete needs as well as how to select performance tests. Dynamic warm-up and static stretching protocols and exercises are addressed before moving into in-depth programming advice based on a performance goal. The final two chapters help you put it all together with a discussion of training integration, periodization, and implementation.

With sample workouts and training plans for athletes in a variety of sports, technique photos and instructions for select drills, and a sample annual training plan, you will be able to assemble effective and performance-enhancing training programs for all your athletes.

NSCA’s Guide to Program Design is part of the Science of Strength and Conditioning series. Developed with the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this series of texts provides the guidelines for converting scientific research into practical application. The series covers topics such as tests and assessments, program design, and nutrition.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

Margaret T. Jones, PhD, CSCS,*D, FNSCA, is a professor of sport, recreation, and tourism management at George Mason University, where she serves as the director of the Patriot Performance Laboratory in the Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance and as a Beck Foundation faculty fellow. Jones’ research in sport science focuses on improving sport performance and athlete health, specifically through load monitoring, assessment of athletic fitness, and athlete dietary habits and nutrition practices.

Jones is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She served on the NSCA Board of Directors from 2017-2020 and was honored as the 2008 NSCA Educator of the Year. In 2014, Jones was awarded a George Mason University OSCAR Mentoring Excellence Award. The 2023 William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist, she has authored publications in the areas of human performance and athlete health in peer-reviewed academic journals, and she has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally.