Book excerpt: An effective strength and conditioning program is an essential component of the preparation of any athlete or sportsperson. Strength and Conditioning for Sports Performance is a comprehensive and authoritative introduction to the theory and practice of strength and conditioning, providing students, coaches and athletes with everything they need to design and implement effective training programs. The book includes a clear and rigorous explanation of the core science underpinning strength and conditioning techniques and gives a detailed, step-by-step guide to all of the key training methodologies, including training for strength, speed, endurance, agility, flexibility as well as plyometrics. Throughout the book the focus is on the coaching process, with every chapter highlighting the application of strength and conditioning techniques in everyday coaching situations. The book also includes a unique and extensive section of sport-specific chapters, each of which examines in detail the application of strength and conditioning to a particular sport, from soccer and basketball to golf and track and field athletics. The book includes contributions from world-leading strength and conditioning specialists in every chapter, including coaches who have worked with Olympic gold medallists and international sports teams at the very highest level. Strength and Conditioning for Sports Performance is an essential course text for any degree level student with an interest in strength and conditioning, for all students looking to achieve professional accreditation, and an invaluable reference for all practising strength and conditioning coaches.