An Examination of Current Practices and Gender Differences in Strength and Conditioning in a Sample of Varsity High School Athletic Programs

Abstract

Currently, little is known about strength and conditioning programs at the high school level. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to explore current practices in strength and conditioning for varsity high school athletes in selected sports. Specifically examined were: who administers programs for these athletes, what kinds of training activities are done, and whether the responsible party or emphasis changes depending on the gender of the athletes. Coaches of varsity soccer, basketball, and softball/baseball in three large Idaho school districts were asked to complete an online survey. Sixty-seven percent (32/48) of the questionnaires were completed and used for the study. The majority of coaches (84%) provided strength and conditioning opportunities for their athletes, although only 37% required participation. Strength training programs were designed and implemented primarily by either physical education (PE) teachers or head coaches. Compared to coaches of male athletes, coaches of female athletes were less likely to know the credentials of their strength coaches, and they were less likely to use certified coaches to plan and implement their strength and conditioning programs. Most programs included dynamic warm-ups and cool-downs, plyometrics, agility training, speed training, and conditioning, and most programs were conducted three days a week (76%) for sessions lasting between 30 and 59 minutes (63%). Compared to their female counterparts, male athletes were more likely to have required training, participate in strength training year round, and train using more sessions per week. This study provides additional information related to the practice of strength and conditioning in a sample of high school athletic teams.

Seasonal and Longitudinal Changes in Body Composition by Sport-Position in NCAA Division I Basketball Athletes

“…These speculations are based upon the self-reported beliefs of MBB coaches that women are physically inferior to men, lack commitment in the sporting sphere, and are not capable of training with male athletes [ 28 ]. Further, high school strength coaches have expressed concern that women are often not challenged to work as hard athletically as men, perhaps because of the perception that women are “dainty” and “ought not to sweat too hard” [ 29 ]. If said beliefs are present, regardless of sport level, it is likely that male strength coaches will treat women athletes differently than their male counterparts.…”

“It’s Not Particularly P.C., You Know . . .”: Women Coaches’ Performing Gender in Strength and Conditioning

“…Enhancing these essential masculine qualities is associated with sporting success and general social dominance and thus, is often perceived to be the exclusive domain of men. As a corollary, male athletes are exposed to more S&C training from a much younger age compared to their female counterparts (Reynolds, Ransdell, Lucas, Petlichkoff, & Gao, 2012). As young male athletes are more likely to be offered to partake in structured S&C education, developing their bodies' physical capacities can align their identity with male hegemonic perspectives of masculinist embodiment and expression (Anderson, 2009).…”

Survey of Utah High School Football Strength and Conditioning Coaches

“…Demographics, education, certification, experience, practices, outcomes, and opinions of strength and conditioning coaches were identified through an online survey. Previous research [7,14,15] has been conducted on high school strength and conditioning practices, yet no research has been conducted on Utah high school football strength and conditioning practices. Therefore, it is important for athletic directors, coaches, strength and conditioning educators, and future strength and conditioning coaches, to be cognizant of the profile and practices of current coaches.…”

“…To our knowledge, there are three studies that are focused primarily on high school strength and conditioning coaches [7,14,15].…”

“…Although the study provides a profile of high school strength and conditioning practices, it is limited to only members of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Reynolds et al [14] surveyed high school strength and conditioning coaches in Idaho. The study provided a profile of both men's and women's strength and conditioning coaches.…”