Week 1 (Module 1): Course Introduction and Review. Overview of course expectations, instructor introduction, and essential course resources and review exercise physiology topics of Structure and Function of Body Systems, Biomechanics of Resistance Training, Bioenergetics of Exercise and Training, Endocrine Responses to Resistance Exercise, Adaptations to Anaerobic Training Programs, and Adaptations to Aerobic Endurance Training.
Week 2 (Module 2): Training Theory and Program Design Basics. Discuss and apply training theory, scope of training, and training principles sport training. Further, discuss and apply 7 program design variables, training status, sport seasons, how program design variables are manipulated, and trainable neuromuscular characteristics by load, sets, repetitions, and rest periods.
Week 3 (Module 3): Periodization and Overtraining/Detraining/Retraining. Discuss and apply the goals of periodization, periodization types, sport season/periodization periods, tapers and peaking, and periodization mechanisms. Further, discuss and apply the differences in fatigue, overreaching, and overtraining, as well as detraining and retraining mechanisms and timelines.
Week 4 (Module 4): Exam #1 and Freight Weight and Alternative/Nontraditional Modes Exercise Technique. Students independently take exam #1 in a proctored environment without any materials on material covered for this exam. Discuss and apply exercise technique fundamentals; appropriate use of lifting equipment; proper spotting use; and select free weight exercise technique. Further, discuss and apply the benefits and limitations of body weight training, core training, appropriate use of variable resistance modalities and traditional ground-based free weight exercises, and examples and appropriateness of alternative methods and nontraditional implement exercises in training.
Week 5 (Module 5): Coaching Cue Activity and Principles of Test Selection, Administration, and Interpretation. Students practice coaching cues for selected resistance training exercises to learn proper technique and reflect on their successes and failures. Discuss and apply athlete testing use, validity and reliability of tests, test selection and test administration factors, common field tests for different skills and neuromuscular characteristics, and how to interpret test results to build an athlete profile and training goals.
Week 6 (Module 6): Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of Selected Tests Activity. Students practice administering, scoring, and interpreting 16 valid and reliable field tests for 16 neuromuscular characteristics and skills important in various sport training.
Week 7 (Module 7): Warm-up and Flexibility Training & Weightlifting Assessment + Corrections Activity. Discuss and apply the benefits and detriments of various types of warm-ups pre-training or pre-competition, the structure of the warm-up, assessing flexibility for sport. Students practice administrating a flexibility assessment as well as practicing specific flexibility correction techniques.
Week 8 (Module 8): Exam #2, and Resistance Training Program Design Revisited. Students independently take exam #2 in a proctored environment without any materials on material covered for this exam. Further, discuss and apply different advanced training system variations and their appropriateness; optimal strength and hypertrophy development evidence, inter-repetition rest periods; proper explosive power development considerations.
Week 9: Program Design and Periodization Primer Activity. Students independently apply course content thus far utilizing program design and periodization concepts to write safe and effective training programs that help students start their final program design project.
Week 10: Power and Plyometrics Program Design. Discuss and apply plyometrics program design variables, mechanisms, and incorporation with other training modalities; and proper plyometrics training considerations.
Week 11: Speed & Agility Program Design and Exam #3. Discuss and apply speed and agility development program design, mechanisms, and incorporation with other training modalities; and proper speed and agility training considerations. Students independently take exam #3 in a proctored environment without any materials on material covered for this exam.
Week 12: Aerobic Endurance Training Program Design, Facility Design, and Special Populations Resistance Training. Discuss and apply aerobic endurance development program design, mechanisms, and incorporation with other training modalities; and proper aerobic endurance training considerations. Discuss and apply appropriate training facility design recommendations. Discuss and apply appropriate resistance training program design for youth athletes, senior athletes, and pregnant women.
Week 13-14: Final Program Design Project. In small groups, students develop a final putting-it-all-together written program design as well as an oral presentation of a full macrocycle training program for a chosen athlete/sport.
Week 15: Final Comprehensive Exam: Students independently take final comprehensive exam in a proctored environment without any materials on material covered throughout this course.