Tactical Strength And Conditiong Report 17

NSCA TSAC REPORT • ISSUE 17 APRIL 2011

The Mental Toughness Coach:
A Role for the Strength and
Conditioning Coach
John E. Coumbe-Lilley, PhD, CSCS, USAW
Contents Given the nature of the strength and and conditioning coach is ideally placed
conditioning training room, helping to create the conditions for progressive
17.1 develop mental toughness in athletes is pressure and recovery physically, men-
The Mental Toughness critical to the success of the tactical ath- tally and emotionally that will help pre-
Coach: A Role for lete, team or squad. Ideally, the strength pare tactical athletes for competition or
the Strength and and conditioning coach is placed in the deployment. This article will show how
role of the mental toughness coach. This strength and conditioning coaches can
Conditioning Coach
article will lay out what mental tough- train mental toughness in their tactical
ness is, how it is measured and how the athletes.
17.4
strength and conditioning coach can
Posterior Chain Exercises
train it and become the mental tough- Defining Mental Toughness
to Enhance Tactical
ness coach for their tactical athletes. (MT)
Performance
MT is a phrase often used to describe
17.6 Research investigations on mental how we observe an athlete’s behavior es-
The Importance and toughness have been ongoing for more pecially when we perceive that they over-
than a decade. In recent years, applied come challenging events beyond what is
Potential of Integrating
sport psychology research has investi- normally expected in a given context.
Psychological and
gated the effects of mental toughness on Often, MT is used as a catch-all, general
Physical Conditioning
sport performance in cricket, Australian phrase to describe many attributes but
For Elite Performance
Rules Football, indoor triathlon and lacks the necessary depth that explains
soccer (1,4,13,15,23,24). and promotes the development of criti-
cal characteristics necessary to achieving
It has been suggested that individual top-level performance.
displays of mental toughness are a com-
bination of attitudes, beliefs, behaviors Several definitions have been used to de-
and emotions and these can be prospec- fine mental toughness but for the pur-
tively developed within three inductive- pose of this article we will use the defi-
ly found categories that are behaviors, nition of mental toughness provided by
characteristics and situations (4). This Gucciardi:
is important because as tactical athletes “Mental toughness is a collection of values, at-
prepare for competition or deployment, titudes, behaviors and emotions, which enable
they will manage behaviors, situations an individual to persevere and overcome any
and the development of personal charac- obstacle, adversity or pressure experienced, but
teristics to cope with imposed demands also to maintain concentration and motivation
that require preparation. The strength

National Strength and Conditioning Association • www.nsca-lift.org/TSAC page 17.1


Figure 1: Pull-Ups Figure 2: Squat Jumps
when things are going well, to consistently pro- study of cricketers that used the Cricket corrective and encouraging language
duce high levels of performance,” (14). Mental Toughness Inventory (CMTI) to to recognize the effort being put
determine the affective intelligence, at- forth (24).
This definition is led from findings of tentional control, resilience, self-belief, • Use basic imagery techniques to
previous studies showing the attributes and desire to achieve that elite crick- project positive and realistic future
of MT that include self-belief, control eters had in their competitive selves. outcomes and generate excitement
of attention (concentration and focus), Both studies showed positive signs of about what the athlete can achieve
resilience, motivation, commitment construct validity and internal reliabil- and what is within their control.
and determination , positive and tough ity. Unfortunately, a general MT test in
attitude, resilience, enjoying, han- sport measure is not agreed upon but • Help the athlete learn from critical
dling pressure and quality preparation contextual sport-specific measures show incidents in performance and
(1,8,10,11,12,17,19,21,22). promise. More work continues to be support their development of
helpful coping strategies for the
done to develop effective measures and
Measuring MT performance and personal lives
research in this area.
Several MT inventories have been de- (4,20).
veloped since 2002 and used to measure Training MT • Include a post competition
MT. The first acknowledged MT mea- Research has shown that MT can be reflection exercise and focus on
surement tool in organized research was trained in a variety of complementary what was learned and what will
the MT48 which measured three ele- ways using practical strategies that to- be required to enhance future
ments of hardiness: confidence, control gether create mental momentum and performance (4).
and commitment (2). Another generic focus effort and intensity on achieving • Concentrate coaching on having
MT assessment tool that proposes to cap- performance goals. The following sec- tactical athletes achieve mastery,
ture MT attributes across all sports was tion describes the tools and approaches experience enjoyment through
developed by The Sport Mental Tough- that strength and conditioning coaches training and develop a competitive
ness Questionnaire (SMTQ) which fo- can take to build mental toughness in mindset that focuses on performance
cused on measuring three MT factors: their tactical athletes. These tools and and builds a belief of superiority (9).
constancy, confidence and control (21). approaches are based on work that devel-
The MT48 supported previous intuitive oped a framework for developing mental
notions of MT attributes in its construc- toughness in athletes (2).
Conclusion
tion but lacked psychometric reliability The strength and conditioning coach
(4). According to the SMTQ, the MT48 is usually a trusted, reliable and skilled
Strategies to Build a Strong
had yet to yield significant construct professional that enhances athletic per-
MT Base
validity (4,7). Later sport-specific re- formance day in and day out and works
• Set long-term athletic goals and then
search by Gucciardi, studying MT of at the base of the sport performance pyr-
use short-term achievable goals to
youth players in Australian Rules Foot- amid on physical performance. Is there
direct intensity.
ball, measured MT using the Australian anyone better to train and develop MT
• Set the conditions for maximal on a day-to-day basis than someone who
Football Mental Toughness Inventory
effort to be given, when required, can see the tactical athlete’s effort, per-
(AFMTI) which focused on measuring
and shape the training environment sistence and desire to succeed than the
four MT factors: thrive through chal-
in terms of space and equipment strength and conditioning coach? This is
lenge, sport awareness, tough attitude
organization. why strength coaches are in a prime posi-
and desire for success (14).
• Apply progressive physical and tion to be the number one MT coach in
The AFMTI found significant levels of mental challenges to be completed an athlete’s preparation. When strength
contextual test construct reliability and under pressure always emphasizing coaches add the MT coaching skill set,
validity. Measuring specific MT in a that the athlete is personally they become more valuable to the tacti-
given sport was further supported by a responsible for their own success. cal athlete. The strength coach is likely
Use a 5:1 ratio of supportive, to achieve greater satisfaction in their



job as their athletes perform better under pressure and are able 12. Gould, D, Dieffenbach, K, and Moffett, A. Psychological
to cope more and compete consistently at the highest levels. ° characteristics and their development in Olympic champions. Journal of
Applied Sport Psychology 14; 172 – 204, 2002.

References 13. Gucciardi, D, Gordon, S, and Dimmock, JA. Towards an
1. Bull, SJ, Shambrook, CJ, James, W, Brooks, JE. Towards an understanding of mental toughness in Australian Football. Journal of
understanding of mental toughness in elite English cricketers. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology 20; 261 – 281, 2008.
Applied Sport Psychology 17; 209 – 227, 2005.
14. Gucciardi, D. Do developmental differences in mental toughness
2. Clough, PJ, Earle, K, and Sewell, D. Solutions in sport psychology. exist between specialized and invested Australian footballers?
London: Thomson Publishing; 32 – 43, 2002. Personality and Individual Differences 47; 985 – 989, 2009.

3. Connaughton, D, Hanton, S, Jones, G, and Wadey, R. Mental toughness 15. Gucciardi, D, Gordon, S, and Dimmock, JA. Evaluation of a mental
research: Key issues in this area. International Journal Sport Psychology toughness training program for youth-aged Australian footballers: I. A
39; 192 – 204, 2008. qualitative analysis, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology 21; 307 – 323,
2009.
4. Connaughton, D, Hanton, S, and Jones, G. The development and
maintenance of mental toughness in the world’s best performers. The 16. Gucciardi, DF, Gordon, S, and Dimmock, JA. Evaluation of a mental
Sport Psychologist 24; 168 – 193, 2010. toughness training program for youth-aged Australian footballers: II. A
Qualitative Analysis’, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology 21: 3; 324 – 339,
5. Coulter, TJ, Mallett, CJ, and Gucciardi, DF. Understanding mental 2009.
toughness in Australian soccer: Perceptions of players, parents, and
coaches. Journal of Sports Sciences 28; 699 – 716, 2010. 17. Jones, G, Hanton, S, and Connaughton, D. What is this thing called
mental toughness? An investigation of elite sport performers. Journal of
6. Crust, L. A review and conceptual re-examination of mental Applied Sport Psychology 14; 205 – 218, 2002.
toughness: Implications for future researchers. Science Direct 45; 576 –
583, 2008. 18. Jones, G, Hanton, S, and Connaughton, D. A framework of mental
toughness in the world’s best performers. The Sport Psychologist 21; 243
7. Crust, L, and Swann, C. Comparing two measures of mental – 264, 2007.
toughness. Personality and individual Differences. Science Direct 50; 217
– 221, 2011. 19. Loehr, J. The new mental toughness training for sport: achieving
athletic excellence. Lexington, MA. 109 – 131, 1986.
8. Fawcett, T. Perceptions of mental toughness from adventurer/
explorer/“medal winning” elite athlete and elite coach perspectives: 20. Orlick, T. In pursuit of excellence: How to win in sport and life
A grounded theory analysis. In Morris, T, Terry, P, Gordon, S, Hanrahan, through mental training. (4th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 98 –
S, Levleva, L, Kolt, G, and Tremayne,P. Psychology promoting health & 135, 2007.
performance for life: Proceedings of the ISSP 11th World Congress of
Sport [CDROM]. Sydney: International Society of Sport Psychology (ISBN 21. Sheard, M. Progress towards construct validation of the sports
1877040363). 2005. mental toughness questionnaire (SMTQ). European Journal of
Psychological Assessment 25; 186 – 193, 2010.
9. Feltz, DL, Short, S, and Sullivan, P. Self-efficacy in sport: research and
strategies for working with athletes, teams, and coaches. Champaign, IL: 22. Thelwell, R, and Weston, N. Defining and understanding mental
Human Kinetics. 129 – 144, 2008. toughness within soccer. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology 17; 326 –
332, 2005.
10. Fourie, S, and Potgieter, JR. The nature of mental toughness in
sport. South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education & 23. Thelwell, R, Weston, N, and Greenlees, I. Developing mental
Recreation 23; 63 – 72, 2001. toughness within in soccer. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology 17:4; 326
– 332, 2010.
11. Gordon, S, and Sridhar, C. Identification and development of mental
toughness in elite cricket. In T. Morris, P. Terry, S. Gordon, S. Hanrahan, 24. Thompson, J. Double goal coach. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 88 –
L. Ievleva, G. Kolt, & P. Tremayne (Eds.), Psychology promoting health & 104, 2003.
performance for life: Proceedings of the ISSP 11th World Congress of
Sport [CDROM]. Sydney: International Society of Sport Psychology (ISBN
1877040363). 2005



Posterior Chain Exercises to Enhance Tactical Performance
Ray Bear CSCS, USAW

One of the biggest areas of neglect for
the tactical athlete is the posterior chain
which consists of hamstrings, gluteals
and low back. Neglecting these muscle
groups increases the risk for injury dur-
ing periods of intense exertion, thereby
prohibiting the tactical athlete from en-
gaging in further missions or even com-
pleting the current one. Also, neglecting
these areas can lead to chronic pain in
the low back, hips and knees.

Many exercises exist that enhance the
functionality of the posterior chain.
Squats and deadlifts are often cited for
developing these areas, but auxiliary lifts Figure 1. Romanian Deadlift starting Figure 2. Romanian Deadlift ﬁnishing
will also help develop these areas and can position position
help enhance performance. Examples
include the following exercises and will Gluteal Ham Raises Medicine Ball
be explained in more detail: Romanian (partner assisted) Hamstring Curl
Deadlift (RDL), Gluteal Ham Raises, Place the ankles on a foam roller or com- Begin with the back on the ground, with
which utilizes assistance from a partner, parable pad with a partner holding the the knees bent and heel of one foot on
and an unconventional Medicine Ball ankles and position the knees on the a medicine ball (Figure 5). The opposite
Hamstring Curl. pad (Figure 3). From the down position, leg should be kept off of the ground and
raise the body by flexing the knees and straight. Lift the hips with the heel of
Romanian Deadlift (RDL) contracting the hamstrings and gluteals the foot and bend at the knee. Roll the
This exercise is used to increase strength until the body is upright (Figure 4). ball on the bottom of the foot until fully
in the hamstrings, gluteals and low back. Lower the body by straightening the flexed, keeping the foot dorsiflexed at all
This exercise may be performed with the knees until the body is horizontal and times (Figure 6). Extend the knee to the
use of a straight bar, dumbbells or kettle- back in the down position. While per- original position to complete one repeti-
bells. Begin with the feet shoulder-width forming this exercise, be aware that the tion. Keep the core tight and the hips off
apart with a slight bend in the knees hips need to stay in an extended, neutral of the ground during the entire exercise.
(Figure 1). Keeping the back straight, position and not in a hyper extended or Repeat on opposite leg.
chest out and shoulders contracted, flexed position.
bend at the hips. Keep the bar close to Incorporating these exercises into a work-
the body. Lower the upper body until it out routine based on the supervision of a
is at a 90° angle to the ground or until a certified strength and conditioning spe-
stretch in the hamstrings is felt (Figure cialist will decrease the chance of injury
2). Using the hamstrings, raise the upper and increase performance in the tactical
body until perpendicular with the floor. arena. °



Figure 3. Gluteal Ham Raises starting position Figure 4. Gluteal Ham Raises ﬁnishing position

Figure 5. Medicine Ball Hamstring Curl starting position Figure 6. Medicine Ball Hamstring Curl ﬁnishing position



The Importance and Potential of Integrating Psychological
and Physical Conditioning For Elite Performance
Michael J. Asken, PhD, Tyler Christensen, CSCS and Mark D. Stephenson, CSCS, MS, ATC

Military and police (warrior) training has, and continues, to tion of one article that suggested elevated heart rates do not
evolve in many crucial ways. Paper targets have been replaced have stress or psychological etiologies, none of these articles,
by mannequins and computerized targets; rubber knives by nor the programmatic changes occurring in military fitness de-
shock knives; plastic guns by simuntitions or live fire: and scribed above, discuss the inclusion or benefit of psychological
descriptive examples of skill applications by reality-based sce- and mental toughness skills training (6).
nario training.
On one hand, this is a bit surprising, as the importance of
This evolution continues. In regards to performance training psychological training and skills is readily recognized in many
and readiness, several changes in military training have been other areas of elite human performance.
described. White has discussed a paradigm shift in the U.S.
Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test (26). Likewise Henning Elite warrior Lt. Colonel Jany served overseas with the United
and Khamoui describe a review of the future of the Army’s States Marine Corps. He has an extensive military special op-
Combat-relevant Physical Fitness Test (11). In response to an erations background and is also a Police Sergeant and Tactical
unacceptably high drop-out/failure rate in the Army’s Special Team Supervisor in Washington State. Commenting on men-
Operations Assessment and Selection program Humpage de- tal training, he has stated:
scribed the design and delivery of the SELECTED! Program
(13). “For years, so many of us involved in military or law enforcement tacti-
cal training opted for the “sexier side” of our skill sets, working on deadly
A highly relevant and particularly important development has force, discriminative marksmanship, or defensive tactics, but rarely, if
been the (ongoing) adaptation of sport science and strength ever, factoring in the mental side and its importance to our success,” (18).
and conditioning principles and techniques to military and
police training arenas as captured in the concept of the tactical On the other hand, it is perhaps not so surprising that inte-
athlete (18,19). This conceptualization and these applications grating psychological and mental toughness skills training with
have great promise to develop truly elite warriors. physical conditioning is not as advanced as it could be. This
integration of psychological knowledge and skills has always
However one area that has not developed at the same pace in been a bit slow in any field of performance including sport. It
tactical athlete training is the inclusion of training warriors in has been characterized this way by Dillman, former Director of
psychological skills that can maximize performance and which Sports Medicine for the U.S. Olympic Committee:
form the basis of what is termed, “mental toughness.” This
might be considered a form of “training tunnel vision” that “Similar to all applied disciplines, sport psychology experienced a slow
slows the development of psychological readiness and maximal and unsteady start in sport, but has now progressed over the last few years
performance for many tactical athletes. into an area that is widely accepted by coaches and athletes,” (16).

A cursory review of the content of the articles published in the This statement must be seen in the context of sport psychology
NSCA TSAC Report from 2007 until the present shows a wide coming of age in the 1980s despite the first sport psychology
variety of critical and innovative topics. Training enhancement study occurring in the 1890s and the Russians and East Ger-
is promoted by advancing the importance of approaches from mans integrating sport psychology in their elite athletic train-
nutrient management to agility load and progression to training since the 1930s and 1940s (16).
ing the human weapons platform to fitness operation orders to
Grizzly Bear circuit training to the need for certified strength So while the integration, or lack, of psychological and mental
and conditioning specialists being involved with special forces toughness training into tactical athlete training may simply rep-
groups training (4,10,18,20,21,25). However, with the excep- resent a natural evolution, the time to move this development



forward is now for several reasons. These Therefore, strength and physical condi- skills performed better on the Army
reasons include the potential contribu- tioning training has traditionally been a Physical Fitness Test and those who had
tions to performance, the demonstration method (albeit indirect and somewhat weak psychological skills, or a negative
of psychological influence on warrior fit- haphazard) for promoting psychological psychological skills profile of a fearful fo-
ness performance and the essential role performance skills and mental tough- cus cluster, performed most poorly (9).
strength and conditioning specialists can ness. Further, the physical (and mental)
play in integrating the two perspectives challenges of strength and physical con- While part of the reason for the oversight
for maximal results. ditioning continue to present an excel- of consistent integration of psychologi-
lent paradigm to test and train persis- cal and physical skill training may have
As noted, the psychological factor is tence which is perhaps the hallmark of been the absence of a comprehensive de-
recognized, if not always integrated, in mental toughness. scription of concepts and techniques for
many areas of human performance. It a tactical athlete, this, unfortunately is
is, in fact, the understanding and use The integration of psychological and no longer true. In addition to the grow-
of psychological performance skills that physical performance skills is timely and ing literature cited above, more compre-
promotes what is called, “mental tough- necessary. It is also prompted by an in- hensive resources are now available for
ness.” creasing body of research demonstrating police and the military (2,3). It should
the symbiotic effects of such interac- also be clear that applied performance
Thus, psychological performance tech- tions. The value of psychological skills psychology is different from traditional
niques and mental toughness are a set of for sport performance has already been clinical psychology, making it of greater
skills that can be trained directly, just as documented in the sport psychology lit- interest and greater acceptability to the
physical conditioning skills. Too often in erature (14,15). communities of tactical athletes.
the past, mental toughness was assumed
to develop as an indirect result or side Further, research shows that psychologi- Finally, tactical athlete training is an
effect of other difficult and strenuous cal performance skills such as self-talk ideal opportunity and venue for devel-
(usually physical) training. Just as with can positively enhance specific physical oping psychological performance skills
combat fitness programs, the military skills such as the vertical jump and dy- and mental toughness. This is so, first,
has begun to question if this is maximal- namic balance performance (1,24). Per- because of the tradition of associating
ly effective training. haps even more important and worthy physical and mental toughness. Second-
of attention is recent research on the im- ly, the challenge of elite physical train-
Thompson and McCreary, in discussing pact of integrated psychological training ing continues to provide a challenge to
the enhancement of mental readiness with physical and combat skills training. psychological skills. Thirdly, psycho-
in military personnel, note that there logical performance skills can enhance
are several problems with the “implicit” The evaluation of a comprehensive, performance. Finally, the strength and
training of psychological skills; expect- structured and integrated mental tough- conditioning specialist provides training
ing mental toughness to develop as an ness program for skill learning and per- valued by tactical athletes and engenders
indirect result of physical training and formance enhancement conducted by a respect that lends credibility and mo-
drills (22). This approach can; make the Walter Reed Army Research Insti- tivation to psychological performance
mental toughness skills harder to learn, tute and the Army Center for Enhanced skills when presented in an integrated
delay the learning of physical and tech- Performance at West Point provided program.
nical skills because of a lack of mental evidence that comprehensive “mental
toughness, undermine operational effec- fitness training during basic combat To summarize, psychological perfor-
tiveness because of sub-optimal mental training” had a positive and significant mance skills/mental toughness and
toughness, and result in a sub-group of effect for warriors during Army Physical strength and conditioning expertise can
individuals who never develop sufficient Fitness Training, on marksmanship (shot be a synergistic combination to maxi-
mental toughness. The explicit and de- groupings) and with skills like the slide mize elite performance in our warriors
signed training of mental toughness is to victory (8). A related study showed undergoing tactical athlete training. °
more likely to be successful. that warriors strong in psychological



References 13. Humpage, A. Design and delivery of the 21. Stephenson, M. Training the human
1. Araki, K, Mintah, J, Mack, M, Huddleston, SELECTED! Program for SORB. NSCA TSAC weapons’ platform: The squat. NSCA TSAC
S, Larson, L, Jacobs, K. Belief in self-talk and Report 13(12 – 13). 2010. Report 12: 7, 2010.
dynamic balance performance. Athletic Insight
8(4); 1 – 12, 2006. 14. LeUnes, A, and Nation, J. Sport Psychology: 22. Thompson, M, and McCreary, D. Enhancing
An Introduction. Chicago, IL: Nelson-Hall; mental readiness in military personnel. Human
2. Asken, M. MindSighting: Mental Toughness 1989. Dimensions in Military Operations Military
Skills for Police Officers in High Stress Leaders’ Strategies for Addressing Stress and
Situations; http://www.mindsighting.com. 15. Morris, T, Spittle, M, and Watt, T. Imagery in Psychological Support 4(1 – 12); 2006.
2005. Sport. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2005.
23. Castro, C, and Adler, A. Military Life: The
3. Asken, M, Grossman, D, and Christensen, L. 16. Nideffer, R. Applied sport psychology. In Psychology of Serving in Peace and Combat.
Warrior MindSet. Milstadt, IL: Warrior Science J. May and M. Asken, (eds). Sport Psychology: (Volume 1). Westport, CN: Praeger Security
Group Press; 1 – 256, 2009. The Psychological Health of the Athlete. New International; 54 – 79, 2006.
York: PMA Publishers; 1987.
4. Christiansen, T. Fitness operative orders. 24. Tod, D, Thatcher, R, McGuigan, M, and
NSCA TSAC Report 10: 1 – 2, 2009 17. Rogers, R. (2010). Agility load and Thatcher, J. (2009). Effects of instructional and
progression. NSCA TSAC Report 13: 10 – 11, motivational self-talk on the vertical jump.
5. Dillman, C. In May, J and Asken, M (eds). 2010. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Sport Psychology: The Psychological Health 23(1); 196 – 202, 2009.
of the Athlete. New York: PMA Publishers. XIX, 18. Snyder, S. Introduction to tactical strength
1987. and conditioning. NSCA TSAC Report 2: 1 – 2, 25. Wilson, E. The grizzlybear: A circuit training
2007. program. NSCA TSAC Report 15: 6 – 11, 2010.
6. Domyancic, M, and Sterland, T. Utilization
of heart rate monitors during operational 19. Stephenson, M. The tactical athlete. NSCA 26. White, J. The U.S. Marine Corps combat
training. NSCA TSAC Report 7: 8 – 10, 2008. TSAC Report 1: 1, 2007. fitness test: What’s driving the paradigm shift?
NSCA TSAC Report 9: 1 – 2, 2009.
7. Groopman, J. How Doctors Think. New York: 20. Stephenson, M. The need for certified
Houghton-Mifflin; 169, 2007. strength and conditioning specialists in
Special Forces. NSCA TSAC Report 8: 1 – 2, 2009.
8. Hammermeister, J, Pickering, M, Holliday, B,
Williams, J, Harada, C, Ohlson, C, Csoka, L, and
Adler, A. Mental skills in basic combat training:
A group randomized trial. Paper presented at
the 118th Annual Convention of the American
Psychological Association, San Diego, CA;
2010.

9. Hammermeister, J, Pickering, M, McGraw,
L, and Ohlson, C. Realtionship between
psychological skill profiles and soldier physical
fitness performance. Military Psychology 22;
399 – 411, 2010.

10. Harvey, T. Nutrient timing for tactical
performance. NSCA TSAC Report 11: 5 – 7, 2009.

11. Henning, P, and Khamoui, V. The Army’s 800-815-6826 | www.nsca-lift.org/NatCon2011
combat-relevant physical fitness test: A look
ahead. NSCA TSAC Report 15(1 – 3). 2010.

12. Hewitt, J. Get mental with the psychology
of strength. http://www.bodybuilding.com.
2010


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Tyler Christensen
Contributors Tyler coaches a variety of tactical ath-
Michael J. Asken
letes. He received his Bachelor’s degree
Michael is the psychologist for the Penn-
in Exercise Sport Science from Iowa
sylvania State Police where he is involved NSCA Mission
State University and served in the Army
in the selection and training of troopers.
National Guard for 8 years. Tyler is also As the worldwide authority on
He functions as the psychologist for the strength and conditioning, we
a veteran of Operation Enduring Free-
PSP Special Emergency Response Team support and disseminate research-
dom.
where he consults with both tactical op- based knowledge
and its practical application,
erators and crisis negotiators. He teaches John E. Coumbe-Lilley to improve athletic performance
and is involved with cadet performance John is a Clinical Assistant Professor and fitness.
issues at the Pennsylvania State Police in the Department of Kinesiology and
Academy. He is on the Editorial Board Nutrition at the University of Illinois TSAC Editorial Review
of The FireArms Instructor, written ar- Mark Abel, PhD
at Chicago. He was a police officer in
ticles for PoliceOne.com, SWAT Digest, England and is a former national team Raymond E. Bear, MS
The Crisis Negotiator, The Tactical Edge, rugby league player and national team LTC Matthew Garber PT, DSc,
Law Officer, and The Bulletin of the OCS, FAAOMPT
rugby union head coach. He has trained,
Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police. Michael Kelly Kennedy, PhD, CSCS
coached and consulted a range of abili-
received his Doctoral degree in Clinical ties from recreational to Olympic levels Doug Kleiner, PhD, ATC, CSCS,*D
Psychology with a minor in Medical Psy- of competition and he was one of Team Joe Martin, DC
chology from West Virginia University USA’s sport psychology consultants at Danny McMillian, PT, DSc,
the Vancouver Olympic Games. His re- OCS, CSCS
Mark Stephenson Katie Sell, PhD, CSCS
cent research and practice focus is boxing
Mark is a certified Strength and Con- Stew Smith, CSCS
and triathlon training, mental toughness
ditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the
and team performance. Mark Stephenson, MS, ATC, CSCS,*D
National Strength and Conditioning As-
sociation (NSCA) and is recognized as Staff
Ray Bear Editor
a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) with Ray is a veteran of the US Army and has T. Jeff Chandler, EdD, CSCS,*D,
the National Athletic Trainers Associa- over 15 years of experience as a Strength NSCA-CPT,*D, FNSCA
tion (NATA). Mark has over 19 years and Conditioning coach in Division 1 Publisher
experience working with elite, profes- Keith Cinea, MA, CSCS,*D,
athletics, Major League Baseball and the
NSCA-CPT,*D
sional, Olympic, collegiate, and high National Hockey League. He currently
school athletes. His work also includes Copy Editor
serves as the Human Performance Coor- Matthew Sandstead
consulting with members of the US dinator for the US Special Forces. Ray
Army’s Special Forces Recruiting Com- holds CSCS through the NSCA as well
Contact
NSCA TSAC
mand preparing soldiers for assessment as the USAW Club Coach certification. 1885 Bob Johnson Drive
and selection. Mark has co-authored Colorado Springs, CO 80906
over six manuals related to Tactical Fit- phone: 800-815-6826
ness with the NSCA. email: TSAC@nsca-lift.org

© 2011National Strength and
Conditioning Association.
Reproduction without permission is
prohibited.

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Tactical Strength And Conditiong Report 17

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Tactical Strength And Conditiong Report 17