The Ultimate Guide to the Most Influential Strength and Conditioning Books

For strength and conditioning coaches, staying ahead of the game requires constant learning and development. The best way to do this? Learn from the experts who’ve paved the way in the field. This blog covers the most influential strength and conditioning books that every coach should read to expand their knowledge, improve their programming, and make a lasting impact on their athletes.

For this list, I wanted to stick with the books that are going to help the most with programming, planning, and the X's and O's of coaching. My top 5 books for strength coaches is a completely different list, because as we all know the soft skills are just as important as programming. BUT, at the of the day you still need to know how to program and understand physiology. This is the lsit to help you with that!

1. "Supertraining" by Yuri Verkhoshansky and Mel Siff

Summary:

Widely regarded as the bible of strength and conditioning, Supertraining dives deep into the science of physical preparation for athletes. Yuri Verkhoshansky and Mel Siff explore concepts like periodization, plyometrics, biomechanics, and recovery strategies with an emphasis on practical application. This book takes a scientific approach to explain how training impacts the body’s systems, particularly the neuromuscular system.

Plan to be overwhelmed, bored, and having to re-read and re-read to digest the information here. This was the hardest book I've ever read. I forced myself because I thought it would make me a better coach, and I was right. I have since re-read many sections, but I haven't found the courage the re-read this whole book. If you take notes, and you should, they might end up being longer than the book, and leaving you with more questions. As comprehensive as this book is, it makes you question so many things and really makes you a better critical-thinking coach.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

Supertraining is a must-read because it bridges the gap between research and real-world application. While the content can be dense, coaches will come away with a comprehensive understanding of how to design programs based on scientific principles rather than guesswork. From mastering fatigue management to maximizing power output, this book arms coaches with tools to create smarter and more effective training plans.

2. "Science and Practice of Strength Training" by Vladimir Zatsiorsky and William Kraemer

Summary:

This book is a foundational text for understanding how to develop strength systematically. Zatsiorsky and Kraemer explain key principles such as force production, motor unit recruitment, and energy systems in a way that is both thorough and accessible. It provides practical advice on strength programming while debunking myths and misconceptions about training.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

This book gives coaches a solid scientific foundation to support their training decisions. It’s especially helpful for designing programs tailored to the needs of individual athletes, ensuring they achieve optimal performance while minimizing injury risk. The emphasis on balancing strength, speed, and endurance is invaluable for coaches working across multiple sports.

3. "Starting Strength" by Mark Rippetoe

Summary:

Mark Rippetoe’s Starting Strength is one of the most widely recommended books for teaching the fundamentals of barbell training. Rippetoe provides detailed instructions on the squat, deadlift, bench press, press, and power clean, emphasizing proper technique and biomechanics. This book also includes programming recommendations for beginner lifters.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

Strength coaches often work with athletes who are new to resistance training, and Starting Strength offers a step-by-step guide to teaching the most effective compound lifts. The book’s emphasis on proper technique makes it a valuable resource for preventing injury and building a strong foundation for more advanced training.

4. "Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training" by Tudor Bompa and Carlo Buzzichelli

Summary:

This definitive guide on periodization explains how to structure training programs to optimize athletic performance. Bompa and Buzzichelli cover topics like macrocycles, mesocycles, and microcycles, along with methods for managing volume, intensity, and recovery. The book also includes sport-specific examples, making it applicable to a wide range of athletes.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

Understanding periodization is critical for designing effective long-term training plans, and this book offers a detailed roadmap for doing so. Coaches will learn how to plan for peak performance at the right time, whether it’s for a championship game or a major competition. It’s an essential resource for optimizing progress while avoiding overtraining.

5. "Practical Programming for Strength Training" by Mark Rippetoe and Andy Baker

Summary:

This book builds on the concepts introduced in Starting Strength, offering a deeper dive into program design. Rippetoe and Baker focus on developing strength at different stages of an athlete’s training journey, from novice to advanced lifters. The authors provide clear guidelines on manipulating variables like volume, intensity, and frequency.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

For coaches who want to go beyond teaching basic lifts, this book provides the tools to create effective, individualized programs. It’s especially useful for managing progress over time and addressing plateaus in strength development. The clear explanations and practical advice make it an excellent addition to any coach’s library.

6. "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning" by NSCA

Summary:

This comprehensive textbook, published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), covers all aspects of strength and conditioning, including anatomy, biomechanics, program design, nutrition, and testing. It’s often used as a study guide for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

As a one-stop resource for foundational knowledge, this book is perfect for both aspiring and experienced strength coaches. It’s a great reference for designing well-rounded training programs that address every aspect of athletic performance. The inclusion of practical examples and research-backed recommendations makes it an indispensable tool.

7. "The System: Soviet Periodization Adapted for the American Strength Coach" by Johnny Parker, Al Miller, and Rob Panariello

Summary:

This book translates the advanced concepts of Soviet periodization into practical programming strategies for American coaches. The authors, all experienced strength coaches, break down how to adapt these principles to fit different sports and training environments while emphasizing the importance of individualized coaching.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

For coaches looking to refine their programming strategies, The System provides unique insights into periodization and training methodologies that have been proven effective at the highest levels of sport. The authors’ real-world experience makes the concepts highly relatable and applicable.

8. "Ultimate Athleticism" by Max Shank

Summary:

Max Shank’s Ultimate Athleticism focuses on developing well-rounded athletes by combining strength, mobility, and skill-based movements. The book includes detailed explanations of movement patterns, progressions, and drills that enhance athleticism across multiple domains.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

This book challenges traditional training paradigms by emphasizing versatility and movement quality. Strength coaches who work with athletes in dynamic sports will find the mobility and skill-based exercises especially valuable for reducing injury risk and improving performance.

9. "The Conjugate Method: Enhanced Through the Research of Westside Barbell" by Louie Simmons

Summary:

Louie Simmons, founder of Westside Barbell, outlines the conjugate method in this book, explaining how to develop strength and power simultaneously. Simmons provides detailed guidance on exercise selection, rotation, and progression while sharing insights from his work with elite powerlifters and athletes.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

The conjugate system is one of the most effective methods for improving maximal strength, speed, and power. Coaches can apply these principles to athletes in a variety of sports, making this book an essential resource for those working with advanced lifters or performance-focused clients.

10. "Becoming a Supple Leopard" by Dr. Kelly Starrett

Summary:

Dr. Kelly Starrett’s Becoming a Supple Leopard is a comprehensive guide to movement mechanics, mobility, and injury prevention. The book offers detailed assessments, corrective exercises, and programming recommendations to optimize performance and reduce pain.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

Mobility and movement quality are foundational to athletic performance, and this book provides the tools to assess and address limitations. Strength coaches can use these strategies to keep their athletes healthy and ensure they move efficiently during training and competition.

11. "The New Power Program" by Michael Colgan

Summary:

This book explores how to build explosive power through a combination of strength training, nutrition, and recovery strategies. Colgan focuses on the science behind power development and provides practical advice for improving athletic performance.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

Developing explosive power is critical for success in many sports, and this book provides a clear blueprint for achieving it. Strength coaches will appreciate the emphasis on integrating training with recovery and nutrition to maximize results.

12. "Training for the New Alpinism" by Steve House and Scott Johnston

Summary:

Though geared toward climbers, Training for the New Alpinism offers valuable insights into endurance, strength, and mental toughness. The authors provide detailed training plans and discuss how to balance multiple fitness qualities for optimal performance.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

Coaches working with endurance athletes or those in adventure sports will find this book particularly useful. The focus on balancing strength and endurance makes it relevant for any coach aiming to develop well-rounded athletes.

13. "Ultimate MMA Conditioning" by Joel Jamieson

Summary:

Joel Jamieson’s Ultimate MMA Conditioning focuses on energy systems development and how to design conditioning programs that maximize performance for fighters. The book breaks down the science behind aerobic, anaerobic, and alactic energy systems and offers practical strategies for training each one effectively. It includes testing protocols and sample workouts tailored to combat sports.

Why It’s Beneficial for Strength Coaches:

This book is a game-changer for coaches who work with athletes in sports requiring high levels of conditioning and endurance. The detailed explanation of energy systems helps coaches understand how to structure conditioning programs for peak performance. While it’s geared toward MMA fighters, the principles are applicable to any sport that demands a balance of power and endurance.

Final Thoughts:

The best strength and conditioning books offer more than just programming advice; they provide the tools to think critically, adapt strategies, and continuously improve as a coach. By reading and applying the knowledge from these influential texts, strength coaches can create impactful programs that elevate their athletes’ performance.

Whether you’re seeking to improve your understanding of periodization, master barbell techniques, or refine your mobility training, these books are essential additions to your library. Start with one, and watch how it transforms your coaching approach!