An Exploration of Psychological Skills and Strategies in Division-I Strength and Conditioning

Abstract

Strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) primarily educate and train athletes in proper fitness and weight training methods to enhance qualities such as strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility, and conditioning (Magnusen & Rhea, 2009; NSCA, 2017). However, the roles of SCCs are dynamic and complex, and may include providing emotional and sport psychology support (Radcliffe et al., 2016). Considering an SCC spends a large amount of time with athletes and are not involved in game strategy or scholarship decisions, SCCs may be in an optimal position to use psychological skills and strategies (PSS) to enhance the training and performance of athletes (Feit et al., 2025; Maniar et al., 2001; Moore et al., 2019; Quartiroli et al., 2022). The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of PSS implementation within Division-I strength and conditioning settings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Division-I head and assistant strength and conditioning coaches (N = 16) across 13 different athletic conferences. Five themes emerged from the data: (a) Multifaceted role of a strength and conditioning coach; (b) Barriers and obstacles toward implementation of PSS; (c) Rudimentary understanding and application of sport psychology; (d) Providing social support to athletes; and (e) Elements of conventional strength and conditioning coaching. The results of this study indicate that SCCs often coach PSS superficially and/or ambiguously to improve athlete performance while having limited knowledge, experience, and confidence in doing so. Recommendations include improving the knowledge base of SCCs around sport psychology, clarifying the scope of practice around the use of PSS with student-athletes, and enhancing the collaboration between SCCs and sport and exercise psychology practitioners.