Live Event

IYCA Strength & Conditioning Coach – Level 1

February 7th & 8th in Brighton, MI

This is a live certification event that will include a lot of hands-on learning, practice teaching/coaching, and you allow you to earn your Level 1 certificate.

Day 1 Topics

Essentials of Strength Training Programming – This session will include the scientific underpinnings of strength development, program design, exercise selection, in-season/off-season training adjustments, and general physical preparation vs. more advanced methods. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of how to create strength training programs for a variety of athletes.

Teaching Exercises & Group Training Organization – Participants will learn the IYCA system of teaching exercises to athletes as well as how to organize group training sessions. This will help you teach any exercise more clearly and concisely, and create more efficient & effective group training sessions.

Plyometrics & Conditioning – You will learn how to safely condition athletes and utilize plyometrics as a part of your training program. This session will explore the differences between conditioning & plyometrics programs for a variety of sports and experience levels.

Roundtable Discussion – This session will explore important topics relevant to strength & conditioning including how to work effectively with sport coaches, engaging & motivating athletes in 2025, and team-based vs. unified programs in schools.

Day 1 presentations will take place from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the historic Brighton Lighthouse at 142 Brighton Lake Road, Brighton, MI.

Day 2 Topics

Safety, Policies & Procedures for Excellent Outcomes – Running a safe & organized program with effective communication between other staff is vital to your ability to run an effective program for athletes. This session will focus on important considerations in how to keep your athletes safe and pitfalls to avoid in the way you run your program.

Warm-ups for Athletic Development (Hands-on) – This session will teach you how to create efficient warm ups that will not only prepare your athletes for the session, but will also help them become better all-around athletes. You will create, implement, and participate in different warm-up routines in an effort to learn how to apply the IYCA warm-up templates.

Program Adjustments – Whether it’s an injury, a lack of mobility, or simply a lack of control, not all athletes can perform every exercise. This session will focus on simple modifications that can be made for some of the most common issues athletes have.

Testing & Assessment (Hands-on) – Learn the safest and most efficient way to utilize testing & assessments in group environments. You will participate in a variety of assessments in an effort to help you learn the most effective ways to evaluate physical characteristics like strength, power, speed, and more.

Group Training Organization (Hands-on) – Watch or participate in a sample training session to see how an experienced coach runs a training session. This will give you tips and ideas on how to create a great experience for your athletes.

Practical Teaching Practice & Assessment – Participants will practice & apply the IYCA system of teaching exercises in a small-group setting where your teaching skills will be both assessed and enhanced. This hands-on session/assessment will lay the foundation for your ability to teach exercises safely & efficiently, which is the core of a quality S & C program.

Written Assessment – Take a short written exam and earn your certificate. This brief exam will assess your knowledge and ensure that you have a baseline understanding of the foundations of strength & conditioning.

Day 2 will take place from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM in the outstanding weight room of Brighton High School at 7878 Brighton Road, Brighton, MI.

BONUS Learning Opportunity – On Friday, Feb. 7th at 10:00 AM participants have the option of watching Jim Kielbaso’s NFL Draft Prep Program at Impact Sports Performance at 41550 Grand River in Novi, MI. You will be able to observe Jim & his staff and ask questions.