The definitive guide to evidence-based sports performance training

The NASM Essentials of Sports Performance Training, Third Edition 2026 is the definitive resource for fitness professionals, strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, athletic trainers, physiotherapists, and sports coaches who want to help athletes maximize performance while reducing injury risk.

Serving as the official textbook for the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES), this fully updated edition combines the latest scientific research with practical coaching applications. It provides a complete framework for designing and implementing evidence-based performance training programs using NASM's renowned Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) Model.

With more than 1300 pages of expert content, readers will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to assess athletes, improve movement quality, develop strength, speed and power, optimize recovery, enhance sports nutrition strategies, and create individualized performance programs for athletes of all levels.

What will you learn?

The NASM Essentials of Sports Performance Training covers every major component of athletic performance development, including:

Sports performance coaching and communication
Sports psychology
Functional anatomy and biomechanics
Exercise physiology
Sports performance testing and assessment
The NASM OPT™ Sports Performance Model
Flexibility training
Core performance training
Balance training
Plyometric training
Speed, agility and quickness (SAQ)
Resistance training
Olympic weightlifting
Energy systems development
Periodization
Sports performance program design
Injury prevention and return-to-performance strategies
Recovery programming
Performance nutrition
Youth athlete development
Sports supplementation and ergogenic aids

Book contents

Section 1 – Coaching and Sports Psychology

Develop the professional coaching skills needed to work effectively with athletes, improve communication, understand sports psychology principles, and become an integral member of the performance team.

Section 2 – Human Movement Science

Explore the scientific foundation of athletic performance through functional anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and performance adaptations.

Section 3 – Sports Performance Testing and Evaluation

Learn how to assess movement quality, strength, power, endurance, speed, agility, and overall athletic performance using evidence-based assessment protocols.

Section 4 – Components of the Integrated Training Model

Master the essential building blocks of athletic development, including flexibility, core training, balance, and plyometric training.

Section 5 – Periodization and Performance Programming

Discover how to develop effective long-term performance programs using periodization principles, resistance training, Olympic lifting, speed development, and recovery strategies.

Section 6 – Nutrition and Supplementation

Understand the role of performance nutrition, hydration, youth athlete development, sports supplementation, and ergogenic aids in maximizing athletic performance.

Chapter overview

The book contains 23 comprehensive chapters, including:

Introduction to the Performance Training Profession
Coaching and Interpersonal Communication Skills
Functional Anatomy for Sports Performance
Biomechanics for Sports Performance
Exercise Physiology for Sports Performance
Sports Performance Adaptations
Sports Performance Testing and Evaluation
Flexibility Training for Sports Performance
Core Training for Sports Performance
Balance Training for Sports Performance
Plyometric Training for Sports Performance
Speed, Agility and Quickness Training
Resistance Training for Sports Performance
Olympic Weightlifting for Sports Performance
Energy Systems Training
Recovery for Sports Performance
The Science of Periodization
Programming for Sports Performance
Injury Resistance and Return to Performance
Performance Nutrition
Youth Training Principles and Long-Term Athlete Development
Supplementation and Ergogenic Aids

Who is this book for?

The NASM Essentials of Sports Performance Training is designed for professionals who want to specialize in athletic performance, including:

Personal trainers
Strength and conditioning coaches
Sports performance coaches
Athletic trainers
Physiotherapists
Exercise physiologists
Sports scientists
Sports coaches
Fitness professionals
University and college students studying sport or exercise science

Whether you work with recreational athletes, youth athletes, or elite competitors, this book provides the scientific foundation and practical tools needed to improve athletic performance.

Practical, evidence-based and immediately applicable

Designed for both education and daily coaching practice, every chapter includes:

Clearly defined learning objectives
Evidence-based training principles
Practical coaching applications
Real-world examples
Chapter summaries
Key takeaways
Scientific references

This makes the book an outstanding learning resource for students as well as an invaluable reference guide for experienced professionals.

A valuable addition to every performance coach's library

Whether you are preparing for the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES), expanding your expertise as a personal trainer, or working with athletes who want to maximize their performance, the NASM Essentials of Sports Performance Training provides the knowledge, structure, and evidence-based methodology needed to coach athletes safely and effectively.

From athlete assessment and movement analysis to periodized program design, performance nutrition, recovery strategies, and return-to-sport programming, this comprehensive textbook equips professionals with the tools to develop faster, stronger, more resilient athletes while applying the latest scientific insights to everyday coaching practice.

Cost: 139,- including shipping cost within The Netherlands.

For substantive questions and assistance during the course or question for the tutor, please contact one of our study coaches at studiecoach@efaa.nl.

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