It's been a long time. I shouldn't of kept you; without a strong rhyme to step to.
- Eric B. & Rakim, I Know you Got Soul
Sorry for the hiatus. This question comes up often. What are the best books written on strength and conditioning. Now, I love books. I have spent a lot of money on books. I have asked for others to buy me those books. But, who am I to say one book is better than the others. So, here is a list of books that have been resources for me. There are some omissions and this list may change every year. Regardless, a strength coach without books is like a strength coach who doesn't train.
Here goes:
Athletic Development - The Art & Science of Functional Sports Conditioning
Vern Gambetta is one of the pioneers. Training info is very good in this one, but his thoughts and philosophies or coaches and training are what makes this a great addition.
Block Periodization 2: Fundamental Concepts and Training Design
The version I have is under the old title of Principles and Basics of Advanced Athletic Training by Vladimir Issurin.
The Coach's Strength Training Playbook
One of the first books I ever bought and it stands the test of time. The Tier system may be the most adaptable and effective training template for any sport. House goes through the annual plan from the ground up.
High-Performance Training for Sports
This is a severely UNDERpriced resource in my opinion. A different contributing authors for each chapter and every subject is covered with the latest research and practical applications. Best book to come out in a LONG time.
Are you training younger athletes, you should have this book from the guys who wrote the book–literally–on LTAD
Olympic Weightlifting for Sports
Condensed version of Greg Everett's expertise with progressions and variations better suited for an athletic environment.
Optimizing Strength Training - Designing Nonlinear Periodization Workouts
Best part about this book besides the research supporting NLP is the 40 case studies that provide theoretical scenarios for coaches. One of my favorites.
A great resource from the father of strength and conditioning on
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Exercises, 3rd Edition
By far the most complete manual when it comes to exercise technique. I may not agree with every single thing Rip says, but it is hard to argue with the thoroughness of this book.
Strength Coach: A Call To Serve
Part Memoir, part training manual. This book is packed with valid info for coaches. Here is a podcast I did with Coach Connors last year.
The Eccentirc, Isometirc, and Concentric Components of this system is just the tip of the ice burgh. A lot more in depth and this system can be adapted for any situation. Cal does a great job with this one.
Transfer of Training in Sports Vo1. 1
Transfer of Training in Sports Vol. 2
One of the best two part manuals explaining how training effects performance from one of the greatest coaches of any sport all time.
Special Strength Training Practical Manual for Coaches
I also have had the older version of this (spiral bound), but the new edition is very comprehensive and mush more practical.
Science and Practice of Strength Training
This is where the ME, DE, and RE methods started. Kramer adds 3 chapters at the end that solidify this text by targeting specific populations. Great resource.
It is an urban myth that no one has ever actually read Supertraining from cover to cover. This may be true, but just about everything you read has some of its origins in this work. Must have resource and the more you reference it and the more you revisit it, the better coach you may be.