In this audio clip recorded at the 2012 NSCA Conference, Dr. Morey Kolber, a physical therapist at Nova Southeastern University, discusses his recommendations and observations  for strengthening tennis players' shoulders. Certain exercises and stretches are also discussed.

The 2012 National Strength & Conditioning Association National Conference and Exhibition was held in Providence, Rhode Island (July 11-14th, 2012). This was the 35th year that the NSCA has been in existence, and the conference was a great event which highlighted the founding of the organization through its growth  to a leading association providing strength and conditioning information to coaches throughout the world. The NSCA started as a group of strength coaches who got together over some drinks to “talk shop.” Over the years it has grown into an important organization in the industry which aims at providing scientific information relevant to testing, training and rehabilitating athletes. This year’s conference had over 1000 people in attendance from a number of countries. The conference combines keynote lectures, research presentations, practical hands-on training sessions, the latest scientific research studies presented in poster and free-communication form as well as an extensive exhibit hall with the latest strength and conditioning equipment on display. Some great information was presented over the four days from all aspects of sport science and strength & conditioning.

Very little information is focused on tennis, but much of the information that was presented can be applied to training tennis athletes and improving speed, strength, power, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, flexibility and a number of other physical variables. The iTPA was very well represented with a number of certification commissioners and advisory board members presenting lectures, hands-on presentations and serving on different committees. A number of iTPA members were also in attendance, and some great tennis-specific training information was discussed. Over the coming week the iTPA is developing a series of summaries that will provided to the iTPA membership posted in the iTPA Inner Circle  Member Only Website www.itpamembers.org. These summaries are providing the latest information from the conference with specific emphasis on how this information can help train the tennis athlete. Some of the topics discussed include:

• Some basics on periodization
• The importance of micronutrients. Specific information on Magnesium, Zinc, Iron and Vitamin D.
• The role of core stability and some of the latest research
• Compatibility of training programs. What does the research tell us about combining strength/power workouts with endurance focused workouts. How best to structure activities and training
• A coach’s perspective on training the overhead athlete
• How High Intensity Training (HIT) can improve aerobic capacity and is it relevant and important for training athletes
• The growth and development challenges (and opportunities) of developing elite young athletes who plan to go  pro!
• A review of sarcopenia and the older athlete. How resistance training can improve longevity and reverse many effects of ageing.
• Some great practical video exercises from USTA Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Satoshi Ochi
• Interviews with leading physical therapist Morey Kolber on upper extremities issues and prevention.
• Many other topics also added to improve the quality of training and recovery for the tennis athlet

www.itpamembers.org

To access content on the iTPA Inner Circle Member Only Website, sign  up today for either Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT) or Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).

International Tennis Performance Association (iTPA) is now an Associate Member of the National Club Association (NCA). We'll be promoting the importance of iTPA Certification for club tennis pros and fitness professionals in this important partnership. This will include editorial items in NCA print publications, on their website and conferences. We are committed to enhancing the quality of tennis training in clubs internationally and across America, and this is an important first step to increasing awareness to club owners and managers of the importance of hiring an iTPA Certified Tennis Pro and/or Fitness Professional, and requiring current staff to become certified.

The iTPA was also recently added as an official Approved Continuing Education Provider for the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). CTPS is awarded 1.0 credits.

The heat wave in the US is setting records all over the country. It is just another reminder to all tennis players at every level to take the important precautions to handle playing tennis in the heat. During the summer months it is not uncommon for tennis athletes to play more than six hours of tennis in very hot conditions. Although playing in hot and humid weather is physically and mentally draining, here are 7 practical tips that can help any tennis athlete prepare to compete in hot and humid conditions.

1. Train hard before having to compete. Getting in fantastic physical shape before competing is one of the best methods to prepare for hot and humid conditions. Physically-fit athletes handle the hot and humid conditions better because they are able to consume and utilize more oxygen per breath, handle moderate increases in core temperature better and recover better between points. 
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - Drinking high volumes of electrolyte-enhanced fluids will prepare the athlete and help limit the severe loss of fluids and electrolytes during play. Tennis is one of the toughest sports on the planet to maintain appropriate fluid levels during hot and humid conditions. Take precautions and train your body to consume appropriate amounts of fluid based on your sweat rate and body size. Unfortunately as many as 50% of tournament players go into matches already dehydrated.
3. Consume sodium rich food and drink.  Sodium is the major electrolyte lost in the sweat, and it is one factor that is related to an athlete's likelihood of cramping. "Salty sweaters" have white residue that is left on dark-colored clothing or hats. This white residue is salt deposits released from the sweat. The higher the athlete's salt concentration in the sweat, the more this white residue will show up on their apparel during and after a long match or practice session in hot and humid conditions.
4. A balanced diet is important for all athletes from a general performance standpoint and especially in regard to heat-related issues.
5. Wear sunscreen! Sunburn increases skin temperature and makes the body less efficient at body cooling. Most of us have been sunburned and had the feeling of heat dissipating from the skin. This process limits the amount of heat that will be moved from the core to the periphery (skin) and limits the ability to cool as efficiently as possible.
6. Acclimatization to the heat and humidity (7 to 14 days prior to competition). It is known that children take a longer period of time to acclimate to hot and humid conditions compared to adults. If it is practical, it is recommended to practice the week before a tournament in conditions that are similar to what the conditions will be like during the tournament.
   
7. Focus on tips 1 and 2 (train hard and stay well hydrated). These are two of the most important aspects of being able to compete effectively during the hot and humid summer months.