Hicks, DS, Fox, J, Russo, MP, Baker, S, Ranford, D, and Bird, SP. Neuromuscular warm-ups and lower-limb injury risk: A 12-week pilot study in female youth basketball. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study examined the effects of a 12-week neuromuscular warm-up program (NMWP) on changes to force-time variables during countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) actions, and their association with modifiable lower-limb injury risk factors. A repeated-measures design was used to compare force-time variables in 13 female youth representative basketball players, with pre and post force-time data collected from CMJ and DJ actions using force plates. Once divided into experimental and control groups (EG and CG), the EG performed the NMWP in the 12-minute period before the on-court session, twice a week for 12 weeks. The CG completed a generalized dynamic warm-up which was volume and duration matched. Analyses were performed using linear mixed models, cluster, and principal component analysis with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Significant time × group interactions were observed for mean and peak propulsive power (CMJ), indicating greater improvements in the EG (d = -2.40 to -1.93) compared with the CG. Similar interactions were observed for mean propulsive force, mean and peak propulsive power, reactive strength index, and net propulsive impulse during the DJ, reflecting a greater change in the EG (d = -2.15 to -1.46). Nonsignificant, positive pre-post changes were noted for mean and peak braking force. This pilot study showed a 3-month NMWP produced meaningful improvements in CMJ and DJ force-time characteristics, jump outcomes, and jump strategies associated with favorable biomechanical adaptations relevant to injury risk.

Espeit, L, Rozand, V, Gravholt, A, Ravel, A, Gondin, J, Millet, GY, Maffiuletti, NA, and Lapole, T. Effects of narrow- vs. wide-pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation training on functional performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training has been shown to improve maximal isometric strength but inconsistent effects have been reported on dynamic/functional outcomes. Inconsistencies have been attributed to the general training setup (isometric mode) and to the unphysiological motor unit recruitment pattern of NMES. As pulse duration could modify motor unit recruitment, the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of NMES training with narrow vs. wide pulses on explosive and isokinetic strength, jumping performance, and fatigability. Thirty-six healthy men were randomly allocated to a control group or 1 of 2 NMES training groups, who underwent a 6-week NMES program. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation with narrow (0.2 ms) or wide (1 ms) pulses was applied to the quadriceps muscle with a stimulation frequency of 50 Hz and at the maximal tolerable current intensity. PRE- and POST-training measurements included explosive strength (early and late rate of torque development [RTD]), isokinetic strength (concentric at 60°·s-1 and 180°·s-1, eccentric at -60°·s-1), countermovement jump (CMJ) performance and fatigability (fatigue index during repeated maximal concentric contractions). The effects of NMES training were similar for the 2 training groups. Late- but not early-phase RTD increased at POST (p < 0.05). Isokinetic strength increased at POST (p < 0.05) at all angular velocities. No changes were observed for CMJ performance and fatigue index. In conclusion, 6 weeks of NMES with narrow and wide pulses induced similar improvements in explosive and isokinetic strength but failed to improve jumping performance and fatigability in healthy men.

Kalata, M, Lukavsky, J, Martinho, DV, Williams, CA, Konarski, JM, Zahalka, F, Malina, RM, and Maly, T. Trajectories of 10 m sprint time and countermovement jump height relative to peak height velocity in male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-To characterize the longitudinal development of 10 m sprint time and countermovement jump (CMJ) height across adolescence in youth male soccer players. Twenty academy players (10.9-16.0 years) were assessed longitudinally over 4-5 years, comprising 145 CMJ and 140 sprint observations. Age at peak height velocity (PHV) for each player was estimated from longitudinal stature records collected at 6-month intervals, by identifying the interval of maximal annual growth and noting its midpoint. Developmental trajectories were aligned relative to years from PHV (Δage) and analyzed using Generalized Additive Mixed Models. Inference was based on estimated trajectories and associated uncertainty. Countermovement jump performance followed a nonlinear trajectory, with a maximal rate of improvement occurring shortly after PHV (+0.20 years; +3.06 cm·y-1). By contrast, early acceleration improved at a relatively constant rate across the observed maturity interval (∼0.04 seconds·y-1), with no clear nonlinear feature around PHV in this data set. No significant relationship was noted between the individual CMJ and 10 m sprint gains (r = 0.04; p = 0.80). The existence, timing, and magnitude of accelerated development of these motor skills are task-specific. Peak height velocity-aligned monitoring may help contextualize periods of more rapid CMJ development in this cohort, whereas sprint acceleration followed a more gradual trajectory across adolescence.

Shaul, Y, Sax van der Weyden, M, and Martin, J. What drives army fitness testing ACFT success? Analysis of body composition, performance, and predictive measures among ROTC cadets. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) was introduced as multidomain assessment of strength, power, agility, and endurance. However, since the introduction of the ACFT, it was modified to the Army Fitness Test (AFT). This study examined sex differences in body composition and ACFT performance among Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, with attention to, performance stratification and longitudinal trends. Subjects included 177 cadets (134/43 M/F) in a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Sex differences were observed in body composition and raw ACFT scores, but not in total ACFT scores. Men showed stronger associations between Fat-Free Mass (FFM) and FFM Index (FFMI) with strength-power events. Repeated-measures agreement between changes in ACFT scores and changes in % body fat was small (κ = 0.35) and slight for FFM (κ = 0.18). Army Combat Fitness Test performance differed by class year (η2 = 0.23, p < 0.001), but no effect in high performers (top 5%). The largest differences in body composition and performance occurred between the lowest and highest quintiles, with little variation across mid-quintiles. Hand Release Push-Ups and plank together predicted total ACFT score (R2 = 0.625), while body composition had limited predictive value overall (R2 ≤ 0.138), but greater in top performers (R2 < 0.432). Rescoring cadet performance using the AFT sex-neutral combat standard substantially altered failure rates and body composition exemption eligibility, particularly among female cadets. These findings support a clustered approach to programming for ROTC cadets, recognizing that single-program approaches may overlook individual-level differences. The influence of FFM and FFMI, combined with sex-specific relationships to ACFT performance, supports training that emphasizes lean mass development.

Brennan, A, Murray, A, Johansen, M, Couglan, D, Xu, J, Turner, A, and Bishop, C. Inclusion of lower-body and upper-body power exercises acutely improves distance-related measures in golf driving performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of including upper-body and lower-body power interventions on distance-related swing measures in high-level amateur golf players. Eighteen male golf athletes completed 2 acute interventions, separated by 1 week. Golf shot data were recorded at baseline, immediately postintervention, and at 15-, 30-, and 60-minute intervals. The upper-body intervention resulted in statistically significant, albeit trivial to small improvements in ball speed (g = 0.13-0.21), carry distance (g = 0.29-0.36), and smash factor (g = 0.14-0.27) across multiple time points, with no significant changes observed in clubhead speed (CHS). By contrast, the lower-body intervention demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all golf metrics, including CHS (g = 0.14-0.18), ball speed (g = 0.26-0.36), carry distance (g = 0.26-0.31), and smash factor (g = 0.16-0.35). In conclusion, both interventions elicited acute improvements in distance-related swing measures, with the lower-body intervention demonstrating a slightly superior influence on CHS. These findings suggest that low volume power exercises may be effectively integrated into prepractice or precompetition routines. However, practitioners should also consider the potential cumulative effects of combining both upper-body and lower-body power methods, as demonstrated by significant improvements in distance-related swing data across multiple time points. This suggests that practitioners can feel confident when implementing low volume power training interventions before golf practice or competition.

Lyristakis, P, Wundersitz, D, Cousins, S, Zadow, E, and Gordon, BA. The relationship between subjective and objective intensity across a multiset resistance training program. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to explore the relationship between rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and objective intensity (relative: percentage of 1 repetition maximum [1RM], absolute: kilograms lifted) across multiple sets, exercises, and training sessions. A total of 104 subjects were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 exercise interventions. Subjects performed 3 resistance training (RT) sessions per week for 8 weeks, which incorporated 5-6 exercises at 50% or 80% of 1RM, across 2-3 sets for 6 or 14 repetitions; RPE was recorded after each exercise set. Generalized estimating equation models of fixed effects were used to assess the relationship between RPE and objective intensity, individual exercises, sets, repetitions, and training sessions. Significant differences in RPE between exercises were identified despite the same objective relative intensity prescription, with the shoulder press resulting in the highest RPE (17.2 ± 2.3; p < 0.001), and the calf raise producing the lowest (13.3 ± 2.6; p < 0.001). Objective relative intensity, set number, and repetition number predicted RPE across most exercises (p < 0.001). Higher relative intensities (β = 0.6 to 2.0) and fewer repetitions (β = -0.1 to -0.3) were associated with greater changes in RPE. Between sets, pairwise comparisons showed that RPE increased at different rates between exercises. A statistically significant relationship exists between RPE and objective relative intensity, sets, and repetitions, with higher intensities and fewer repetitions associated with greater RPE. Despite the same objective relative intensity prescription, RPE was not consistent between individual exercises; therefore, %1RM might be the most appropriate method to prescribe RT intensity and ensure appropriate and desired training stimulus.

Cai, J, Sun, D, Li, F, Chen, D, Zhu, J, Song, Y, Fan, Y, Goda, TJ, and Gu, Y. Dose-dependent effects of heel elevation on kinetic chain reconstruction and lumbar stress during loaded squatting in men with restricted ankle dorsiflexion. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The aim of this study was to determine whether graded heel elevation modifies squat biomechanics, neuromuscular activity, and lumbar stress in men with restricted ankle dorsiflexion. Thirty healthy men performed loaded squats under 6 heel-elevation conditions (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 cm). Three-dimensional motion capture, force plates, and surface electromyography were used to assess lower-limb kinematics, net joint moments, center-of-pressure variables, muscle activity, and co-contraction. Finite element analysis was used to quantify peak von Mises stress in the L1-L5 segments. Discrete outcomes were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, and joint-moment waveforms were compared using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping (SPM1D), with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Increasing heel elevation reduced peak ankle dorsiflexion and trunk forward inclination, while increasing peak knee flexion, hip flexion, and tibial progression angle (all p < 0.001). Peak knee moment increased with heel elevation (p < 0.001), whereas ankle and hip moments were not significantly changed. SPM1D revealed prolonged increases in knee moment during the middle phase of the squat cycle. Center-of-pressure path length increased at 2-3 cm and declined at higher elevations. Selected muscle activities and co-contraction indices increased, whereas peak von Mises stress in L3-L5 decreased overall, with the greatest reduction at L4. These findings show that heel elevation produces a dose-dependent redistribution of the lower-limb-to-trunk kinetic chain. Practitioners may use heel lifts to promote deeper, more upright squats, but excessive elevation may increase knee extensor demand.

Knapp, ZR, Minger, AJ, Trent, RA, Sandvik, JE, Mihalik, JD, Dobbs, WC, McBride, SP, and Almonroeder, TG. Relationships between countermovement jump metrics and skating speed among male and female collegiate hockey athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the extent to which lower-body power, propulsive force, velocity, jump height, and reactive strength during a countermovement jump (CMJ) are related to skating speed among male and female collegiate ice hockey athletes. Twenty-six male and 22 female collegiate hockey athletes participated in this cross-sectional study. Athletes completed CMJ testing on a force platform and an on-ice skating speed test. CMJ-derived variables included peak power, mean power, peak force, mean force, peak velocity, jump height, and the modified reactive strength index. Pearson product-moment correlation analyses were conducted separately for men and women to examine relationships between CMJ metrics and average skating speed. Faster skating speed was associated with greater peak/mean power, peak velocity, jump height, and reactive strength for both men and women (r ≥ 0.43). By contrast, the relationships between skating speed and peak force (r ≤ 0.13) and mean force (r ≤ 0.30) were weak, with 95% confidence intervals spanning 0. Greater lower-body power was associated with faster skating speed in both male and female collegiate hockey athletes; this relationship seemed to be driven primarily by movement velocity rather than propulsive force magnitude. These findings suggest that the ability to rapidly generate force may be more relevant to skating speed than force production alone. In addition, jump height may serve as a practical off-ice metric for monitoring neuromuscular qualities related to skating speed when on-ice testing is not feasible.

Morais, JE and Barbosa, TM. Why swimmers go faster: Discriminating swimming velocity using propulsive force and arms coordination. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The aim of this study was to determine whether propulsive force (PF) was associated with changes in the index of coordination (IdC) and whether both metrics were associated with swimming velocity in the front crawl stroke. The sample comprised 12 swimmers (9 males and 3 females) with an average age of 17.5 ± 1.2 years. Two swimming paces were considered: 200- and 50-m (all-out) paces. A univariate general linear model was used to examine the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variables, and effect sizes (Cohen's d and eta square-η2) were also calculated. Swimming velocity (p < 0.001, d = 2.02) and PF (p < 0.001, d = 1.71) increased between 200- and 50-m pace. The IdC changed between paces (p < 0.001, d = 3.16), shifting from a catch-up to superposition mode. The IdC model retained the PF as a predictor (p = 0.026, η2 = 0.21). The swimming velocity model retained the PF (p = 0.004, η2 = 0.35) and IdC (p = 0.050, η2 = 0.18) as predictors. Altogether, these findings indicate that greater PF and a superposition IdC were responsible for the fastest velocities. Coaches and researchers should be aware that increasing PF will promote a change in the swimmers' IdC (less time between propulsive phases), ultimately allowing swimmers to achieve the fastest velocities.

Achermann, BB, Kong, T, Drewek, A, Lee, G, Lorenzetti, SR, and Kim, H. Acute effect of the bounce technique on joint angles, net joint moments and muscle activity in the free weight back squat. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study investigated the biomechanical effects of the bounce technique during the free-weight back squat on joint kinematics, net joint moments, and muscle activation patterns. The bounce technique is characterized by a rapid transition between eccentric and concentric phases and has been proposed to exploit elastic energy and enhance concentric performance. However, its biomechanical effects remain poorly understood. Ten resistance-trained subjects (7 men and 3 women) participated in this study. Subjects performed 4 trials of bounce and standard squats across 5 external load conditions (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of body mass). Three-dimensional motion capture, force plates, and electromyography data were used to estimate Joint Angles, Net Joint Moments, and Muscle Activity. Linear mixed effect models were used to evaluate the effect of the bounce condition across the 5 load conditions. Joint angles were greater in the bounce condition, with increased hip (+4.1°) and knee flexion (+5.8°), anterior pelvic tilt (+4.7°), and greater forward trunk lean (reduced lumbar extension, -6.4°). Net joint moments were higher across joints, particularly at the hip (+38%), knee (+50%), and ankle (+21.3%), with the largest increase in lumbar extension moment magnitude (182%). Muscle activation shifted toward the posterior chain in the concentric phase, with greater activity in the biceps femoris (+40%), gluteus maximus (+37%), and gluteus medius (+28), while quadriceps activation remained unchanged in the concentric phase. The bounce technique substantially alters lower-limb biomechanics in the squat, producing higher load on the lower back and inducing a shift toward a more hip-dominant movement strategy.

Merrigan, JJ, Ray, N, Barrett, K, O'Connor, M, Smith, R, Walters, JR, Hagen, J, Eckerle, J, and Briggs, R. Jump assessments on force plates do not determine musculoskeletal injury risk in active-duty air force personnel. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study evaluated jump performances and lower extremity musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) risk in active-duty Air Force (N = 963). During the 6-month surveillance period, 88 subjects sustained MSKI, while 875 subjects reported no lower extremity injuries (No-MSKI). Previous injuries were documented within 6 months before testing. Jump assessments consisted of maximal effort arm-swing countermovement jumps (ASCMJ), no arm-swing countermovement jumps (CMJ), bilateral repeated hop test (BRHT), CMJs with a weighted vest loaded countermovement jump (LCMJ), and drop jumps (DJ), in that order. Drop jumps were not different between MSKI and No-MSKI groups. On the remaining assessments, MSKI had lower jump heights, less reactive strength indexes, and greater peak landing force relative to body mass. According to logistic regressions, previous injury was associated with odds of sustaining MSKI (no-MSKI = 6.06%; MSKI = 30.68%). Higher jump heights were associated with lower odds of MSKI for ASCMJ (odds ratio, OR = 0.49), CMJ (OR = 0.52), LCMJ (OR = 0.51), and BRHT (OR = 0.60), but no model accurately classified MSKI occurrences. Chi-square results demonstrated greater risk ratios for those below the 25th percentile (ASCMJ = 3.53; CMJ = 3.26; BRHT = 2.38; LCMJ = 2.41; p < 0.05) and between 25 and 50th percentiles (ASCMJ = 2.64; LCMJ = 2.33; p < 0.05) compared with those above the 75th percentile. These findings suggest that while force-plate jumps demonstrate associations with MSKI risk, they were not effective as standalone tools for accurately classifying MSKI risk in active-duty military personnel. Nonetheless, performance below the 25th percentile may help identify individuals who could benefit from additional preparatory training aimed at reducing injury risk.

Newman, JE, King, IN, Flemming, NB, Buhmann, R, Rose, GL, Broadhouse, KM, Jenkins, DG, Askew, CD, and Schaumberg, MA. The effective training on irisin and cognition in healthy older adults. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Exercise-induced release of irisin may mediate the beneficial effects of exercise on cognition. Although exercise induces a short-term transient acute increase in circulating irisin, a longer-term adaptative improvement in basal irisin concentrations may also be possible in older adults. Whether an increase in basal and acute irisin is a mechanism that underpins training-induced cognitive gains in older people is unclear and warrants investigation. Thirty healthy adults aged >65 years were recruited into a 12-week single-arm exercise trial. Twenty-four subjects completed 12 weeks of progressive resistance training, 3 times per week, at 80% 1-repetition maximum, with a convenience sample of 6 subjects continuing normal activity as a reference group. Body composition, cognition measures, and circulating irisin concentrations were collected pre- and post-training intervention. Circulating irisin concentrations were sampled pre- and 0, 30, and 60 minutes postresistance exercise at the first and final exercise session. Twelve weeks of resistance training did not increase basal irisin concentrations and seemed to attenuate response. Peak irisin concentrations increased only after a single bout of resistance exercise before 12 weeks training (1.8 ± 3.6 ng·ml -1 , p < 0.001). Verbal fluency improved (1.0 ± 1.7 points, p = 0.007) after resistance training, while memory change correlated with pretraining basal and posttraining peak irisin levels (r < 0.423, p < 0.040). These findings implicate regular doses of irisin in response to exercise, but not longer-term basal improvement, as the most important outcome of exercise training in healthy older adults. However, attenuation of acute irisin over the training period suggests that the ability of irisin to influence brain health may decline as training progresses.

Haischer, MH, Ahn, N, and Kipp, K. Lower-extremity joint function during a drop jump: relationships to performance and maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Humans modulate joint stiffness during movement based on stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) loading demands. In performance tasks such as jumping, the SSC helps maximize vertical impulse through potentiation of concentric force after eccentric loading. However, joints can serve different locomotor functions (i.e., strut, spring, motor, or damper) while coordinating to achieve an overarching goal. Furthermore, while strength may benefit the ability to regulate joint stiffness under load, what joint functions facilitate optimal SSC task performance and their relationship to maximal strength is not well-understood. The purpose of this study was to describe lower-extremity joint function during a drop jump and characterize the associations to performance outcomes (jump height, ground contact time [GCT], and reactive strength index [RSI]) and relationships to maximal strength. Forty-five collegiate or club level athletes performed drop jumps off a 12-inch box while motion capture and ground reaction force data were recorded. Stance phase kinematics and kinetics were used to calculate joint functional indices (JFI) for the ankle, knee, and hip, reported as relative percentages of strut-, spring-, damper-, and motor-like mechanical behavior. Peak force from an isometric midthigh pull was also recorded as a proxy for strength, and correlations and elastic net regression analyses were performed (p ≤ 0.05). Strut, spring, motor, and damper was the rank order of JFI at all joints. Stronger athletes exhibited greater knee motor function, which was associated with a shorter GCT, greater jump height, and better RSI. Greater relative strength positively influences jump performance by enhancing the ability to generate mechanical energy.

Stevens, LJ, Carey, DL, Gastin, PB, and James, LP. Validity and reliability of a 3-point load-velocity profile for predicting hex bar deadlift 1 repetition maximum. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study assessed the between-session reliability of load-velocity-derived parameters in the hex bar deadlift using a 3-point method and velocity-based load prescription and determined the validity of a predictive 1RM model based on these parameters relative to actual 1RM testing. Nineteen resistance-trained subjects completed 2 testing sessions consisting of a traditional 1RM test and a submaximal 3-load load-velocity assessment using the hex bar deadlift. Between-session reliability of measures derived from the load-velocity profile and 1RM testing were evaluated using coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A linear mixed-effects model was used to predict 1RM from theoretical maximal load (L0) and theoretical maximum velocity (V0) derived from individual load-velocity profiles. Bland-Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement were used to assess the level of agreement between methods. Between sessions, L0 showed excellent reliability (CV = 5.2%, ICC = 0.97), while V0 was generally less reliable (CV = 6.0%, ICC = 0.70). The predictive model explained nearly all variance in actual 1RM (marginal R2 = 0.975), with both L0 and V0 contributing significantly (p < 0.05). Predicted 1RM values were highly similar to actual 1RM values on average; however, the limits of agreement (±15.7 kg) suggest that the 2 methods are not directly interchangeable. Overall, the methodology used in this study provides a feasible alternative for assessing maximal strength, offering a less fatiguing and efficient option for athlete monitoring. However, due to individual variability, predicted 1RM values should not be used interchangeably with direct 1RM testing.

Nishioka, T, Yamaguchi, S, Yoshikawa, A, Hajima, D, Yabuno, N, Aoki, A, Kunita, Y, Hashimoto, Y, and Inami, T. Integrating strength and technique: Field-based predictors of sprint running performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This cross-sectional study aimed to (a) examine the interrelationships among field-based indicators of strength qualities, sprinting technique, and sprint running performance; (b) identify the combination that best predicts sprint performance; and (c) determine whether sprinting technique explains additional variance beyond strength qualities. Thirty young, resistance-trained subjects performed 30-m sprint runs. Sprinting technique was assessed using the sprint mechanics assessment score (S-MAS) with a smartphone slow-motion 240-fps video. Strength qualities were assessed using the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), bounce drop jump (BDJ), foot-ankle rebound jump (FARJ), and back squat (BSQ) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests. The S-MAS, SJ height, CMJ height, and FARJ reactive strength index (RSI) had significant and strong correlations with 30-m sprint time (ρ = 0.629, -0.629, -0.592, and -0.645, respectively; p < 0.001). The BDJ RSI and BSQ 1RM relative to body mass showed significant and moderate correlations with certain sprint times. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis yielded a prediction equation (adjusted R2 = 0.561, p < 0.001) for 30-m sprint time, with FARJ RSI, SJ height, and S-MAS as significant independent variables (p < 0.05). The FARJ RSI and SJ height had negative partial regression coefficients (β = -0.324 and -0.355, respectively), and the S-MAS had a positive partial regression coefficient (β = 0.318). In conclusion, greater speed strength, foot-ankle reactive strength, and sprinting technique were strongly and independently associated with superior sprint running performance. Therefore, practitioners may benefit from targeting these strength and technical qualities, which can be regularly monitored using field-based assessments.