It’s amazing how much math I’ve forgotten over the years. Basic algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, geometry and advanced statistics has left my mind faster than when it entered. It seems the quantitative information that I don’t weave into practical application on a daily basis gets weeded out and forgotten. The beautiful part of being a Strength and Conditioning Coach is that our math is easy! Easy and practical: two qualities that lie at the foundation of our practice. Below is the basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, and multiplication) of strength and conditioning.

Addition: R+E=AS

Repetition + Exposure=Acquired Skill. The biggest service we can provide our athletes is to acquire competent movement skills. If you don’t perform the movement on a regular basis, skill acquisition in a daunting task. If it’s important do it and do it often! Failure to adhere to this can alter the equation (borrowed from Coach Boyle). C+C+C=MC. Crap+Crap+Crap=More Crap!

Subtraction: M-EL=BM

Movement-Excessive Load=Better Movement. The biggest coaching cue I used at DSC in 2011 was “take weight off the bar.” It’s just amazing (being sarcastic) what this can do to clean up technique. The equation could also be written as M-T=BM. Movement-Testosterone=Better Movement!

Multiplication: W=FxD

Work=Force x Distance. Set the distance! Failure to set the distance is a failure to quantify strength gains. Does the bar touch the chest; do the glutes touch the box? How do we know that our athletes have gotten stronger if the distance is not consistent? We don’t. Do work!

Who would have thought that basic math can make great Coaches: arithmetic that’s simple, practical, important and hard to forget: Strength Coach arithmetic.

Anthony Donskov, MS, CSCS, PES, is a former collegiate and professional hockey player, founder of Donskov Strength and Conditioning Inc., (www.donskovsc.com) and Head Instructor/Director of Off-Ice Strength and Conditioning for Donskov Hockey Development (www.donskovhockey.com). He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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