Functional Training for Sports

Turn “strong in the gym” into “better on the field.” In this 12 Credit CEU course, you’ll use functional training principles to connect strength, mobility, and power to real sport skills. Learn how to assess needs, organize movement patterns (push, pull, hinge, squat, lunge, rotate, carry), and design sessions that improve acceleration, change of direction, and durability. You’ll progress core and hip stability, blend unilateral and multiplanar work, and pair strength with plyometrics and sprint mechanics for true transfer. Finish with plug-and-play templates, warm-ups, and drills you can scale for time, space, and season.

This course offers flexible learning pathways to suit your style:

E-course with Printed Book – Ideal for a hands-on approach with the blend of digital and physical learning.
Printed Book with Physical Course Materials – Great for tactile learners who prefer comprehensive, hands-on materials.

Course Goals

Link movement patterns to sport demands and positions.
Program strength, power, and mobility for real transfer, not just gym numbers.
Balance bilateral/unilateral and linear/multiplanar work for durability.
Integrate plyometrics and speed mechanics safely and effectively.
Deliver efficient sessions with clear progressions and simple metrics.

Learning Objectives

Identify key patterns (push, pull, hinge, squat, lunge, rotate, carry) and their on-field roles.
Select screens to guide priorities (asymmetries, mobility limits, landing quality).
Build blocks that pair strength with plyos and COD to target specific outcomes.
Set volumes, tempos, and rest to match phase (off-, pre-, in-season).
Track readiness and progress using practical field measures and RPE.

Skills Gained

Create functional warm-ups (mobility → activation → movement prep).
Write session templates that scale by athlete, time, and facility constraints.
Coach bracing, hip hinge, and rotational power with clear, transferable cues.
Choose regressions/progressions that preserve intent under fatigue.
Monitor outputs (jump height, split times, reps in reserve) to refine programming.

Course Essentials & Requirements

Course Package Includes:

_{^{Comprehensive Textbook}}
_{^{Study Guide}}
_{^{100-question multiple-choice, open-book certification exam}}
_{^{Certificate upon obtaining a passing exam score}}

Recommended Prerequisites:

_{^{CPR/First Aid Certification are highly recommended although not required.}}
_{^{Personal Trainer Certification is also encouraged to enhance your learning.}}

Course & Delivery Options:

^{Physical Book and E-course}
_{^{Your physical book will ship within 7 business days, while the Study Guide and exam are ready to access now in your IFPA Account.}}

^{Complete Physical Course Package}
_{^{Your book, study guide, and exam will all ship together within 7 business days. For faster delivery, you can select rush shipping on the Special Services page.}}

Duration:

^{_{This course must be completed within six months from your registration date.}}

Extensions:

^{_{Extensions for an additional three months are available for purchase on the Special Services page.}}

_{^{Not yet a Certified Personal Trainer? Take the next step and explore our Personal Trainer Certifications!}}

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