ISSA Strength Coach Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21A strength and conditioning coach is organizing a training week for a basketball team. Based on the following workout plan, which type of workout should ideally be scheduled on a separate day to ensure the athletes do not experience fatigue that compromises their performance in other sessions? Type of Workout Example Session Recommended Frequency Per Week Aerobic Continuous 5-mile run 2 times Anaerobic High-intensity interval training (HIIT) 1 time Strength 1RM bench press testing 2-3 times Speed 10-meter sprint drills 2 times
✓ Correct answer: C. Anaerobic (High-intensity interval training - HIIT)
Answer: Anaerobic (High-intensity interval training - HIIT) HIIT sessions are highly taxing and can lead to significant fatigue, which can compromise performance in other workouts if not scheduled properly. It is optimal to schedule HIIT on a separate day or ensure adequate recovery time before and after the session. Aerobic and strength sessions, while demanding, typically do not result in the same level of acute fatigue as HIIT.
Q22When evaluating an athlete's nutritional plan, which of the following is of least importance for enhancing athletic performance?
✓ Correct answer: B. Calorie intake
Calorie intake is crucial for overall health but is less specific than macronutrient allocation for performance outcomes. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel for exercise, proteins are vital for repair and recovery, and hydration is essential for maintaining performance. While an athlete must ensure they consume sufficient calories, specific nutrient intake is more directly linked to performance.
Q23When administering a maximal anaerobic power test on a cycle ergometer to an athlete, which of the following tools is least essential for this assessment? Tool Purpose Heart rate monitor Tracks heart rate during test Power meter Measures power output in watts during sprint Lactate analyzer Analyzes blood lactate concentration post-test Altimeter Measures altitude changes; not relevant for ergometer test
✓ Correct answer: D. Altimeter
The correct answer is Altimeter. An altimeter measures altitude changes, which are not necessary for a stationary test like an ergometer sprint. Essential tools like a heart rate monitor, power meter, and lactate analyzer provide vital data about the athlete's performance and physiological responses during such tests.
Q24An athlete undergoes a training cycle aimed at improving sprint performance. Using the table below, calculate the percentage increase in the athlete's average power output after the training cycle. Time 50-meter Sprint Time (s) Average Power Output (W) Before Training 7.5 400 After Training 7.2 440
✓ Correct answer: C. 10%
To calculate the percentage increase in power output, we use the formula: Percentage change = $$\frac{\text{Final value} - \text{Initial value}}{\text{Initial value}} \times 100\%$$ Initial Average Power Output = 400 W Final Average Power Output = 440 W Percentage change = $$\frac{440 - 400}{400} \times 100\% = 10\%$$
Q25During a hyperextension exercise focusing on strengthening the lower back, which of the following best represents the movement of the torso relative to the hips?
✓ Correct answer: B. Angle between the torso and hips increases
The correct answer is the 'Angle between the torso and hips increases' as the torso lifts from a bent position causing the angle to increase, illustrating extension. In the context of a hyperextension exercise, extension involves the straightening of the back, leading to an increased angle between the torso and the hips.
Q26A powerlifter is preparing for a competition and needs to perform multiple maximal lift attempts. What is the recommended minimum amount of rest between attempts to ensure adequate recovery and optimal performance during the competition?
✓ Correct answer: C. 3 minutes
Answer: 3 minutes For maximal efforts like those in powerlifting, a minimum rest period of three minutes is generally recommended to allow sufficient recovery of energy systems and reduce fatigue, ensuring athletes can perform optimally on successive attempts. Less than 3 minutes might not be adequate for full recovery of strength and power, while 5 minutes may be more suitable when tests are diverse or involve multiple different demands.
Q27A sprinter has been training with resistance exercises, including barbell squats, for the last six months. How many repetitions of barbell squats would be suitable for this athlete per session?
✓ Correct answer: C. 30
The correct answer is 30 repetitions. As an intermediate athlete in resistance training, the typical volume for compound exercises like squats is around 24 to 48 repetitions per session. This often translates to around 4 to 6 sets of 6-8 repetitions.
Q28Which of the following statements is true regarding the elbow flexion angle during the lowering and lifting phases of a bench press?
✓ Correct answer: A. Elbow flexion angle is greater during the lowering phase.
Answer: Elbow flexion angle is greater during the lowering phase. As the barbell is lowered towards the chest, the elbows must bend more, thereby increasing the angle. During the lifting phase, the elbows straighten as the barbell is pushed upward, decreasing the angle.
Q29A track athlete is at the starting line, ready to begin a race. To optimize performance and effectively ignore the noise from the audience and other competitors, which of the following psychological strategies should the athlete employ?
✓ Correct answer: A. Selective attention
Answer: Selective attention Selective attention is the psychological ability to focus on certain stimuli while ignoring others, allowing the athlete to concentrate on the race despite distractions. Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards, not directly relevant to focusing on performance in this context. Positive self-punishment refers to adding an unpleasant factor after behavior, a concept unrelated to maintaining focus during competition.
Q30Your client is a sprinter who wants to reach their top speed more quickly during races. Which type of training should be prioritized in their program to best achieve this goal?
✓ Correct answer: A. Speed endurance
Speed endurance training helps sprinters maintain higher velocities for longer periods and reach their maximal speed faster. Flexibility, although beneficial for overall performance and injury prevention, does not directly enhance the ability to accelerate quickly. Strength endurance is more related to sustaining submaximal force over prolonged periods, rather than rapidly accelerating to top speed.
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