Practice Test GeeksNSCA CSCS - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Practice Test
← All NSCA CSCS Flashcard Decks

Exercise Technique and Coaching Flashcards

7 cards from real NSCA CSCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Exercise Technique and Coaching flashcards as text

  1. During the back squat, the bar should be positioned across which anatomical landmark for a high-bar squat?

    Answer: Across the upper trapezius at approximately the level of the acromion

    The high-bar back squat positions the barbell across the upper trapezius muscle, which provides a stable shelf at approximately the level of the acromion.

  2. A coach observes that an athlete's knees cave inward (valgus collapse) during the squat descent. Which cue is MOST appropriate to correct this fault?

    Answer: 'Push your knees out over your toes'

    Cueing the athlete to push knees outward over the toes directly addresses valgus collapse by activating the hip abductors and external rotators.

  3. When spotting the dumbbell bench press, the spotter should grasp the athlete's:

    Answer: Forearms near the wrists

    The spotter grasps the lifter's forearms near the wrists to provide support while still allowing the athlete to control the dumbbells.

  4. What is the recommended foot position for the conventional deadlift?

    Answer: Hip-width apart with toes turned out 15–30 degrees

    The conventional deadlift setup uses a hip-width stance with toes turned out 15–30 degrees to allow the shins to remain vertical and bar close to the body.

  5. During the overhead press, which of the following best describes proper head/neck position as the bar passes the face?

    Answer: The head moves slightly forward to allow bar clearance, then returns to neutral as the bar passes

    The head shifts slightly forward to clear the bar during the concentric phase, then returns to neutral once the bar is above the head.

  6. An athlete is performing Romanian deadlifts (RDLs) and consistently rounds the lumbar spine. Which coaching cue is MOST effective?

    Answer: 'Push your hips back and maintain a neutral spine'

    Cueing 'hips back and neutral spine' promotes proper hip hinge mechanics and anterior pelvic tilt that prevents lumbar flexion during the RDL.

  7. Which phase of the power clean requires the athlete to aggressively shrug the shoulders and flex the elbows upward?

    Answer: Second pull (explosion phase)

    The second pull (explosion phase) involves triple extension of the hips, knees, and ankles combined with an aggressive shrug and upward elbow drive to accelerate the bar.