NSCA CSCS Practical 4

Question 1

An athlete performing the front squat repeatedly fails to maintain an upright torso and the bar rolls off the shoulders. Which flexibility limitation is MOST likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Restricted thoracic spine extension and wrist flexibility

Answer

An inability to hold the front rack position is most often caused by limited thoracic extension and wrist/elbow flexibility required to maintain the bar on the anterior deltoids.

Question 2

What is the recommended breathing technique during a heavy compound lift such as the deadlift?

Accepted Answer

Inhale and perform a Valsalva maneuver before initiating the pull

Answer

The Valsalva maneuver—inhaling and bracing the core before the pull—increases intra-abdominal pressure, which stabilizes the spine under heavy load.

Question 3

A strength coach is teaching the incline dumbbell press. At the bottom position, where should the dumbbells be relative to the chest?

Accepted Answer

At the level of the upper pectorals near the clavicles

Answer

On the incline press, the dumbbells should lower to the upper chest and clavicular region because the inclined angle targets the upper pectorals.

Question 4

During a medicine ball chest pass test for upper body power, which factor most directly affects the validity of the result?

Accepted Answer

Consistent ball weight and throwing technique across trials

Answer

Standardizing ball weight and throwing mechanics ensures that differences in test results reflect true power output rather than equipment or technique variation.

Question 5

A coach is demonstrating the proper catch position for a hang power clean. The elbows should be in which position?

Accepted Answer

Parallel to the ground and pointing forward in front of the bar

Answer

In the power clean catch, the elbows point forward and are parallel to the floor, creating the front rack position that supports the bar on the anterior deltoids.

NSCA CSCS - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Practice Test

NSCA CSCS - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Practice Test

NSCA CSCS Practical 4