Non-Traditional Strength Training for Athletes at Next Level Athletics

At Next Level Athletics, non-traditional strength training  or functional strength training is at the core of how we build powerful, resilient athletes. Unlike traditional gym programs that focus heavily on back squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifts, our approach is designed specifically for athletic performance—not powerlifting numbers. We emphasize strength through sport-specific positions, movement quality, and explosiveness that directly transfer to competition.

Rather than chasing one-rep maxes, our programs build strength through exercises like rear-foot elevated split squats, quarter squats, front-loaded split squats, and customized squat variations. These movements help athletes produce force efficiently, control their body through full ranges of motion, and generate game-changing power when it matters most.

At Next Level Athletics, every strength program is built using insights from our Athlete Assessment process—ensuring that the exercises, volume, and intensity are customized to each athlete’s developmental stage, sport demands, and performance goals.

Why Non-Traditional Strength Training Matters

True athleticism demands more than raw strength—it requires fast force production, dynamic control, and movement that works under real-world conditions. Traditional barbell lifts can build general strength, but they often miss key athletic patterns like muscle/muscular strength, single-leg strength, rotational stability, and explosive transitions. Curious what the difference between traditional strength training is and non-traditional/functional strength training is, click here. 

Non-traditional strength training addresses these gaps by:

• Training force production from realistic athletic positions

• Enhancing joint integrity, balance, and unilateral strength

• Building sport-specific strength that improves sprinting, jumping, and cutting ability

• Reducing risk of overuse injuries tied to repetitive heavy bilateral loading

By emphasizing controlled, purposeful loading patterns, we build athletes who are strong, fast, mobile, and durable—not just weight-room strong.

What Makes Our Strength Training Different

Our non-traditional strength training at Next Level Athletics stands out because it is purpose-built for athletes, not designed around powerlifting templates. We coach mechanics, posture, and tempo carefully to maximize strength gains without sacrificing speed or athleticism.

Here are a few of the movements we commonly program:

• Rear-Foot Elevated Split Squats (Bulgarian Squats) – Boosts unilateral strength, balance, and explosive first-step power

• Front-Loaded Split Squats – Strengthens core-to-lower body integration for sprinting and change of direction

• Quarter Squats – Trains explosive force in sport-specific ranges rather than deep, unnecessary squatting patterns

• Banded Squat Variations – Builds reactive strength by resisting lateral knee collapse

• Single-Leg Trap Bar Deadlifts – Develops posterior chain power and stability for sprinting and deceleration

Every strength training session is aligned with the athlete’s individual assessment results, sport, and performance timeline. Beginners focus on movement quality and strength foundations, while advanced athletes progress into dynamic, load-specific strength work that replicates the demands of high-level competition.

Strength Training + Assessment-Based Programming

At Next Level Athletics, no two athletes receive the same strength plan. Our foundation is built on our Athlete Assessment, a six-test evaluation measuring vertical power, sprint speed, agility, and more.

If an athlete shows weaknesses in single-leg strength, deceleration control, or upper-body stability, their training block is adapted to address those gaps with precision programming. We reassess every month during our Assessment Days to ensure continuous improvement, accountability, and individualized coaching feedback.

Our non-traditional strength training, paired with these assessments, keeps our athletes progressing safely and efficiently—avoiding plateaus and maximizing athletic potential.

The Next Level Standard

Strength training at Next Level Athletics isn’t about lifting the most weight—it’s about building functional, transferable power that dominates in competition. We prioritize:

• Perfect movement mechanics over load

• Game-speed application over gym numbers

• Long-term durability and resilience

• Custom programming based on real performance data

You won’t find cookie-cutter workouts, meaningless max-out days, or overloading athletes just for show. Instead, every rep is coached, measured, and scaled to help athletes become their strongest, fastest, and most confident selves—both in and out of season.

Ready to Build Game-Changing Strength?

If you’re ready to break away from the ordinary and build strength that actually translates to the field, court, or track, it starts here. Book your FREE Athlete Performance Class at Next Level Athletics and experience the difference of non-traditional strength training built for your game.