Pacey Performance Podcast

Training tendons: What really matters for performance and rehabilitation with Seth O’Neill

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Seth O’Neill. He’s an Associate Professor in Physiotherapy at the University of Leicester. He has a PhD on tendinopathy and in this episode its all about the tendons, how we train them, how we reduce the chances of injury and how we rehabilitate them.

Seth tells us about the role of the tendon function and how it can adapt to dynamic movements. This includes the importance of tendon structure – and why this subject has been dividing opinion. Seth moves onto what causes changes to tendon structure, including ageing and how this can be mitigated for. There’s also some insight into muscle stiffness versus tendon stiffness, and how both affect performance.

Seth also discusses isometric training, including what does and doesn’t work for him in order to get the best performance benefits. He also talks about how isometrics can be the gateway to rehabilitation and how pain comes into the equation. He goes into specifics too, about patellar tendons, the Achilles tendon, and on to calf training and monitoring. This includes why calf injuries are now more common, and why hamstring injuries have plateaued in recent times. Finally, Seth tells us how to gain performance benefits through calf training. For all this insight and much more, hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• The main question sports clubs ask Seth regarding physiotherapy
• The role of the tendon function and adapting to dynamic movements
• The importance of tendon structure
• What causes changes to tendon structure
• How much can age affect tendon structure
• Muscle stiffness versus tendon stiffness
• What does and doesn’t work in isometric training
• How isometric training can be best used to get performance benefits
• How isometrics can be the gateway to rehabilitation
• Patellar tendon and Achilles rehabilitation
• Calf training and monitoring
• Why calf injuries are now more common, and hamstring injuries have plateaued
• Gaining performance benefits through calf training

#Bitesize - Tackling common sleep problems in athletes with Luke Gupta

Luke featured on episode #291 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What are common sleep problems athletes have?
• How can we solve them with and without the help of a sleep scientist
• How can we use questionnaires effectively to manage and monitor sleep

Check out the full episode with Luke here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-291-luke-gupta/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Linking a strength & power programme to a game model to maximise on-field performance with Shane Lehane

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Shane Lehane, Athletic Performance Coach at the Sydney Swans in the AFL. Shane has lots of experience in rugby union with Leicester Tigers and Melbourne Rebels and it is these two contrasting experiences that we chat about today.

Shane describes the programme at Leicester working under Alex Martin where the strength and power programme was high up on the priority list due to the demands of how the team played. That is in contrast to his time at Melbourne where the style of play was completely different, leading to the strength and power programme falling down the priority list when the weekly schedule was being developed.

He discusses how his philosphy evolved and how his time at Leicester, where they focused on lifting with exercise that had a low a technical bias so to maximise raw strength and power, has shaped his thoughts moving forwards.

Key talking points -

• Working at Leicester Tigers where strength and power was a priority
• Prescribing exercises with low technical bias
• What the programme actually looked like
• How coordinative drills transfer to on-field performance
• The influece of Frans Bosch, John Pryor and Dean Benton
• Working at Melbourne Rebels where the strength and power programme didn't take priority
• Building a framework that helps future staff make better decisions at the Swans

#Bitesize - Gym based assessments to help guide speed training with Ryan Grubbs

Ryan featured on episode #395 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What gym based assessments he uses to guide speed training
• Hip isometric assessments and what the data can tell us
• Turning data into speed training interventions 

Check out the full episode with Ryan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/helping-athletes-get-fast-with-speed-profiling-is-it-a-technical-or-physical-adjustment-that-is-needed/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Coaching agility using a constraints led approach with Shawn Myszka

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Movement Skill Acquisition Coach at Emergence, Shawn Myszka. Shawn currently serves as a personal performance advisor and movement coach for more than a dozen NFL players.

Coaching agility is much more than setting up cones and letting the athletes run routes around them. Agility is much more than just change of direction ability. But with so much complexity to improve the physical quality of "agility", how can we coach it effectively to ensure transfer to the field? In this episode, Shawn details his approach which dives into the world of ecological dynamics and a constraints led approach. He explains how his approach differs to a "traditional" approach of pre-planned movements and drilling them time after time. Shawn presents an example of a closed drill which aims to improve cutting and develops it into a much more open drill so the athlete has to react to a changing environment, much like they would have to do on game day.

This is an excellent episode for anyone that wants to ensure their time spent on the field developing "agility" is actually transferring to the field.

Talking points -

• Typical NFL drills to improve agility and how they can be improved

• Traditional approach versus an ecological approach to drill design

• How to integrate a constraints led approach into agility training

• Closed drills vs open drills

• Problems with coaching to a fixed movement profile

#Bitesize - Whoop vs Oura and which device to choose with Sian Allen

Sian featured on episode #391 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where she discussed -

• What are the main differences between Oura and Whoop?
• How they both calculate HRV and what that means for data interpretation
• Which one is most suitable in different situations

Check out the full episode with Sian here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/choosing-the-right-wearable-tech-for-your-athletes-and-which-is-worth-the-investment-whoop-or-oura/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Mentoring and building the skills needed to succeed in performance sport with Craig White

This week's episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking with High Performance Consultant and Coach Mentor, Craig White. Craig has worked with some of the biggest rugby organisations in the world from England Rugby to Wasps, Wales Rugby and Leicester Tigers.

Craig has a really interesting story from being a hardcore S&C coach, obsessed with the craft and getting athletes physically strong and powerful, to being a practitioner who now focuses on the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of performance. As a consultant for a number of tier 2 rugby nations over the last few years, Craig is brought into organisations to guide culture, communication and brotherhood.

In this episode we dive into those non-traditional aspects of performance. We also discuss mentoring and why mentoring isn't for everyone, and for those that it is for, one mentor may not be enough. If you're looking to hear from a highly experienced practitioner and their journey to enhance performance on the field, hit the play button now.

Talking points -

• What Craig looks for in an S&C coach
• The role of a mentor
• Does everyone need a mentor?
• Career development vs inner development
• Reflections on working in high performance environments
• Career periodisation

#Bitesize - Designing the optimal warm up with Rett Larson

Rett featured on episode #375 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where she discussed -

• How to design a warm up
• How to ensure the warm up fits the following activity
• What are Rett's thoughts on stretching

Check out the full episode with Rett here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/warm-ups-and-cool-downs-maximising-our-impact-as-coaches/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Mental skills training: The untapped strategies to help athletes perform with Colleen Hacker

Today's guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Dr. Colleen Hacker. Colleen has worked with some of the biggest sporting organisations and businesses in the world as a Mental Performance Consultant. She most recently served on the Gold Medal staff for USA Ice Hockey in the 2018 Olympic Games which was alongside her tenure with the women's football USA national team. Within this time she helped the USA win multiple Olympic gold medals.

On the episode today we discuss a number of different mental skills which performance coaches may want to develop. This may not be a sole focus, but things like mental toughness, resilliance and dealing with adversity are skills that can be developed in numerous environments which onto the field or court. Given recent conversations on mental toughness and military style training, we chat a lot about how performance coaches and those without the luxury of a mental skills coach can use strategies in their sessions to build this.

If you're looking to learn from one of the world's best in the area of mental skills development, press play now.

• What is a mental performance consultant and mental skills coach
• How to develop mental toughness
• How can coaches build in mental toughness elements to their practices?
• What sport can learn from the business world: stress, pressure etc
• Common mental traits of gold medal winning teams

Heart rate variability: What we know and how it can be used to inform training prescription with Marco Altini

In this episode of thre Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Scientist and Owner of HRV4Training, Marco Altini. In addition to this, Marco is also an advisor to Oura Ring. This episode is all about heart rate variability (HRV) and how the data can be used to inform training in various different environments.

We kick off the conversation by outlining what HRV actually is and Marco gives us a rundown of how we can collect reliable, actionable data with the technology we now have available. He then reveals why he thinks HRV hasn't been incorporated into the team setting given its value in assessing the response to stress. He then finishes off this fascinating episode with insights into what else HRV can tell us about what is going on with our athletes like illness or menstrual cycle phase.

If you're interested in knowing more about heart rate variability and how it can be used with your athletes, hit play now.

#Bitesize - How to evaluate sports technology with Xavi Schelling

Xavi featured on episode #299 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where she discussed -

• How to understand reliability of a piece of sports technology
• What to look at when trialling sports technology
• Evaluating whether the technology answers a question or creates more questions

Check out the full episode with Xavi here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-299-xavi-schelling/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Debunking 5 myths on speed training and getting team sport athletes FAST with Pete Burridge

On today's episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast is Pete Burridge. Pete is First Team Athletic Performance Coach at Bristol Bears and heads up the speed training element of the programme. He recently wrote an article on Sportsmith which detailed a number of myths that surround this area and how we can debunk them. This podcast dives even deeper into 5 of them.

We tackled 1) "You can't coach speed", 2) Technical models are a waste of time for team sports, 3) You can’t change a movement pattern that engrained, 4) Speed is too risky to train 5) They already get speed exposures in session. But not only that, given that Pete has shared his exact sessions (see viral tweet), Rob asks him to expand on what he is doing and why within his speed training sessions.

If you're interested in getting insights into speed training from someone who is living it each and everyday, press play on your chose podcast player. You can find us on YouTube, iTunes, Spotify and all other podcast stations.

Today's main talking points -

• Myths around speed training
• "You can't coach speed..."
• "Technical models are a waste of time for team sports"
• The technical model and scoring system Pete uses
• "You can’t change a movement pattern that engrained"
• Getting slower to get faster
• Understanding what is a technical issue and what is a physical capacity issue
• "It's too risky to train"
• How much is too much? What is not enough?
• "They already get speed exposures in session"
• What do your athletes get exposed to in rugby sessions
• How do you go about topping the guys up should they need it
• How you develop posture, pelvic position, front side mechanics, switching and skills at speed

#Bitesize - What impact strength actually has on speed with Peter Weyand

Peter featured on episode #403 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where she discussed -

• How strength transfers to acceleration ability
• How strength transfers to max speed ability
• How we can maximise transfer

Check out the full episode with Peter here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/speed-training-what-we-know-what-we-think-we-know-and-what-is-a-good-guess/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Data science, data visualisation and evaluating the effectiveness of a programme with Johann Windt

This week's guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Johann Windt. Johann is Head of Performance Data Science at the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS. He is a strength and conditioning coach turned data scientist and it is this transition which makes Johann such an interesting person to speak to. He is able to speak "coach". He "gets" what happens in the weightroom and on the field and is able to integrate that mindset into his discussions on complex topics.

In this episode he chats with Rob about what data science actually is. It has gained a perception of being a mystical thing that goes on in dark rooms with staff who don't speak to each other. However, when done well its quite the opposite. He speaks about how data science is being used to help every other department at the club answer important questions. "Is this piece of technology valid?" or "what effect is this intervention having on our players?"

He finishes off the conversation by reflecting on his recent article for Sportsmith on data visualisation and explaining the principle of data being "not ugly and efficient".

If you're interested in making the most of the data that you collect with your team, hit play on your chosen podcast player now.

Today's talking points -

• Where a data scientist fits within an organisation?
• For those that don’t have a data scientist, what are the minimum data skills required across a sports science department?
• Technology evaluation and linking research and practice
• Subjectives evaluations
• Maximising data quality
• Evaluating the effectiveness of your interventions
• Data viz
• ‘Not ugly’ and ‘efficient’
• Examples of how you live this daily
• What you present and how
• Common data viz mistakes —-failing to contextualize

#Bitesize - Using run-specific isometric strength training with youth athletes and different populations with Alex Natera

Alex featured on episode #392 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How you can use run-specific isometric strength training (RSIST) with youth athletes
• Which isometric exercises to use (and not use) with youth athletes
• Programming considerations when using isometric strength training

Check out the full episode with Alex here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/isometric-training-assessments-progressions-and-regressions-and-programming-for-different-populations/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Training the lower limb to improve performance and reduce injury risk with Colin Griffin

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast has Rob speaking to Foot & Ankle Rehabilitation Lead and the Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, Colin Griffin. Colin is an Olympian turned accredited strength and conditioning coach, specialising in the rehabilitation of the foot and ankle.

This episode references and dives deeper into some of the concepts presented in this article that Colin wrote for Sportsmith earlier in the year. We chat about why the foot, ankle and calf have traditionally been neglected when it comes to performance enhancement. Colin then details his testing procedures so coaches and clinicians can get a better idea of how much time they need to dedicate to this area. On the back of those tests, Colin explains the interventions he would use to develop each given area.

As well as looking at performance enhancement, he takes us through various lower limb rehabilitation examples, going through exercise selection, sets and reps. He finishes off with some insights into his PhD and a novel test that is showing encouraging signs.

If you want to listen to Colin, press play on your chosen podcast player.

Today's topics -

• Assessing calf strength
• Reasons for recent increases in calf injuries
• Developing calf strength 
• Foot strength assessments
• Developing exercises for the foot
• Is isolated foot work needed for all athletes
• Developing reactive strength during the return to play process
• Reactive strength assessments, progressions and regressions
• Explosive strength assessments, progressions and regressions

#Bitesize - Testing changing of direction ability: Is it worthwhile with Alistair McBurnie and Tom Dos’Santos

Tom and Alistair featured on episode #381 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where they discussed -

• Why change of direction testing has become less fashionable in recent years
• Why there is a need for testing change of direction ability 
• What are the most suitable tests to use

Check out the full episode with Tom and Alistair here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/change-of-direction-ability-testing-developing-physical-qualities-and-maximising-on-field-transfer/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Anaerobic speed reserve: Individualising conditioning in team sports with Phil Scott

This week's guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Men's Strength and Conditioning Coach for England Cricket, Phil Scott. Phil comes on the podcast to discuss why he turned to the anaerobic speed reserve to enable him to better inidividualise aerobic training.

So what is the anaerobic speed reserve? Phil gives us a great overview of what it is and what questions were left unanswered before he was introduced to it. But its not only about what it is but how its used in practice and Phil is living it everyday with the men's national cricket team here in England. We dive into the details of how a profile is built, how he segmented his athletes into three profiles; aerobic, speed and mixed. That then leads us into a discussion around what each profiles characteristics are and how they are best trained.

If you're wanting to know more about how you can better individualise training using the anaerobic speed reserve, press play on your chosen podcast player.

Today's talking points -

• How physical preparation has changed in cricket
• An introduction to the anaerobic speed reserve
• What question does the anaerobic speed reserve answer with how you condition athletes?
• How to conduct an ASR profile
• Using data to individualise training
• Creating your own cut offs and how others can do the same in their sport
• Aerobic profile - what training looks like
• Mixed profile - what training looks like
• Speed profile - what training looks like

#Bitesize - Managing and monitoring the menstrual cycle in World Cup winning athletes with Dawn Scott

Dawn featured on episode #256 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where she discussed -

• Why Dawn chose to pursue menstrual cycle monitoring
• How they did it during the World Cup
• What results they saw and what interventions that were able to implement because of it

Check out the full episode with Dawn here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-256-dawn-scott/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

A critique of the “knees over toes” phenomenon and maximising cross training prescription with Nathan Kiely

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Speed and Rehab Coach at the Brisbane Broncos, Nathan Kiely.  

Nathan recently wrote a piece for Sportsmith on the ”knees over toes” movement which he dives deeper into in this episode. Why has this gained so much momentum, particularly on Instagram and how we can be better at being critical when other things like this come along.

He also gives his views and recommendations when it comes to cross training and how you can use it effectively during rehab and also with athletes who need off feet options in season.

Main talking points - 

• Knees over toes (KOT)
• What is it?
• Nathan's opinions on it
• KOT split squat - the claims
• Transfer to sports performance? Link to acceleration? 
• Cross training
• Equipment choices - rower vs Watt Bike
• Where does it fit in the calendar?
• Benefits of cross training
• Focus of extensive vs intensive - reasons
• Creating benchmarks
• Example sessions
• Speed training in rugby
• What has worked for you in rugby
• What hasn't worked as well as you thought

Maximising the use of eccentric training for sports performance with Pete Burridge, Mike Young and John Wagle

This week's episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast is with Pete Burridge, Mike Young and John Wagle talking about all things eccentric training and testing.

This was originally recorded last year as part of the Sportsmith Live series where we get three experts to chat about one area and coaches can tune in to ask their own questions. It is available on Sportsmith but the information is so good that we wanted to put it out as a podcast.

We all know the benefits of eccentric focused training. However, how do we fit it within our programme due to the negative responses athletes often feel with this type of training? John gives us a great overview here.

Mike then dives into flywheel training, a method of training which has been around for a long time but is really starting to give coaches incredible information due to advancements in technology. So what options do we have and what are the benefits and limitations of this type of eccentric training?

If you don't have flywheels or budget for any fancy equipment, how can coaches use other eccentric methods to overload their athletes? Pete dives into this area to explain how you can manually overload and incorporate accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) into a programme.

Talking points - 

• The benefits of eccentric focused training and links to dynamic performance 

• Fitting eccentrics into the wider programme

• Flywheel training - benefits and limitations

• Flywheel tech options

• Other ways to load eccentrically

• Manually overloaded and accentuated eccentric loading (AEL)

#Bitesize - The current state of hamstring rehabilitation practice with Jurdan Mendiguchia

Jurdan featured on episode #266 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where she discussed -

• Why hamstring injury rehab has been fixated on knee flexor strength
• Why sprint mechanics need more attention
• The role of the trunk in hamstring injuries

Check out the full episode with Jurdan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-266-jurdan-mendiguchia/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Maximal aerobic speed vs. Tempo: Which is optimal for team sport aerobic fitness (?) with Nathan Heaney

In the week's episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob talks to Nathan Heaney, The Conditioning Consultant.

The topic of the discussion is one that often spills over into arguments on social media and that's maximal aerobic speed (MAS) versus tempo running. In this episode Nathan clarifies what MAS actually is and isn't as well as giving us an insight into the different ways of getting MAS data. That is followed up with him giving us a great insight into how he individualises aerobic training based on MAS.

The second half of the episode has Nathan giving the other side of the argument and explaining the pros and cons of tempo training. Although not Nathan's preferred choice, he explains the adaptations that coaches may be seeking by using tempo running (vs MAS) and why this actually goes against much of the literature on aerobic training with elite athletes.

Talking points -

• Importance of aerobic fitness for team sport athletes
• What MAS is and isn't • Different types of HIIT and when each one may be used
• Common misconceptions and over focus on certain methods (Eurofit)
• How can we use MAS to prescribe conditioning sessions for team sport athletes
• Where does anaerobic speed reserve fits in
• What do we mean by tempo running?
• What adaptations are practitioners looking for when employing tempo running and what are the realities?
• Its use for track athletes, endurance athletes and team sport athletes
• Why would a practitioner live in one camp (MAS or tempo) or the other?

#Bitesize - Managing tendinopothies with blood flow restriction training and isometrics with Luke Vella

Luke featured on episode #357 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Symptoms of tendinopothy
• Managing tendinopothies with isometric training
• Managing tendinopothies with blood flow restriction training 

Check out the full episode with Luke here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/rethinking-rehabilitation-tendon-health-and-the-rise-of-blood-flow-restriction-training/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Science and application of velocity based training with Dan Baker, Lachlan Wilmot and Jonathon Weakley

On this week's Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Dan Baker, Lachlan Wilmot and Jonathon Weakley. This episode was originally recorded in 2020 as a Live roundtable but because the information on velocity based training (VBT) was so incredible, we decided to release it as a podcast.

Dan, Lachlan and Jonathon are most certainly authorities in this area from both a practical and academic perspective. All three of these guys know this area inside out. Firstly we start by tackling a few misunderstandings when it comes to VBT and then chat through why each of the guests decide to implement VBT in their different environments.

There seems to be a disconnect between the science of VBT and its application. On paper it looks great but implementing it in practice seems to be a barrier to some coaches. Is it the technology available, is it athlete buy-in, is it friction when it comes to programming? Jonathon gives his view here given his recent review of this area in his paper, Velocity-based training: From theory to application.

If you are interested in this area and haven't read this article, its free to download on Researchgate. We finish off this episode with a quick fire round of questions, tackling some of the common issues when interpreting the science and translating that into practice.

If you're looking for in-depth information on velocity based training, listen to three experts in this area on this episode of the podcast.

Main talking points -

• What is velocity based training?
• Why is it misunderstood?
• When VBT shouldn't be implemented with a programme?
• Why is there a disconnect between VBT science and application?
• Is bar path really an essential metric to track using VBT technology?
• What metrics to focus on to maximise bang for buck
• How can we help coaches successfully implement VBT in an applied setting
• Using velocity loss

Maximising the impact of RPE data and other subjective measures with Shaun McLaren

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Dr. Shaun McLaren about all things RPEs and subjective measures.

RPE is no doubt the most used tool for coaches to understand an athlete's response to training. But just asking an athlete for a number to rate how hard a session was has lots of moving parts. When do you ask them? How do you ask them? Do you provide the scale on paper so they can see it? What scale are you using? Is the scale valid? How these questions are answered can have significant impact on the quality of data we get. And we all want to maximise data quality and not waste our or our athlete's time.

In this episode, Shaun gives some great recommendations how we can make the "right" decisions when setting up a system to collect RPEs and other subjective measures. But before he does that, Shaun gives us a great overview of why he thinks RPEs are so valuable and the science behind their being. The type of scale used has sparked a number of Twitter debates about the type of scale that is used. So we dive into that black hole and Shaun explains why using a valid scale is so important and some of the downfalls coaches make when using non-validated options.

If you want to maximise the RPE and subjective data that you are collecting, press play on the episode with Shaun on your chosen podcast player.

Main topics -

• What does this data really tell us? Effort, fatigue etc?
• What common mistakes do people make when collecting RPEs which lead to them removing it
• Recommendations for collecting good data
• The importance of using validated scales
• The impact of using colours, different descriptors and emojis on scales
• How can those with minimal budget get an idea of their athlete's training status by using RPE/sRPE?
• How can they maximise their time investment?
• How well do athletes rate what we are asking them to rate?

#Bitesize - How to programme and coach resisted sprints with Håkan Andersson

Håkan featured on episode #272 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How to programme the load used in resisted sprint training?
• The impact heavy loading can have on acute and chronic sprint technique
• Using resisted sprint training with team sport athletes

Check out the full episode with Håkan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-272-hakan-andersson/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Deceleration testing and training: Applying the research in college football with Joey Guarascio

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Joey Guarascio. Joey has previously held positions at Colorado State, and Ole Miss before landing at FAU in 2020.

Deceleration testing and training is getting more and more attention both in research and in practice, and rightly so. Joey has recently written about his thoughts on deceleration and its this topic Rob chats with him about in this episode. We kick our discussion on how he integrates some of Damian Harper's deceleration assessments into his larger battery of tests at FAU. Joey emphasises the need for specific deceleration assessment versus thinking that a change of direction test will tell us what we need to know.

We then chat about building the qualities needed to improve deceleration ability, firstly in the weightroom and then out on the field. Joey explains how he uses eccentric training at various different levels to build the engine and then the drill he uses on the field to refine technique.

If you're looking to include deceleration assessments into your testing battery or want an insight into what exercises translate to improved deceleration ability on the field, give this a listen.

Main talking points - 

• Why deceleration so important
• How to test deceleration ability
• The qualities underpinning better deceleration performance
• On-field strategies to develop a player's deceleration performance
• Off-field strategies to develop a player's deceleration performance
• The use of eccentrics
• Sub-max eccentric exercise prescription
• Supra-max eccentric prescription
• How to maximise eccentric training strategies in team environments

#Bitesize - Data visualisation principles with Johann Windt

Johann featured on episode #415 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How to maximise impact with data
• The importance of communicating data in interesting ways
• Why the simple option of data visualisation is often best

Check out the full episode with Johann here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/data-science-data-visualisation-and-evaluating-the-effectiveness-of-a-programme/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

How to develop an NBA player: Assessments, programmes and methodologies with Nathan Spencer

This week's Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach at New South Wales Institute of Sport, Nathan Spencer. So what has Nathan got to do with NBA players? Well, prior to moving back to Australia,  Nathan spent 4 years at the Orlando Magic, firstly as a Performance and Rehab Coach before progressing to Head Strength Coach.

In this episode, Nathan reflects on his time in the NBA, opening up about a difficult transition from Australian pro basketball. He dives into his preconceptions about NBA players and what they should and shouldn't be doing before detailing the assessments that formed the foundation of their programme. We discuss assessments that came and went during his 4 years in Orlando as well as the metrics that become valuable to him and the rest of the performance team.

We finish off the conversation by getting into the detail about how NBA players train on the road, how they maintain such high physical capacity whilst in the midst of a packed schedule.

If you want to know how to develop an NBA player, click play on this episode with Nathan.

Main talking points - 

• Reflections on Nathan's time in the NBA - the realities
• Understanding what the athlete needs to improve physically
• Choosing the the most appropriate assessment
• Things to consider - prior injury, technique etc
• Influence of the draft
• Answering three important questions
  • What physical characteristics do athletes need to possess to play in the NBA and YOUR way of playing?
  • Expression vs capacity - what NM properties comprise these characteristics?
  • What training methodologies impact these properties?
• Interventions based off these assessments
• How did things change across your time there as influences and philosophies changed?

Developing and maintaining an injury risk reduction strategy at the Kansas City Royals with Austin Driggers

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Senior Director of Performance Science at the Kansas City Royals, Austin Driggers.

Although often flying under the radar, Austin is highly respected in the field having come up through the US Olympic Committee system working with winter sport athletes under the tutelage of Brad DeWeese.

This episode kicks off with Austin explaining how the Royals have developed a system which assesses each player throughout the year to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This then helps him and the rest of the team design programmes to keep each athlete fit and competing across the gruelling 180+ game season.

We also chat about how he has tapped into and learnt from other environments such as business. This is a fascinating part of the episode as sport can often seem in a bubble with people looking in but not much going the other way.

If you're aim is to reduce injuries with your athletes, check out this episode with Austin and press play on your chose podcast player.

Main talking points -

• What assessments Austin uses
• Gold standards of practice
• What has entered and exited their assessment process
• Maturation of sports science in baseball
• Integrating sports science with data science, biomechanics etc
• Learning from other enviroments
• What Austin has learned from the world of business

#Bitesize - What is maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and how it can be used to programme conditioning with Nathan Heaney

Nathan featured on episode #420 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What MAS is and isn't
• Misconceptions about MAS and its use to programme conditioning
• How to use percentage of MAS to target different physical adaptations

Check out the full episode with Nathan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/maximal-aerobic-speed-vs-tempo-which-is-optimal-for-team-sport-aerobic-fitness/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Blood flow restriction training: Applications in rehab, recovery and strength training with Stephen Patterson

This week's guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast speaking to Rob is Stephen Patterson. It's actually Stephen's second time on the podcats having featured 3 years ago talking about the same topic, blood flow restriction training (BFR).

Blood flow restriction training, although being around for years and years has seen an explosion in interest of the last few years. More devices on the market, an up surge in research and Stephen's podcast has all led to this boom. As interest rises and practitioners get their hands on the wearables or garments used for blood flow restriction training, new applications are spoken about. Because of this, it was essential to get Stephen back on to discuss some of those new applications and see what research (anecdotal or peer-reviewed) is behind them.

In the first part of the episode we discuss BFR's more traditional applications; strength training, hypertrophy and rehab. The second part sees us discussing some of the more novel applications of this training modality; recovery and pre-training/match potentiation.

If you're interested to know more about BFR and its applications, this podcast is for you.

Main talking points -

• Physiology behind BFR
• What we know about BFR
• Why use BFR?
• Strength and hypertrophy protocols
• Benefits of using BFR in rehab
• What the research says on BFR for recovery
• Pre game/training potentiation effects
• Safety considerations
• Technology options
• What other novel ways coaches are using BFR
• Where is the research & application heading?

#Bitesize - How to maximise heart rate variability (HRV) data quality with Marco Altini

Marco featured on episode #413 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• The importance of HRV data collection timing
• HRV data collection protocol recommendations
• Other things that can affect HRV data

Check out the full episode with Marco here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/heart-rate-variability-what-we-know-and-how-it-can-be-used-to-inform-training-prescription/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Maximising resisted sprint training and speed training with youth athletes with Micheál Cahill

This week's episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Micheál Cahill. Micheál has been in the US for a number of years while completing his PhD and working at Athlete Training and Health in Texas. Most practitioners will know him for his work in resisted speed training with youth populations which is the exact topic of today's discussion.

In the first half of the discussion, Micheál outlines his philosophy when working with youth athletes and outlines the gaps in maturation and develop where we can really focus on speed development. He also outlines why you may use sled pushes versus sled pulls with youth athletes.

In the second half of the conversation we focus solely on resisted sprint trainnig for all populations. How can we prescribe load and how can we understand what an athletes needs from resisted sprints?

Finally Micheál tackles some of the misconceptions and common questions that come up around resisted sprints.

If you want a deep dive into resisted sprints and getting youth players fast, this one is for you.

Main talking points -

• Developing speed across the age groups
• Are there any periods of time when things can be pushed or need to be pulled back?
• Where sled pulls can be utilised?
• Where sled pushes can be utilised?
• Time on technical vs physical development
• How to assess to understand what is needed when prescribing resisted sprints?
• Methods to prescribe load?
• Sled pushing vs sled pulling - Reasons for using one over the other
• Common questions/misconceptions/gripes around resisted sprinting

Optimising athlete recovery and managing load effectively across multiple sports with Carmen Colomer

This week's Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Head of Performance at Perth Glory in the A-League, Carmen Colomer. Since 2017, Carmen has had quite the journey going from the Australian Institute of Sport to the Brumbies, Brisbane Broncos, Philadelphia 76'ers as Director of Sports Science and then into her current role in Perth.

With all those experiences across multiple sports and countries, we wanted to chat to Carmen about what she has learnt along the way, particularly when it comes to recovery. The NBA has a notoriously gruelling schedule, so how did Carmen implement fresh ideas to the organisation and what has she took from that experience and integrated into the programme at Perth? 

The first half of the conversation is all about recovery, what has worked for Carmen and her athletes and what hasn't. Then the second half is all about load monitoring. This is certainly a passion of hers but she early in the conversation gives us the cold hard facts of what load monitoring is and isn't. 

If you're interested in hearing from Carmen, click play now.

Main talking points -

• Challenges of working in a male dominated industry
• Recovery periodisation
   
• Recovery methods to use during heavy fixture periods
   
• What recovery methods have come and gone in your recovery battery in the last few years?
   
• How do you monitor the effects of a recovery intervention?
   
• Taking learnings from one sport to another
   
• Athlete monitoring - what it is and isn't
   
• External load monitoring and deciding what metrics matter across different sports
   
• Where is this area going? Is it a matter of more information from these technologies or using what we have better?
   
• How to maximise subjective monitoring?
   
• Getting buy-in from athletes and coaches to subjectives
   
• Taking learnings from one sport to another
   

#Bitesize - Barriers encountered by women in strength and conditioning with Sophia Nimphius, Brian Gearity and Lorena Torres

Sophia Nimphius, Brian Gearity and Lorena Torres featured on episode #4302 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great but sad clip from that episode where they discussed -

• Their personal stories of discrimination in our industry
• The difficulty for women working in men's sport
• The common "solutions" which aren't

Check out the full episode with Sophia, Brian and Lorena here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-302-barriers-encountered-by-females-in-sc-sophia-nimphius-lorena-torres-brian-gearity/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Testing and training the foot for rehabilitation and improving sports performance (part 1) with Romain Tourillon

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Foot and ankle rehabilitation lead at the Hôpital de La Tour, Romain Tourillon. Romain is conducting his PhD under the supervision of JB Morin and others and is investigating the role of the foot on sports performance. Recently Romain wrote an incredible article for Sportsmith on Training the foot to improve performance in sprinting, jumping and change of direction and we wanted to get him on the podcast to get into the detail on some of the assessments and exercises presented in this article.

This episode is split into two parts with the first part focusing on the link between foot strength and sports performance. Romain gives us a great overview of what the literature says before explaining current foot strength practices and why they are becoming outdated and largely ineffective. He then moves onto describing the assessments used to quantify forefoot strength and why its important before finally giving us a detailed look at the exercises he uses to develop forefoot strength.

There is a lot of misinformation on foot training but this episode lays out the scientific and experiential evidence so you can better train your athletes.

Main talking points -

• Why do we need to train the foot?
• Contribution to sports performance
• Basic lesson in foot anatomy
• Current/traditional foot strengthening protocols in rehab
• What the research says about forefoot strength and performance
• Forefoot strength assessments for the lab and gym
• Forefoot strengthening principles for maximal force programme
• Hypertrophy principles for maximal force programme

#Bitesize - Testing and training the calf to reduce injury risk with Colin Griffin

Colin featured on episode #416 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How to assess calf and soleus capacity
• How to train the calf and soleus in straight and bent knee positions
• Monitoring calf strength on a daily basis as part of a readiness assessment 

Check out the full episode with Colin here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/training-the-lower-limb-to-improve-performance-and-reduce-injury-risk/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Testing and training the foot for rehabilitation and improving sports performance (part 2)

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation Lead at Hôpital de La Tour, Romain Tourillon for a part 2. 

Part 1 went deep into what part the foot plays in athletic tasks like jumping, sprinting and changing direction, how we can assessment the function of the forefoot and how we can then train it with various focused exercises. In part 2, Romain details the function of the mid-foot and 1st ray and explains how we can assess both of these as well as training them. We finish off the discussion with a really interesting chat about common misconceptions about foot and ankle training. In this section, Romain tackles barefoot training, a one-size fits all approach and how plyometrics can train the foot.

If you're looking for even more information on the foot and ankle and how you can train it with your athletes, this podcast is for you.

Main talking points -

• Midfoot strength and stiffness assessment
• Modified single-leg heel raise test
• Midfoot strengthening
• Maximal force and hypertrophy programmes
• 1st ray strengthening
• Foot-ankle coupled strengthening
• Integrating foot strengthening into an existing programme
• Common misconceptions
• Barefoot training and plyometrics

#Bitesize - Which assessments to use during the RTP process from athletic hip and groin injuries with Enda King

Enda featured on episode #288 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Assessing risk of athletic hip and groin pain
• Using video effectively in the assessment process
• Which tests to use as benchmarks through the RTP process

Check out the full episode with Colin here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-288-enda-king/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Testing deceleration, reducing injury risk during cutting and maximising the use of the 1080 sprint with Ola Eriksrud

This week's Pacey Performance Podcast see Rob talking to Associate Professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Ola Eriksrud. As well as his day job, Ola is involved in the research and development at 1080 Motion, a company most known for their patented robotic resistance technology within the 1080 Sprint.

In this episode, Ola starts off by explaining how we can test deceleration in the field whether we have a technology like the 1080 Sprint, or whether we have no technology at all. Deceleration is getting more and more airtime both in research and in practitioner discussions. We are starting to understand the importance of testing and training this quality.

As a natural progression from deceleration, in the second half of the episode Ola talks about change of direction testing and how we can understand injury risk in athletes when they are cutting.

If you're interested in understanding more about deceleration and reducing injury risk when cutting, this episode is for you.

Main talking points -

• Deceleration and the physical characteristics needed to decelerate effectively
• Measuring deceleration ability
• Measuring deceleration ability with no budget or technology
• Training for deceleration
• Understanding deceleration data from 1080 sprint
• Understanding injury risk during cutting movements
• Testing change of direction performance
• Measuring change of direction performance with no budget or technology
• Understanding COD data from 1080 sprint

#Bitesize - Using isometric training to get specific with exercise selection with Danny Lum

Danny featured on episode #332 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Why use isometric training in the first place?
• How adaptations differ to traditional strength training
• How to create isometric exercises specific to the positions your athletes find themselves in during competition

Check out the full episode with Colin here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-332-danny-lum/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Getting athletes fast on short timeframes and creating a long term speed system with Les Spellman

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast we have Coach and Founder or Spellman Performance, Les Spellman. This is the second time that Les has been on the podcast but lots has changed since then so we wanted to get him back.

Les is a speed coach and is best known for his work with athletes preparing for the NFL combine. Because of this we wanted to talk about how to get athletes fast in short periods of time. What does he prioritise? How does he ensure that he's being efficient with his time and working on the right areas? How does he assess progress? All these questions we answer in the first half of this episode.

In the second half of the episode we chat about the complete opposite, how do we create a long term speed programme? As well as working with NFL combine athletes on a short term basis, Les also works with a number of organisations where the goal is medium to long term speed development and athlete health. How does the work he does when time is limited contrast to when there is more opportunity for development? What assessments does he use? How does he ensure his athletes stay healthy? All these questions are answered in the second half of the episode.

If you are wanting a comprehensive look at NFL combine preparation and long term speed development programmes, check out this episode with Les.

Les is alsp speaking at the Sportsmith speed conference in March here in Leeds in the UK. If you're interested in attending, please visit - sportsmith.co/speed-conference

Main talking points -

• A look at your combine programme
• What does your first session look like?
• What is set in stone and what is flexible across the time you have this group?
• Creating a year round speed system
• How do you programme for an athlete that you have for a longer period of time?
• Assessment process
• Injury risk considerations when building a programme
• Examples from your work with the USMNT
• Tracking transfer of speed to game situation

#Bitesize - The most effective ways to use blood flow restriction training to increase strength with Stephen Patterson

Stephen featured on episode #426 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Why use blood flow restriction training (BFR)
• What are the most effective protocols to use when wanting to increase strength
• Safety considerations when using BFR

Check out the full episode with Stephen here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/blood-flow-restriction-training/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Analysing England rugby player Anthony Watson’s ACL rehab and how he got faster than ever with Alan Murdoch and Anthony Watson

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is chatting to two guests, England rugby player, Anthony Watson and Head Coach at Speedworks Bath, Alan Murdoch.

In October 2021, Anthony reptured his ACL. In the first half of this episode we discuss his reason for taking the main portion of his rehab and putting it into the hands of a private coach, Alan Murdoch. Anthony details how doing this helped him progress much quicker due to time and resource demands on other staff at the rugby club. But importantly, he emphasises how this process should be done correctly, ensuring that all parties are fully aware of their responsibilities 

In the second half of the episode, Alan does into detail about what Anthony's rehab actually looked like from week to week. He explains what testing and benchmarking was done throughout, what exist criteria was used at key points during the process and what monitoring data was collected to ensure they stayed on track.

This is an incredible insight into an athlete's mind when they have a catastrophic injury like an ACL rupture and how they turn things around to get back faster than ever.

Key talking points -

• Why go private with an ACL rehab?
• What ist like rehabbing an athlete who belongs to a club when you don't work there
• Biggest obstacles during Anthony's rehab
• Using a "speed-based approach" to rehab
• Key philosophies of ACL rehab
• What each week of the rehab looked like
• What testing was used throughout the rehab

#Bitesize - How to increase eccentric strength which transfers to improved deceleration with Joey Guarascio

Joey featured on episode #423 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Why eccentric strength is important for deceleration
• Categories of eccentric exercises to use in the weightroom
• How to programme eccentric training when the aim is improved deceleration ability

Check out the full episode with Joey here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/deceleration-testing-and-training-applying-the-research-in-college-football/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Understanding what we need to change to improve acceleration, and how we go about coaching it with James Wild

On this week's Pacey Performance Podcast Rob is speaking to James Wild. This is James' third time on the podcast and you can check out parts one and two here. James is another speaker at the Sportsmith speed conference in March and we got him on not only to give us a teaser of his presentation, but to take us through, using a hypothetical athlete, his process of understand what is required to improve acceleration.

So in the first half of the episode, James explains what he would do when first meeting an athlete. This may surprise some people but its not a lot. No extensive profiling, no in-depth screen. We also get an insight into how James' philosphy has changed on this too over the last 5-10 years.

In the second half of the episode, James details how he takes the learning of the more subjective first phase into a more objective second phase. We hear what gym based assessments he conducts to understand areas for potential physical improvement and then how he goes about actually trying to manipulate technique.

This was of my favourite episodes on speed and was incredibly refreshing to hear James's points of view on some polarising topics.

Main talking points -

• What information is needed when meeting an athlete for the first time
• Setting expectations of speed development
• The subjective phase of "assessment"
• What to look for using video and other low tech tools
• What gym-based assessments James uses when moving to a more objective phase of understaning
• Why making someone faster in one session is "bullsh*t"
• Understanding the variability of certain metrics and how that should effect interventions
• Knowing when an improvement in speed is really an improvement

#Bitesize - Using resisted speed training with youth athletes with Micheál Cahill

Micheál featured on episode #427 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Understanding where to start with resisted sprinting with youth athletes
• Difference between pushing and pulling
• Tips on what to look out for regarding technique 

Check out the full episode with Micheál here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/maximising-resisted-sprint-training-and-speed-training-with-youth-athletes/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Resisted speed training: Effects on mechanics, how to programme it and its impact on sprint performance with Jason Hettler, George Petrakos and Hakan Anderrson

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees us looking back at a roundtable from early 2021 where Rob interview Hakan Andersson, Jason Hettler and George Petrakos on the topic of resisted speed training.

In the first half of the roundtable, we chat around why we may programme resisted speed training in the first place. What can we gain from it? This sets us up nicely for further discussion with George and Hakan about how we can optimally programme it. George gives us some incredible tips on how we can do that with large groups and athletes with varying training ages and abilities.

In the second half of the chat we focus on if resisted speed training alters mechanics and how thie method of training compares to others like hill sprints. We then finish off with a few quick fire questions which lead to some really interesting discussion on common isses, myths and misconceptions about resisted speed training.

Main talking points -

• Why do resisted sprints?
• What is high, medium and low resistance?
• Programming it for sprinters
• Periodising loads across a training block]
• Programming with large groups and limited equipment
• Altering mechanics & the 10% decrement
• Resisted sprints vs hills
• Common issues, myths and misconceptions