Pacey Performance Podcast

#Bitesize - Creating change of direction drills that transfer to the field with Shawn Myszka

Shawn featured on episode #410 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How to add complexity to basic change of direction drills
• Maximising transfer of change of direction drills
• Mistakes that are often made when creating change of direction drills

Check out the full episode with Shawn here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/coaching-agility-using-a-constraints-led-approach/

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 use the warm up as a movement screen and revolutionising technique analysis with computer vision and artificial intelligence with Jonas Dodoo

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to speed coach legend and Head Coach at Speedworks, Jonas Dodoo. Jonas has been on the podcast multiple times and each time he appears, its obvious why. Jonas is here to talk about the Speedworks philosophy of projection, reactivity and switching but also the warm up as a movement screen and sprint technology.

In the first half of the episode, Jonas goes into detail about projection, reactivity and switching, outline what each of those mean and how we improve them. He explains what drills and exercises may be useful to develop each of them from a track and gym perspective. We also discuss using the warm up as a movement screen. How can we manipuate the warm up and the drills within it to make it easier for us to highlight movement inefficiencies so we can work on them there and then, or at a later date.

Part 2 is all about using the warm up as a movement screen but utilising a new technology that Speedworks have developed. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are both involved in the VueMotion app that Speedworks are using and we dive into how that it can help coaches make programming decisions much easier.

If you want to get your athletes fast, there is no better guy to listen to than Jonas Dodoo.

Main talking points - 

• What is the Speedworks philosophy
• Projection and its importance in acceleration
• How we can develop the ability to "switch"
• Enhancing reactivity in the gym and on the field
• Developing a warm up so it acts as a movement screen
• Using the latest technology to help guide sprint programming
• The VueMotion app from Speedworks

#Bitesize - Training and testing agility versus change of direction with Shawn Myszka, Tom Dos’Santos and Ian Jeffreys

Ian, Tom and Shawn featured on a Sportsmith Live on agility training and testing. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that video where they discussed -

• Why change of direction and agility have been lumped together
• How this perception affects how we train both qualities
• Why we need to differentiate the two

Check out the full video with Ian, Tom and Shawn here - https://www.sportsmith.co/live/agility-training-and-testing/

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.

Jump training and the specificity myth in athlete development with Håkan Andersson

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Håkan Andersson. Håkan has been on the podcast before (here) discussing resisted sprinting and plyometrics. But in this episode we are focusing on jump training and the specificity myth. Just because a sprinter puts 6x his/her bodyweight into the floor, does that mean we need to provide exercises that match or far exeed that?

In the first half of this episode we chat about low amplitude plyometrics and how they fit in the programme for a sprinter or a team sport athlete. How can we make the most of these types of low level jump exercises to not only build jump volume but also enhance our injury prevention strategies? Håkan then details his thoughts on Polish boxes and whether we can get a similar stimulus by performing low amplitude plyometrics in nature.

The second half of the episode, we speak explicitly about specificity and why it is sometimes too much an emphasis when programming plyometrics and jump training. We discuss this in relation to bounding and its demands in comparison to max velocity sprinting. Håkan then gives us an insight into some of the projects that he's working on with ice hockey players and athletes from less traditional sports.

If you're interested in plyometrics and jump training, and optimising how you programme these for your athletes, this episode is for you.

Main talking points -

• Håkan's Sportsmith speed conference presentation
• Where do low amplitude plyometrics fit in your programme?
• Would this change when working with team sport athletes?
• Do you incorporate Polish boxes? What are the benefits of using them?
• How “specific” do we need to be with plyometrics? 
• The “specificity” and “functional” myth
• What are your thoughts on specificity as a principle of training?
• What are the common misconceptions about specificity? 
• When speed is the aim, how specific do we need to get with the majority of sprinters? Does this change for team sport athletes?

 

#Bitesize - How to use velocity loss to maximise adaptation with Dan Baker

Dan featured on episode #280 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What is velocity loss
• How it can be used with various different technologies
• How to alter velocity loss percentages to focus on different physical qualities

Check out the full episode with Dan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-280-dan-baker/

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.

Building a sports science department from the ground up: From “one-man bands” to large organisations with Teofe Ziemnicki

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Teofe Ziemnicki who is Head of Sports Science at TeamBuildr. Coaches and sports scientists who have transitioned from being employed by one organisation to working with tech companies and visiting organisations as part of their roles have incredible insights into what is going on in the industry. That's why we were so pumped to get Teofe on the podcast.

In this first half of this episode we get an insight into where sports science is at in the US. Teofe gives us his view on where he sees the gaps that could be easily plugged in smaller organisations. These smaller organisations are often "one-man bands" and he gives this thoughts on how the staff in these positions can get easy wins and start collecting good data to inform practice and educate coaches.

In the second half of the episode, Teofe flips the first hald discussion on its head and gives us his thoughts on sports science practice in larger organisations. Where are the easy wins? Where are the gaps? Teofe speaks to and gets unique insights into what is going on across the country so there is no better person to discuss this.

If you want to hear this unique insight, listen to this episode with Teofe.

Main talking points -

• What is sports science at smaller organisations?
• Setting up a sports science department
• What skills are needed from staff?
• "Sports science is more than just buying and running tech"
• Gaps in smaller programmes that could be easily plugged
• How this differs in larger organisations
• Common concerns around implementing sports sports science principles at larger organisation
• The future of sports science at the higher end organisations

#Bitesize - An athlete and coach’s view of an ACL rehab process with Alan Murdoch and Anthony Watson

Alan and Anthony featured on episode #433 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where they discussed -

• The Speedworks philosophy of ACL rehabilitation
• Focusing on speed development through an ACL rehab
• A player's view of an ACL rehab process

Check out the full episode with Dan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/analysing-england-rugby-player-anthony-watsons-acl-rehab/

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 the use of GPS to understand athlete performance and fatigue with Amber Rowell, Aaron Coutts and Mathieu Lacome

This week's Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Aaron Coutts, Amber Rowell and Mathieu Lacome. This episode was recorded as a Sportsmith Live roundtable in 2021 but as GPS monitoring becomes more mainstream, we needed to get this out as a podcast.

We kick off this roundtable with Aaron explaining why its so important to have a clear question as to why you are using GPS in the first place. Without that it becomes difficult to get the full value from any technology. We then dive into the decision making process around which metrics matter and which don't depending on the questions that need answering. Amber and Mathieu give us some incredible insights from an applied perspective of how they have gone through this process in professional football (soccer) in MLS and in Europe.

The second half of this episode has Amber and Mathieu chatting about multimechanical modelling as well as how to use GPS to monitor and manage fatigue on an acute and long term basis. We also have an open discussion on how best to present GPS data to coaches and ensure that desicions can be made with all the information available.

If you want an all encompassing episode on how to best use GPS to monitor performance and fatigue, this episode is for you.

Main talking points -

• The importance of having a clear question before collecting any data
• What external load actually is
• How do we choose the most relevant metrics out of the thousands that are available
• Using measures that coaches understand
• What decisions are being made at the higest level using GPS
• How you can use GPS to plan a one-game week versus a two-game week
• Different metrics being useful for different sports
• What is multimechanical modelling and is it useful
• Using GPS to guide "top ups" with those that haven't played

 

Sprint modelling, strategic periodisation and using decision trees to standardise programming with Ernie Rimer

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Director of Sport Science at the University of Louisville, Ernie Rimer. Ernie joined Rob and JB Morin a few weeks ago for a roundtable on force velocity profiling but because of sprint profiling being such a huge topic, we got him back to go into more details.

In the first half of this episode we talk sprint modelling. Ernie gives us a detailed analysis of how we can measure an athlete sprint and then use that data to understand where their weaknesses are and create meaningful interventions to improve them. He uses football (soccer) positions as a great example of how we can use one sprint model to look into different areas of the sprint to create benchmarks and compare player against player.

In the second half of the episode we chat about strategic periodisation. This was a topic discussed a long time ago with Sam Robertson after he and David Joyce published a paper on this. How can we work with technical coaches to assess each opponent and manipulate training load in the weeks leading up to and following each match? If we rank an opponent down, are we able to train that bit harder leading up to the game, or can we ease off and give the players extra recovery time? We have a look at the factors which cannot be controlled like the weather, playing surface or game time and marry that up with the factors we can control.

This is a fascinating, unique episode with Ernie which listeners will get lots out of.

Main talking points -

• Sprint modelling and ways to assess sprinting
• From low budget options to larger budget options
• Decision tree implementation
• Strategic periodisation - what is it?
• How to quantifying opponent strength
• Evaluating strategies against outcomes
• Fixed factors and dynamics fixed factors

How the best football academies in the world develop their players with Jack Ade, Matt Allen and Perry Stewart

On this week's Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Head of Performance at Rangers FC, Jack Ade, Head of Academy Performance at Arsenal FC, Perry Stewart and Head of Academy Physical Development at Tottenham Hotspur FC, Matt Allen. This episode was recorded as a video roundtable in 2021 when Jack was leading the academy at Liverpool FC. Its an all-star line-up when it comes to physical development in football.

In the first half of this episode, Jack talks about planning and periodisation and how he maximises training time when contact time is limited. This will certainly resonate with those out there that have worked in the acadmey environment. We then dive into a discussion about the variation in training focus across the age groups which is where Matt gives some great examples from Tottenham.

In the second half we discuss training individualisation and coaching speed at the academy level. Here, Perry gives an insight into how he uses maturation data to inform training and how its impact has changed over time. Then we finish off with some questions from those who were on the live roundtable including how to get a job in academy football.

For anyone in or wanting to get into a football academy as a performance specialist, this one is for you.

Main talking points -

• Planning and periodisation
• Maximising training time when contact is limited
• Structuring sessions with large groups and few coaches • Training focus variation through the age groups
• Testing and monitoring
• Managing periods of rapid growth and maturation
• What KPI's/performance markers are you assessing regularly
• Training and individualisation
• Is individualisation a myth? When should academy S&C coaches be looking to individualise training?
• Training speed
• Tips for people wanting to get into academy football

#Bitesize - Choosing the right GPS metrics for your sport with Stu Cormack

Stu featured on episode #293 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where they discussed -

• The process of understanding if the metrics you are using are reliable
• Choosing the right metrics for you
• Who might be able to help if you want to validate your metrics

Check out the full episode with Stu here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-293-stu-cormack/

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.

Integrating deceleration training and testing into a high performance programme with Damian Harper, Ted Rath and Mark Jamison

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Damian Harper, Mark Jamison and Ted Rath. This episode was recorded in the summer of 2021 as a Live roundtable. But it was that good that we had to release it as a podcast. 

Anyone who is interested in deceleration will know the name Damian Harper. And its Damian who kicks off this chat with a detailed dive into what the research says about the importance of deceleration. Mark then gives us his thoughts on how we test it based on some of Damian's work. This area is super interesting as its been so under utilised but with advances in technology it can be a relatively simple process. To conclude part 1, Ted gives us his thoughts on what qualities are needed to enhance deceleration ability and the need for developing eccentric strength.

Part 2 is all about gym based and on-field based interventions to improve deceleration ability. Ted takes the gym based interventions whereas Damian and Mark attack the on-field interventions. They answer the crucial questions, "how can we coach our athletes into more effective deceleration positions?"

If you're interested in learning more about the growing area of deceleration, check out this episode.

Main talking points - 

• What does the research say about the importance of training deceleration?
• Testing deceleration ability in the field
• The acceleration-deceleration ability (ADA) test
• What physical qualities are needed to decelerate effectively on the field/court
• Developing eccentric strength to improve deceleration ability
• Gym based interventions to improve deceleration ability
• On-field interventions to improve technical deceleration ability

#Bitesize - Developing change of direction and agility through frontal and transverse plane drills with Loren Landow

Loren featured on episode #292 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Why coaching frontal and transverse drills is essential to develop agility and COD
• Which drills can we use
• The importance of the foot in these drills and what to look out for

Check out the full episode with Loren here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-292-loren-landow/

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.

Managing hip and groin injuries and developing a robust injury prevention strategy with Nick Kane

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Head Physio at Essendon Football Club, Nick Kane talks to Rob about how to rehabilitate groin injuries and how to set up an injury prevention system in team sports.

Not only is Nick the Head Physio at an AFL club but he runs his own practice and is founder of the Sports Map Network, a resource that educates physios through multiple mediums. With that said, we chat about the gaps in education, not only for physios but for S&C coaches who are expected to rehab players, often without any formal qualifications.

The first half of this episode sees Nick take us through how he assesses an athlete who is presenting with persistant hip and groin pain. He details what assessments he takes the athlete through and what he focuses on from a movement quality, and strength and function point of view.

The second half of the episode has Nick explain how his injury prevention system at Essendon runs, what screens he uses in pre-season to understand where an athlete needs individual support and what monitoring tools he uses throughout the season to keep a track of how his athlete's are responding.

This is a great episode for those wanting to reduce injuries, particularly hip and groin injuries.

Main talking points -

• Groin injury return to play
• Testing and benchmarking
• Exercise prescription
• Common mistakes when rehabbing groin injuries
• Building an injury prevention system
• Blending S&C and physio and transitions in rehab
• Processes around profiling
• Education in physiotherapy

#Bitesize - Using the weightroom to explore movement with Vernon Griffith

Vernon featured on episode #376 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Why a foundation of movement exploration is worth pursuing
• How ground-based movements can be used during rehabilitation
• Mobility vs flexibility

Check out the full episode with Vernon here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/gaining-mobility-and-flexibility-for-sports-performance/

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.

The “hybrid” S&C coach: Physical preparation, rehabilitation and data management with Jermaine McCubbine

On this week's Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to First Team Strength and Conditioning Coach at PSV Eindhoven, Jermaine McCubbine. Jermaine has worked at PSV for a number of years, progressing from an academy position into a role within the first team.

Jermaine's journey and the work he is doing at PSV as an English practitioner is why we wanted to get him on the podcast. He is actually started out as a sports therapist which led this conversation nicely into something Jermaine has spoken about before which is the "hybrid" S&C coach. Being an S&C coach is becoming so much more than coaching athletes in the gym or weightroom. Data analysis and rehabilitation are just two areas that S&C coaches now need to confident in so we chat to Jermaine about how he has gone about upskilling in these two areas.

In the first half of the conversation, he also describes how he works with the coaching staff to create conditioning drills that not only tick the physical development box, but also encorporate technical aspects too. And its not just all about small sided games!

Given Jermaine's background as a therapist, we also dive into the rehabilitation of football's most common injury, the hamstring. He takes us through a rehab with a hypothetical athlete, detailing his benchmarks, his exercise prescription and how things we change based on the reaction of the injury along the journey.

If you're interested in working overseas and want a route to get there, or want to hear want one of Europe's biggest do with their players, check out this episode.

Main talking points:

• Getting a job and working overseas
• The modern day "hybrid" S&C coach
• Preparing for an increased influence/expectation on RTP
• Preparing for an increased demand on data analysis skills
• Conditioning and reconditioning players at the highest level - Is it all about SSG's?
• Top-ups - how do you keep non-starters conditioned and fresh?
• Returning a player from a hamstring injury

#Bitesize - The lack of value in testing change of direction with Molly Binetti

Molly featured on episode #370 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where she discussed -

• Why she took out all change of direction testing with her basketball athletes
• Do any tests bring any value
• How she gets measures of improvement instead

Check out the full episode with Molly here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/enhancing-change-of-direction-speed-and-agility-in-the-real-world/

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.

Supplements, nutrition myths, CBD and nutrition principles in youth sport with Graeme Close, Hannah Sheridan and James Morehen

On this week's Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking with Graeme Close, James Morehen and Hannah Sheridan. This roundtable was recorded as a Sportsmith Live but it was so good, we had to release it as a podcast.

We kick off this sports nutrition roundtable with Graeme diving deep into CBD. He gives us an update on its legality but also its potential benefits for recovery, sleep and improved mental health. But there is obvious caution with this supplement so Graeme caveats all this with WADA's position on it from an anti-doping perspective. James then gives his take on supplements and his "food first" approach. Given his role within rugby where muscle mass is often a goal, he explains his rationale for when supplements do have value.

In the second half, Hannah shares her experiences of working in youth football and her nutrition principles when assisting this population. Cooking lessons and how she educates the young players are all discussed. We finish off the podcast with a group discussion on "boosting" immune health and how important this is for athletes as well as coaches.

Main talking points -

• Within-game refuelling
• CBD, its legality and its potential benefits
• A "food first" approach to supplementation
• Supplements: what can we really trust?
• Nutrition principles in youth sport
• Immune health and how to improve it

Improving change of direction ability, deceleration drills and coaching “transitional movements” with Hailu Theodros

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Athletic Development Coach at Speedworks, Hailu Theodros. Hailu spoke recently at the Sportsmith speed conference about gamespeed and his talk was incredible so to get him on the podcast was a complete no brainer.

In the first half of our chat we discuss deceleration and its part in improving change of direction ability. Hailu spends a lot of time explain "sitting" versus "folding" when it comes to the final few steps of a deceleration and reacceleration. He describes why sitting is so important and how we can coach our athletes into that position using a number of drills and various different cues.

In the second half of the episode, Hailu focuses on transitional movements, what they are, why they are so important and how we can create drills to develop them. Transitional movements are those that link other more talked about movements like deceleration, reacceleration, cutting etc. He uses the example of a central defender in football (soccer) and their pursuit of an attacker looking for the ball. This a fascinating look at the more micromovements of sport and how we can develop them.

If you're looking to improve the change of direction ability of your athletes and understand how to decipher what they need to develop first, this episode with Hailu is for you.

Main talking points -

• Developing change of direction ability
• Deceleration assessments
• "Folding" vs "sitting" when decelerating and reaccelerating
• Coaching the skill of change of direction
• How do you go about coaching someone who spends too long in the "hole"
• How does deceleration strategy differ when the athlete is coming to a stop versus reaccelerating?
• What are "transitional movements"?
• How do we go about identifying whats needed under this movement umbrella?
• Example drills and what to look out for

#Bitesize - Creating sprint drills that doing the cueing for us with Cam Josse

Cam featured on episode #393 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How to create sprint drills that do the cueing for us
• Why we tend to say too much as coaches
• Other tips for cueing sprinting

Check out the full episode with Cam here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/what-speed-training-methods-should-team-sport-coaches-take-from-track-field-and-what-they-shouldnt/

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.

Sprint profiling: Why do it, how to do it well and dispelling some myths with Les Spellman, JB Morin and Ryan Grubbs

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast we have 3 absolute guns within our industry: Director of Speed Development at the Houston Texans, Ryan Grubbs, Professor at the University of Saint-Etienne. JB Morin and Owner of Spellman Performance, Les Spellman.

This episode of the podcast is all about sprint profiling and there are no better three people to discuss this than JB, Les and Ryan. We kick off the first half of the conversation with Ryan explaining why we should be profiling our athletes in the first place. JB and Les then weigh in on the various ways we can go about that with our athletes. Then, in our opinion, the key part of this conversation then turns to how we use this information to inform our coaching practice.

In the second half of the episode we then chat about the logistics of undertaking profiling within various different environments and with various populations. How do we profile with large groups, should we be profiling youth athletes and what is the difference between and acceleration profile and a max speed profile are all questions that get answered.

If you want to dive into this topic, there is no better people than these three. Make sure you give it a listen.

Main talking points -

• Why it is essential to profile our athletes
• The various ways we can profile our athletes
• How we use data to inform our coaching practice
• Profiling large groups of athletes
• Profiling acceleration vs maximal speed

#Bitesize - Making your CV and cover letter stand out from the crowd with Des Ryan, Chris Bishop and Dave Slemen

Chris, Dave and Des featured on episode #400 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where they discussed -

• What makes a CV stand out from the crowd?
• How long should a CV and cover letter be?
• What should and shouldn't be in a CV and cover letter?

Check out the full episode with Chris, Des and Dave here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/getting-and-keeping-a-strength-and-conditioning-role/

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 the impact of athlete footwear selection on performance and injury risk with Athol Thomson

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Podiatrist & Research Scientist at Aspetar, Athol Thomson. Athol is on the podcast to speak about the impact of athlete footwear on performance and injury risk but also about playing surface and how that affects injury risk. But not only that, he is hear to give recommendations for what practitioners can do to reduce these risks.

In the first half of the episode Athol discusses what impact footwear can have on injuries from a global perspective. He then dives into the detail when it comes to footwear that is made for soft ground, hard ground and artificial ground. This leads to him discussing rotational forces and why its important to consider these forces when advising on footwear.

In the second half of the episode he discusses if we can mitigate some of the unresearched (but well discussed) issues when transitioning between different surfaces. And can practitioners get a better, more detailed idea about the playing surface prior to his/her players running out so more objective decisions can be made on footwear selection.

This is an under discussed area among the sports science and S&C community but it could have a huge impact on our athletes injury risk should we understand more.

Give it a listen!

Main talking points -

• Population specific footwear
• "Pink it and shrink it" philosophy of boot manufactuers
• Guidance for practitioners on understanding their playing surfaces better
• Shoe selection and playing surface
• The importance of understanding rotational forces and footwear
• Training the foot - this could be a big topic if you're up for going deeper on it?
• Boot selection and injury risk

 

#Bitesize - Dealing with intense periods of growth and maturation in youth athletes with Perry Stewart, Jack Ade and Matt Allen

Jack, Perry and Matt featured on episode #441 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where they discussed -

• How we alter training during periods of intense growth
• Monitoring growth and maturation
• Using growth and maturation data effectively

Check out the full episode with Jack, Perry and Matt here - How the best football academies in the world develop their players

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 the impact of your data with data visualisation best practice with Eva Murray, Julian Haigh and Adam Sheehan

This week's Pacey Performance Podcast is all about data visualisation and communication. Eva Murray, Lead Evangelist at Snowflake, Julian Haigh, Director of Sport Science at Inter Miami and Adam Sheehan, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Munster Rugby are our guests today.

We are all dealing with more data in aour daily lives whether that be from fitness trackers to smart meters in our homes to track our electricity usage. But those working in pro sport are collecting hundreds of thousands of rows of data each day and are expected to communicate that back to coaches. But how can we best do that? That's what the next hour is all about.

In the first half of this episode we focus on the first step in this process which is asking the right question. If we're not asking the right question, how can we come up with the right answer? We then dive into the experiences of Eva, Adam and Julian who each explain their experiences, good and bad when it comes to delivering messages using data to coaches.

In the second half of the episode we discuss the various methods of visualising data, which ones have been successful and how data visualisation software has become an integral part of a sports scientist’s armory. If you are interested in making the most of your data and want to make a real impact with it, check out this episode with Adam, Eva and Julian.

Main talking points -

• How to know that you're asking the right question
• Leveraging data using data visualisations
• Options for data visualisations
• "If you can't explain it, don't use it"
• How to best create context around data
• The importance of storytelling within data
• Data visualisation rules - the fundamentals

#Bitesize - Operationalising GPS data with Patrick Ward

Patrick featured on episode #305 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What GPS companies can do to help their users
• Operationalising GPS data
• What's next for GPS

Check out the full episode with Patrick here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-305-patrick-ward/

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.

“Activation” sessions and asymmetries: Are they really that important (?) with Tony Blazevich

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Professor of Biomechanics, Tony Blazevich. Today it's all about topics that have generated a lot of discussion in recent years and putting them through a scientific and objective lens.

The first half of the episode is all about activation sessions. We have all watched Premier League games on the TV and seen the players walking around with elastic bands around their knees or ankles, or them lying on the floor doing single leg bridges. So what does "activation" or sometimes called "pre-activation" actually do? Does it doing anything? Does it do what we think it does? We dive deep into this topic with Tony.

In the second half of the episode we chat about asymmetries. We chat about the magic 10% rule where if an athlete is <10% asymmetrical in a givem test it seems to be given the green light but >10% and its a problem. Where did that 10% rule actually come from and do we need to be worried about asymmetries? We also chat about how these are actually measured and interchangeability of data from different methods.

Then we finish off with a fun chat about sprint mechanics as this was Tony's area when doing his PhD.

If you wanted a no holds barred look at some popular methods in pro sport, this one is for you.

Main talking points -

• Warm-ups - do we really need them?
• Activation sessions - the good, the bad and the ugly
• Asymmetries and the 10% asymmetry finger in the air
• Methods of assessing asymmetries
• Transferability of asymmetry data - can we infer asymmetries in running from jumping?
• Sprint mechanics
• Using a technical model in team sports
• The (over) use of sprint drills and their role in improving mechanics
• Kinematic analysis 

An in-depth look at a league winning performance department with Leigh Egger & Stijn Vandenbroucke

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Leigh Egger and Stijn Vandenbroucke. Stijn is Head of Medical and Performance amd Leigh is Head of Performance, both at Feryenoord Rotterdam.

Main talking points -

• Innovative ways to structure a performance department
• Managing up the chain
• Developing strategies to reduce injury rates
• Utilising consultants effectively
• Individualising training
• Developing a culture of "athletes" not "footballers"

Feyenoord had an incredible season being crowned Champions of the Eredivisie, the top league in the Netherlands. So this episode is all about what makes a performance department successful and how they go about contributing to success on the pitch.

In the first part of this episode we discuss the structure of the department that Stijn and the hierachy at Feyenoord have put in place. We then talk about how that structure has led to the streamlining of processes and increased clarity in how things run day to day. Leigh gives his thoughts on how this structure has allowed him to do his job effectively alongside his fellow Head of Performance.

In the second half of this episode we get into the detail of how the club has kept muscle injuries to a minumum this season. Stijn then describes how they dealt with the "mini- pre-season" because of the World Cup.

If you're looking for an in-depth look into how a league-winning performance department operates, this episode is for you.

#Bitesize - What is the hype around the knees over toes split squat with Nathan Kiely

Nathan featured on episode #418 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What is it about the split squat that means it gets so much hype in this philosophy?
• Is it worth the hype?
• What is better exercise to get the same results?

Check out the full episode with Nathan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/a-critique-of-the-knees-over-toes-phenomenon-and-maximising-cross-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.

Being the “manager’s guy” and the realities of losing your job in pro sport with Jordan Milsom

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Former Head of Performance at Aston Villa and Rangers FC, Jordan Milsom. Jordan comes on and gives one of the most candid interviews we have had on the podcast. As Fitness Coach at Liverpool and two Head of Performance roles in the Premier League and Scottish Premier League, Jordan has a wealth of experience that he brings to this episode.

In the first half of the episode we discuss his time at Liverpook at a Strength and Rehab Fitness Coach and he he developed the knoweldge required to rehab some of the most valuable assets in sport. We then went onto discuss his interactions with staff that were brought in by the manager and how he dealt with that as a club member of staff.

In the second half of the episode he describes the role reversal as he became the "manager's guy" as he stepped up to a Head of Performance role at Rangers FC. Was he prepared to make that jump? How did he deal with club staff now that he was a "manager's guy"? And did he deskill in certain areas given that he was managing a department versus being on the ground with player's 24/7.

In the final part of the podcast we talk about Jordan's time at Aston Villa and the experience of being losing his job. He describes what he could have done differently during his time at Aston Villa as well as what he and others can do to protect themselves should they get relieved of their duty by a club.

If you want an open and honest look at what its like being a Head of Performance at a Premier League club, this is for you. And its not all rosy!

Main talking points -

• S&C coach > rehab coach
• Gaps in traditional education when it comes to rehab for S&C coaches
• Rehab coach > Head of Performance
• What areas were you underprepared in
• What skills have you deskilled in by making that transition?
• Being a "manager's guy"
• What was it like working with a "manager's guy" at LFC?
• Then on the flipside, how did you cope with being the go-between between the manager and the performance and medical staff?
• Your experiences of being sacked along with the manager

 

#Bitesize - How to choose the most effective footwear for injury prevention with Athol Thomson

Athol featured on episode #448 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What footwear features may increase the risk of injury and why?
• How do we mitigate injury risk on artificial surfaces?
• How do we safely transition athletes between surfaces?

Check out the full episode with Nathan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/understanding-the-impact-of-athlete-footwear-selection-on-performance-and-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.

Understanding what maximises training transfer through intelligent data collection with Nick Lumley

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast features Head of Athletic Performance at the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby, Nick Lumley. This episode is all about maximising training transfer and understanding what best transfers based on an intelligent use of testing and a good understanding of data.

In the first half of the episode we chat through Nick's philosophy when it comes to building strong, powerful rugby players capable of performing at the highest level. He talks about his use of non-technically demanding exercises like the leg press over the squat and how he has changed the way he programmes. Nick also details how he makes alterations to his programme for the bigger guys in the squad.

In the second half of the episode we dive into training transfer. Nick explains what data he collects on a regular basis and how he manipulates that data to understand which exercises do and don't transfer to the qualities he and the coaches want to see on the field. Performance in which exercises predict speed?

If you want to understand what maximises training transfer and how to use data to do that, check out this excellent episode with Nick Lumley.

Main talking points:

• Nick's philosophy and how he builds beasts
• Use of non-technically demanding exercises like a leg press
• Moulding a programme around adaptations rather than exercise selection
• Considerations for larger players
• Collecting data to inform decisions on exercise selection
• Using statistics to understand training transfer

The application of isometric strength training and testing: Views of the experts with Alex Natera, Matt Taberner and Danny Lum

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Manager of Sport Sciences at the New South Wales Institute of Sport, Alex Natera, Head of Strength and Conditioning at the Singapore Sport Institute, Danny Lum and now Head of Academy Physical Performance at Manchester City FC, Matt Taberner. 

These three guys are true experts in this area, not only from a applied perspective but also an academic one. In the first part of this episode we discuss the process of creating isometric strength training exercises that overload a particular position that is specific to a sport. We then transition into a discussion around quasi-isometrics, what they are and how we can use them from a performance perspective but also a rehabilitation one. We then finish off the first part of this episode discussing the use of isometric testing and training with and without technology. Within this, Matt discusses how he would programme isometrics and keep a track on intensity without the use of force plates.

In the second half of the episode we kick off with Danny who takes us through some of his applied work and research, delving into some of the improvements he has seen using isometric strength training. We then tap into Alex's experience of working with youth athletes to discuss the use of isometrics in this population. Matt then gives his opinion on use isometrics with female athletes and how it could be part of the antidote to injury prevention. We then finish off with some discussion around fitting isometric testing into a testing and monitoring system.

This episode is one of a kind. Three experts in one area all on a call at the same time. If you're into isometrics, this is for you!

Main talking points - 

• How to create sport specific isometric exercises
• Using isometrics with youth athletes
• Isometrics and return to play
• How to assess isometrics with and without force plates
• Quasi-isometrics and their part in performance enhancement
• Isometrics as part of the ACL antidote

#Bitesize - Working with José Mourinho and providing useful training load insights with Robin Thorpe

Robin featured on episode #334 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What it was like working alongside José
• How thoughts on training load monitoring
• Robin's switch towards subjective data to provide useful insights to the manager

Check out the full episode with Nathan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-334-robin-thorpe/

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 successfully navigate scientific research and apply the information to your athletes with JB Morin

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Professor at the University of Saint-Étienne, JB Morin joins Rob to chat about navigating scientific research and how we can use research intelligently to inform practice.

 In the first half of this episode we delve into how to read a research paper properly. How can we systematically go through a paper, understand the content and pick the potential red flags which may highlight as to why you may question the conclusions drawn by the author. The publication process is definitely not flawless and without its faults and readers need to be aware of this. JB talks through these flaws and how readers can fully understand them and improve the critique of research.

In the second half of the episode, JB gives his opinion on the "publish or perish" bias that leads to poor and sometimes not very original research. We finish off the episode with a discussion around using research in practice and how coaches and sports scientists should (or shouldn't) use research to inform practice.

Reading, understanding and deciphering research is one of the most important tools within our profession. JB, a researcher for over 20 years can help you develop that skill. Give it a listen!

Main talking points - 

• How to read a research paper
• "Red flags" within each section of a paper
• The over and under reliance on academic literature
• The importance for practitioners to maintain a research thread throughout their careers
• Is the PhD the new MSc?
• Dirty little secrets of the publication process

#Bitesize - ”Activation” sessions - Do they do what we think/hope they do with Tony Blazevich

Tony featured on episode #450 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What is the purpose of an "activation" session
• What do we think/hope they are doing
• What are they actually doing?

Check out the full episode with Tony here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/activation-sessions-and-asymmetries-are-they-really-that-important/

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.

Using a fascia based approach to performance training and rehabilitation with Danny Foley

On this week's episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Human Performance Coach at Rude Rock Strength, Danny Foley. Danny is on this episode to discuss all things fascia and a fascia based approach to performance training and rehabilitation.

In the first half of this episode we get to grips with what fascia actually is and how we can assess an athlete's fascia quality. Despite this being really difficult, Danny explains his subjective assessments and how other coaches can develop their own assessments. Then we start to unpack what a fascia based approach actually is and how its different to a traditional training approach.

In the second half of the episode we dive deeper into what a fascia based training approach is and how it can be specifically used in certain rehabilitations. Given how important the feet as within this approach, we get Danny's take on foot training specifically. This is an incredibly thought-provoking episode and we would love any feedback off the back of it. Enjoy.

Main talking points:

• Danny's story
• Understanding fascia
• Assessing and measuring fascial quality
• Fascia based training approach
• How does this differ to a traditional training approach
• Using this approach to run faster and jump higher
• Using the fascia based approach during RTP
• Training the foot and ankle

Using collaboration and smart data collection to enhance the transfer of training with Dan Tobin and Dan Grange

Join Rob on this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast as he delves into the world of game speed training with Dan Grange and Daniel Tobin, both of Gloucester Rugby. Discover their revolutionary approach to game speed training and the challenges they face in achieving optimal transfer from training to gameplay.

Dan and Dan share their philosophy, focusing on creating key principles that encompass different strategies rather than getting lost in a sea of training options. They emphasize the importance of effective communication with coaches, ensuring a common understanding of training objectives and encouraging collaboration where needed.

Explore the core of their gamespeed methodology which includes four key change direction strategies: the split step or shuffle step, the lane change, the zigzag, and the cut to a curve. Dan Grange reveals how they tailor these strategies to suit different players based on their physical qualities and positions on the field. They stress the significance of technical evaluation through targeted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), tracking individual and team improvements over time.

The conversation delves deeper into the transfer aspect, acknowledging that measuring the success of game-speed training can be messy. They both emphasise the need to rely on educated opinions to gauge the impact on the team's system and identify areas that require further attention. They acknowledge the importance of personalized feedback to players, using video clips and one-on-one conversations to enhance their decision-making and execution during games.

Dan and Dan's dedication to adding value to players shines through, as they continuously seek new technologies and approaches to further enhance game-speed training.

"Using collaboration and smart data collection to enhance the transfer of training" is a captivating podcast that offers a rare glimpse into the world of rugby performance training. Gain deeper insights into how game-speed training can revolutionize player performance and elevate team success. Whether you're a coach, player, or sports enthusiast, this podcast is a must-listen for those seeking to unlock their full potential and gain a competitive edge on the field. Tune in and be inspired by the innovative strategies and dedication to excellence shared by Dan and Dan, as they navigate the fascinating world of training transfer and gamespeed.

Main talking points:

• Importance of specific game speed training
• Focus on key movement strategies
• Analyzing technical improvements with KPIs
• Navigating messy transfer of training
• Collaborating effectively with coaches
• Adding value to players through feedback
• Technology limitations in game speed analysis
• Honest reviews for progress and improvement.

The evolution of American Football training and its impact on all collision sports with Kurt Hester

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees engaging in a fascinating conversation with Kurt Hester, Head of Sports Performance for Football at Tulane University. This episode delves deep into the ever-evolving world of athletic development, offering valuable takeaways for coaches.

Kurt emphasizes the importance of adaptation in training, steering away from rigid approaches and instead focusing on the individual needs of athletes. He challenges the prevalent obsession with strength numbers and highlights the significance of a more comprehensive athlete-centered approach to preparation.

Drawing from his expertise, Kurt shares his innovative incorporation of sports science, particularly the transformative impact of breathing techniques on performance. By embracing this aspect of training, he explains how it optimizes recovery, enhances focus, and prepares athletes for the rigors of their sport.

Throughout the episode, the discussion revolves around striking a balance between data-driven methodologies and intuitive coaching. Kurt advocates for coaches to spend time observing athletes in action, creating a meaningful correlation between data and on-field performance.

If you are a coach seeking new insights to elevate your athletes' performance or a sports enthusiast curious about the future of American football training, this episode is a must-listen.

Main talking points:

• Reassessing our obsession with strength
• Impact of absolute strength on output
• Challenging conventional conditioning approaches
• Kurt's biggest frustrations with strength and conditioning
• The biggest thing he has added to his programme in the last 12 months
• The biggest thing he has removed from his programme in the last 12 months
• Breathing techniques to enhance athletic performance
• Balancing sports science and observation

How to implement micro-dosing strategies in team sports with Matt Cuthbert

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speak to Women’s Physical Performance Coach at The Football Association, Matt Cuthbert to explore the world of microdosing in resistance training.

Microdosing, a concept borrowed from pharmacology, involves prescribing small, individualized doses of resistance training to athletes. Cuthbert, a leading researcher in this area, sheds light on how this approach can optimize performance and manage athlete fatigue effectively, especially in the high-stakes world of international football.

The podcast delves into the nuts and bolts of microdosing, discussing the potential benefits of individualization and tailored training for athletes of various skill levels and playing positions. Cuthbert also highlights the crucial role of collaboration between strength and conditioning coaches and technical coaches to ensure seamless integration into team training.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Cuthbert's research and experiences, making this episode a must-listen for coaches and sports scientists looking to stay at the forefront of cutting-edge training techniques. As Cuthbert explains, microdosing allows for a fine balance between a minimum effective dose and planned overreaching, providing athletes with the right stimulus for optimal adaptation.

With a focus on maximizing athletic potential, this podcast showcases the potential of microdosing in revolutionizing the way we approach resistance training in football and potentially other sports.

Join Rob and Matt Cuthbert for a captivating discussion on how microdosing can take performance enhancement to a whole new level.

Main talking points:

• Microdosing in resistance training: Research explained
• Enhancing performance in international football
• Individualized training for athletes' needs
• Collaboration between S&C and technical coaches
• Using microdosing during fixture congestion
• Benefits of microdosing for athletes
• Optimizing adaptation and performance

Maximising performance, managing fatigue and optimising recovery in American Football with Marc Lewis

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Marc Lewis, Director of Sports Science at the Houston Texans delves into the intricate realm of athlete fatigue management, load monitoring and recovery optimisation.

Marc offers a comprehensive overview of fatigue monitoring techniques. From analyzing performance metrics like jump height to decoding the significance of fatigue patterns, Lewis guides listeners through the nuances of assessing and interpreting athlete fatigue levels. He introduces the concept of "non-functional overreaching," highlighting the importance of recognizing when athletes are unable to adapt strategies to achieve performance goals, indicating a significant level of fatigue.

Listeners gain valuable knowledge on establishing robust monitoring protocols. Lewis discusses the importance of understanding coefficients of variation and effect sizes, emphasizing the need to differentiate between measurement errors and genuine performance changes. The conversation also explores the optimal timing for testing, such as assessing fatigue levels both immediately after a game and midweek to capture recovery trends.

The podcast doesn't stop at monitoring—Lewis dives into recovery methods as well. He emphasizes the role of sleep and nutrition, highlighting their significance in expediting recovery. Additionally, he explores various recovery modalities, ranging from well-researched techniques like cold water immersion to other options that offer individual athletes a degree of autonomy in their recovery choices.

By the end of the conversation, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to tailor training programs, prioritize recovery, and ultimately elevate the performance of athletes. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of fatigue management, where science meets practice.

Main talking points:

• The demands of the NFL
• Athlete fatigue monitoring
• Understanding non-functional overreaching
• Monitoring protocols: CVs, effect sizes
• Timing of fatigue and readiness assessments: Post-game, midweek assessments
• Autonomy in recovery choices

#Bitesize - Using the anaerobic speed reserve to ”bucket” an athlete group’s conditioning with Phil Scott

Phil featured on episode #417 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Tests used to collect anaerobic speed reserve data
• Creating thresholds within the data to "bucket" athletes
• How to individualise with those "buckets"

Check out the full episode with Phil here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/anaerobic-speed-reserve-individualising-conditioning-in-team-sports/

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 the use of asymmetry data for profiling, rehab and fatigue monitoring with Chris Bishop

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Dr. Chris Bishop, Associate Professor at Middlesex University delves deep into the intricacies of asymmetries, exploring their relevance and implications across various aspects of sports performance. Chris dissects the misconceptions and misunderstandings associated with asymmetry metrics, emphasizing the need for context-aware analysis and a balanced perspective.

The conversation delves into the practical challenges faced by practitioners and researchers in interpreting asymmetry data obtained from jump testing and other performance assessments. Chris' insights shed light on the limitations of relying solely on asymmetry metrics as a predictive tool and the importance of considering individual biomechanical factors and sports-specific demands.

As the episode goes on, Chris navigates the listeners through the nuances of correlating asymmetry metrics with broader performance outcomes. He addresses the common pitfalls of overreliance on correlations and offers valuable insights into identifying meaningful relationships between asymmetry data and athlete performance. Chris also tackles the challenges posed by force plates, shedding light on the complexities of interpreting data and selecting meaningful metrics for assessing neuromuscular fatigue, profiling performance, and aiding injury rehabilitation.

This is an incredible episode from the Godfather of asymmetries.

Main talking points:

• Asymmetries' complexities and relevance.
• Misconceptions around asymmetries.
• Challenges in jump testing interpretation.
• Limited predictive power of asymmetry metrics.
• Identifying meaningful asymmetry-performance relationships.
• Choosing the right force plate metrics for assessing neuromuscular fatigue, profiling performance, and aiding injury rehabilitation

Developing a more aggressive approach to hamstring injury rehabilitation with Tim Parham

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob chats to Head of Player Health at Adelaide Football Club, Tim Parham.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Tim provides a comprehensive insight into the multifaceted approach to hamstring injury management and prevention.

Throughout the conversation, Tim shares practical strategies for injury prevention, including the significance of tailored training consistency, eccentric strength dosing, and individualized exercise selection. He delves into the nuanced process of rehabilitation, discussing his philosophy of adopting an aggressive approach while aligning it with the athlete's clinical condition and sport demands.

Tim provides a fascinating glimpse into his methodology of microdosing isometric exercises and integrating them into the overall training program. He discusses the challenge of finding the right balance between aggressive rehabilitation and cautious progression, and how transparency, education, and collaboration with athletes are key factors in achieving successful outcomes.

Listeners gain valuable insights into the intricacies of hamstring injuries, with Tim elaborating on the progression of high-intensity eccentric exercises and his approach to return-to-running frameworks. He highlights the importance of addressing the individual needs of athletes and embedding high-speed exposures into rehab sessions to replicate game scenarios.

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and rehab professionals seeking a deeper understanding of hamstring injuries and their management.

Main talking points:

• Hamstring injury management
• Tailored training consistency for prevention
• Microdosing isometric exercises during rehab
• Aggressive approach to rehabilitation philosophy
• High-intensity eccentric exercise progression
• Transparent education and collaboration with athletes

Working in women’s football: Injury prevention, game demands and menstrual cycle tracking

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast Rob is speaking to three experts in the area of women's football, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Manchester United Women, Jack Clover, Reader in Sports Performance at Leeds Beckett, Stacey Emmonds, and Head of Sport Science at The Matildas, Jack Sharkey.

One of the central discussions revolves around menstrual cycle monitoring and its relevance to training and performance. They emphasize the importance of understanding menstrual health beyond just phase-based training, shedding light on the broader spectrum of menstrual-related issues and their impact on athletes' well-being and availability.

The trio also tackles the challenge of setting appropriate training thresholds for female athletes in an environment where the demands are constantly evolving. They highlight the need for a more tailored approach and collaboration within the women's football community to establish science-based standards.

Eccentric training, often a hot topic in sports science, is examined from a gender-neutral perspective. Stacey, Jack, and Sharkey stress the significance of evaluating individual athlete profiles and training age when considering the integration of flywheel training into a program.

Throughout the episode, the experts emphasize the critical role of education in women's football. They discuss the importance of educating both athletes and practitioners about menstrual health, debunking myths, and promoting healthy practices.

With a wealth of experience in the field, Stacey, Jack, and Sharkey offer valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within women's football. Their commitment to evidence-based practices and their dedication to improving athlete well-being make this episode a must-listen for sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches and rehabilitation professionals about advancing women's football. Tune in for an engaging discussion that transcends the game and dives deep into the science behind female athlete performance.

Main talking points:

• Menstrual health beyond phase-based training
• Tailored thresholds for evolving demands
• Eccentric training for health and performance
• Importance of athlete education
• Bridging research and practice
• Understanding individual athlete profiles
• Collaboration for science-based standards
• Advancing women's football performance

Optimising strength and conditioning for combat athletes with Duncan French, Danny Wilson and Rhys Ingram

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of combat sports, specifically boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA), and the critical aspects of training and preparation that underpin these intense disciplines.

Our expert panel includes Duncan French, from the UFC Performance Institute, Danny Wilson, Co-founder of Boxing Science, and Rhys Ingram, formerly of GB Taekwondo and currently with GB Cycling.

They kick off the discussion by emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary teams in supporting athletes, including strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and nutritionists. The challenge lies in orchestrating these diverse experts to work cohesively for the benefit of the athlete.

The panel explores various training philosophies, particularly when it comes to building strength and power in combat sports athletes. The focus here is on lower body impulse and trunk muscle mass as significant contributors to punching power. Training strategies include lower force, high-velocity movements, and max strength development.

Assessments play a pivotal role in athlete profiling, with tests like countermovement jumps, drop jumps, isometric mid-thigh pulls, and peak plantar flexion tests providing insights into an athlete's ability to generate force quickly and efficiently.

The conversation also delves into situational training, where athletes are exposed to unorthodox and challenging scenarios to prepare them mentally and physically for fights. This approach helps athletes develop mental toughness and resilience, crucial for success in combat sports.

Finally, the experts address the complex issue of weight cutting and management. They stress the importance of distinguishing between chronic weight descent and acute weight cutting, offering valuable insights into the science and methodology behind effective weight management. The discussion touches on the significance of day-before weigh-ins and the duty of care toward athletes.

This episode provides an in-depth look at the intricate world of combat sports training, profiling, situational training, and weight management, offering valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts alike.

Main talking points:

• Utilising multidisciplinary team support.
• Focusing on lower body impulse for power.
• Which assessments to use to inform programming.
• How to build mental and physical resiliance
• Weight management and acute cutting.
• Day-before weigh-ins and athlete care

#Bitesize - The value of injury screening with Nicol van Dyk

Nicol featured on episode #388 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• The value of screening athletes to understand injury risk
• What screens they perform at Irish Rugby
• The value these screens have on injury rates

Check out the full episode with Nicol here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/what-injury-prevention-strategies-work/

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.

Reflections on working at the biggest clubs in world football with Jack Nayler

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Head of Sports Science at Everton FC, Jack Nayler. Jack comes on the podcast having spent the last 10 years at Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, Celtic and Everton. An incredible CV that many in the industry would love to have. So we dive into what he has learnt from working at these huge clubs with the huge players that play for them.

Jack reflects on his experiences working with players, noting that some have an innate understanding of their bodies and their limits. He believes it's essential to recognize and trust those players who have this insight. Jack also underscores the importance of communication, teaching players to understand their bodies better, and always being observant.

He recounts his time with Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, emphasizing Arbeloa's exceptional drive and commitment to training even when not in the starting lineup. Jack admires such players for their unwavering motivation, even if they don't possess the same natural talent as others.

Moreover, Jack touches upon the psychological aspect, mentioning how players, despite their fame and success, still face significant pressures and stresses. He believes it's crucial to understand and address these stresses to optimize performance. He also discusses the presence of ego in some players, viewing it as a factor that often contributes to their success.

In Jack's perspective, footballers operate on a level of talent and drive far beyond most people's experiences, and to work effectively with them, one has to approach them at their level instead of expecting them to come down.

Main talking points:

• Complex systems when working in football
• Individual player's influence on game outcomes
• Some players have innate body understanding and limits
• Importance of communication and player-body understanding emphasized
• Alvaro Arbeloa's dedication and drive at Real Madrid
• Psychological pressures and stresses in professional players discussed
• Ego in players contributes to their success sometimes

#Bitesize - How to implement microdosing with Matt Cuthbert

Matt featured on episode #459 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What are the benefits of microdosing
• How we can utilise those benefits effectively
• Using microdosing during fixture congestion

Check out the full episode with Matt here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/how-to-implement-micro-dosing-strategies-in-team-sports/

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.

Velocity based training: The past, present of future with Jonathon Weakley

In the latest episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, host Rob Pacey engages in a comprehensive discussion with Jonathan "Jono" Weakley, a leading figure in the realm of Velocity-Based Training (VBT). Jono, with his vast expertise and experience, offers listeners a deep dive into the intricacies and evolution of VBT, elucidating its pivotal role in contemporary athletic training.

Contrary to popular belief, Jono emphasizes that VBT isn't a newfound concept. In fact, coaches and trainers have been tapping into its principles for decades. However, the game-changer has been the integration of modern technology, which has made the application of VBT more precise, efficient, and widely accessible to trainers and athletes alike.

Central to the discussion are the three foundational tenets of VBT. Firstly, there's an inverse relationship between the weight of a barbell and its speed. As the weight increases, the speed of lifting decreases. Secondly, fatigue plays a significant role. As an athlete tires, the velocity of their lifts diminishes. Lastly, Jono touches upon the terminal thresholds for various exercises, indicating the minimum velocities below which exercises can't be performed.

But beyond these technical aspects, the conversation takes a turn towards the transformative power of feedback in training. Jono shares compelling insights, revealing that when athletes are provided with real-time feedback, they can achieve instantaneous performance improvements of up to 8%. This feedback mechanism not only boosts immediate performance but also leads to enhanced long-term physical adaptations.

The overarching theme of the podcast revolves around the importance of individualizing training programs. In a world where athletes' needs and capabilities are diverse, VBT emerges as a tool that ensures each athlete receives a training regimen tailored to their unique requirements, maximizing their potential and performance.

In essence, this episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone keen on understanding how VBT is revolutionizing the landscape of strength and conditioning, making it a must-listen.

Main talking points:

• VBT's role pivotal in modern athletic training.
• Technology enhances VBT's precision and accessibility.
• Inverse relationship: barbell weight and speed.
• Fatigue significantly impacts lifting velocity.
• Terminal thresholds define exercise limits.
• Real-time feedback boosts immediate performance.
• Feedback leads to long-term physical adaptations.
• VBT ensures tailored athlete training regimens.