Pacey Performance Podcast

#Bitesize - Managing, monitoring and preventing hip and groin injuries with Ed Gannon

Ed featured on episode #350 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What tests should we be using to measure hip and groin strength?
• Are any of those tests suitable to make acute decisions on training status?
• How can isometric exercises be used to reduce hip and groin pain?

Check out the full episode with Ed here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/reducing-and-rehabilitating-hip-and-groin-injuries-monitoring-readiness-in-team-sports-isometric-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.

A guide to career longevity - Lessons from 32 years as a strength coach with Joe Kenn

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Joe Kenn, Vice President of Performance Education at Dynamic Fitness and Strength. Joe has 32 years’ experience in strength and conditioning coaching, including 19 years’ college experience, 16 years of head coaching experience at four major universities (University of Louisville, Arizona State, Wake Forest and University of Utah), and 9 years’ experience in the NHL as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Carolina Panthers. As a result, there’s not a lot that Joe hasn’t seen or done.

He's here to talk about the changes he’s seen in strength and conditioning coaching over the past 3 decades, and where he thinks things are going. This includes how Joe started his college career as an Olympic sports strength coach before moving into football and subsequently the NFL. He explains what’s changed since then, as well a few things that have always remained the same. This includes the rise of specialised nutrition and mental health coaches, and advances in technology and sports science. There’s some insight too into how the ’hustle’ has changed for new coaches getting into the industry.

Joe also talks about his own programming style, and what he considers to be the basics of strength and conditioning coaching. He gives his opinion on the boom in speed training, and whether it’s come to detract from a more traditional coaching style. There’s also discussion into where loaded jumps fit into Joe’s programme, and how he prioritises certain exercises for individuals. For these insights and much more from someone who has personally coached in 10 sports throughout his career - and developed a programming model used in over 20 - hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• How Joe started out as a coach and what’s changed since then
• The rise of coach wellbeing
• Changes in technology and sports science
• How the ‘hustle’ has changed for coaches just starting out
• What ‘the basics’ are to Joe and how to do them well
• Joe’s opinion on whether speed training is detracting from traditional coaching
• Where loaded jumps fit into Joe’s programme
• Prioritising certain exercises for individuals
• The importance of programming in variation

#Bitesize - Recovery in the NFL with Dave Hamilton

Dave featured on episode #282 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What happened when Dave "over cooked" an athlete going into competition
• Using heat as a recover tool
• How heat differs from cold as a recovery method

Check out the full episode with Dave here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-282-dave-hamilton/

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.

What speed training methods should team sport coaches take from track & field (and what they shouldn’t)? with Cam Josse

This week’s Pacey Performance Podcast guest is Cam Josse - Athletic Performance Coach for football at Indiana University. Cam spent 7 years prior in the private sector with DeFranco's Training Systems, operating as Director of Sports Performance from 2014-2020. He has worked with a multitude of athletes in high school and collegiate sports as well as professional athletes in the NFL, NHL, UFC, and WWE. 

He's on the podcast to primarily talk about speed training, starting with how working in the private sector can help a coach transition into the collegiate setting. This includes becoming more familiar with coaching larger groups and being able to tailor a speed training program for several athletes in the same team. Staying on the subject of speed training, Cam discusses what team sports can learn from track and field in this regard, and how to find a middle ground that works for athletes that aren’t primarily top sprinters.

There’s also insight into non-verbal cues for athletes in order to prevent micromanagement, and how to balance programming for athletes of various body types in American football. Cam also shares how to integrate sprint training from an upright start, as opposed to the crouch start found in track. Finally, he talks about sprint profiling methods and how they integrate within a program, and the non-sprint-based profiling Cam uses too. For all this top-level insight into speed training and much more, hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• Cam’s recommendations for coaches working with large groups
• How to deliver speed training to a larger group of athletes
• What team sports coaching can learn from track and field
• Cam on the ‘speed obsession hype cycle’ and finding a middle ground that works
• Using non-verbal cues to lead training and avoid micromanagement
• Specific areas and scenarios where Cam would choose to use cues
• Balancing programming for both larger and smaller athletes
• Developing sprints from an upright, jogging start
• Profiling methods and how they integrate within a program
• Non-sprint-based profiling Cam uses to inform his speed program

#Bitesize - The force vector myth with Dan Cleather

Dan featured on episode #234 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What are force vectors?
• What is the misunderstanding and what can it lead to?
• What this means for exercise selection?

Check out the full episode with Dan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-234-dan-cleather/

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.

Isometric training; Assessments, progressions and regressions, and programming for different populations with Alex Natera

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Alex Natera. Alex has been a Strength and Conditioning coach in elite sport for the past 23 years. Over this time, he has held a number of positions across a range of professional football codes and Olympic sports in Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Alex has predominantly worked with track and field sprinters and was previously the Head of Strength & Power for GWS Giants in the AFL followed by his role as Head of S&C for the New South Wales Institute of Sport. Since 2021, he is currently their Manager of Performance Support.

Alex has become known as the “isometric training guy”, and that’s exactly what he’s here to talk about in the run-up to the release of his and Rob’s upcoming isometric training course. Starting from the beginning, Alex talks about his early influences in isometrics and how he developed his own theories. Moving on, he discusses isometric assessments and how they set the foundations of a training program. There’s also details into assessments for the hip, knee and ankle.

Alex and Rob also preview their upcoming isometrics course, including how isometric programs should be developed, especially regarding young athletes. There’s also insight into isometrics and rehabilitation, plus where isometrics fit alongside traditional strength training. We also get to hear what will be included in the course, including how to put programs together, periodised plans, weekly layouts, and how to start an isometric program from scratch. For all this, hit play now.

This week’s topics:

• Alex’s early influences in isometrics
• Isometric assessments for the hip, knee and ankle, and how they set the foundations of the program
• Alternatives to using a force plate for assessments
• Specific isometric assessments for different sports
• Using isometrics with young athletes
• Overlaying isometrics with traditional strength training
• Isometrics and rehabilitation
• Details of Alex and Rob’s upcoming isometric training course

#Bitesize - Choosing the right plyometric exercises for your athletes with Jeremy Sheppard and Dana Agar-Newman

Jeremy and Dana featured on episode #373 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where they discussed -

• What to consider when programming plyometric exercises
• Is variation important?
• Incorporating landing training into a programme

Check out the full episode with Jeremy and Dana here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/creating-a-framework-to-maximise-jumping-and-landing-training-with-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.

Choosing the right wearable tech for your athletes and which is worth the investment, Whoop or Oura(?) with Sian Allen

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Research Manager at Lululemon, Sian Allen. Before starting her current position, Sian received her PhD in Statistical Modelling of Sports Performance and worked with both the New Zealand and British swimming teams. She has also played football in the Women’s Premier League, before starting her academic career studying Sports Science and gaining a master’s in Physiology. She is now at Lululemon - an athletic apparel company that designs, distributes, and retails athletic apparel and accessories.

Sian is here to talk about wearable tech; she recently published a popular article comparing Whoop and Oura devices on Sportsmith and has Tweeted extensively on the subject. She tells us about the origins of that article, and the overall benefits of using wearable tech as a coach. What’s more, Sian also tells us the major differences between the rival brands, the data and metrics they both produce, and the one she would choose herself.

Going further into how wearable tech can influence and benefit coaches and athletes, Sian discusses the leading metrics that can flag up potential injuries and illness for coaches, and how wearable tech can help track the menstrual cycle in female athletes. There’s also insight into what coaches need to be careful of when using tech, and the common trade-off between accuracy and ease of use. Sian wraps up by discussing the future of wearable tech, and how practitioners can stay ahead of the game. For all this and more, hit play now.

This week’s topics:

• The benefits of comparing wearable tech
• The story behind Sian’s ‘Whoop vs. Oura’ popular article
• The main differences between Whoop and Oura – and what Sian would choose
• The data they both produce during exercise
• How menstrual cycle tracking can be used when working with female athletes
• Leading metrics that flag up injuries and illnesses
• How careful coaches need to be when using wearables to guide athletes
• The trade-off between accuracy and ease of use
• Sian’s process for finding a wearable that has the metrics that matter
• The future of wearable tech
• How practitioners can stay ahead of the game

#Bitesize - Maintaining shoulder health with athletes and the ASH test with Ben Ashworth

Ben featured on episode #296 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• The ASH test and what it tells us about shoulder health
• Why assessing rate of force development (RFD) is so important to shoulder health
• What is next in the area of shoulder health assessment

Check out the full episode with Ben here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-296-ben-ashworth/

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 rehab running framework to maximise performance and minimise re-injury with Simon Harries

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Simon Harries. Simon is a leading Strength and Conditioning coach and sports scientist, having worked for 14 years across all four contact codes in Australia (Rugby League, Rugby Union, Rugby Sevens and AFL). For half that time, he’s also been a rehab coordinator before moving to a new role as Head of Strength and Conditioning at the New South Wales Institute of Sport.

Recently, Simon’s article on his rehab running framework was published on Sportsmith. Here, he talks about how that framework came into being and the process he went through to develop it. One problem he found as an S&C coach was the gap between learning how to coach athletes to push themselves, and the practicalities of helping an athlete return from injury. In his rehab running framework, he’s provided structure for coaches to follow to bridge this gap.

Simon speaks with Rob about the different facets of his framework, including its basic structure, with examples of how it can be used for hamstring and calf injuries. He explains some easy drills to use during rehab, plus how to assess athlete process and when to change the level of training required when an athlete gets to a certain condition. There’s technical information too, such as the regression progression continuum of exercise, resistance training, and isometrics. For all this and more, hit the play button now.

 

This week’s topics:

• How Simon designed the rehab running framework
• The gap between S&C education and practical rehab
• The basic structure of the rehab running framework
• An example of how the framework works with hamstring injuries
• Early drills to use during hamstring rehab
• Assessment methods to use
• The differences in rehab for different muscle groups
• Regression progression continuum of exercise, and resistance training
• Where isometrics fit in

#Bitesize - What is blood flow restriction training and how can it be used in rehab with Chris Gaviglio

Chris featured on episode #333 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What is blood flow restriction (BFR) training?
• What safety aspects do we need to consider before using BFR?
• How can it be used in rehab?

Check out the full episode with Chris here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-333-chris-gaviglio/

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 genuine network and expanding your responsibilities to make yourself indispensable with Donnell Boucher

On this week’s Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob speaks to Director of Business Development at PLAE, Donnell Boucher. Donnell joined sports equipment and environment manufacturer PLAE in January 2021 following a 14-year tenure in several roles at The Citadel, the military college of South Carolina. There, he worked as Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Strength and Conditioning, Strength Assistance Coach amongst other roles. 

Donnell is here to talk about how he has advanced through his career from starting out as a football player, before transitioning into strength coaching and now into his directorial role at PLAE. As a part of this, Donnell cites networking as an important aspect of how professionals can get noticed and increase their influence within the industry. He talks about the best ways in which to reach out to others and show your value, including what to share on social media. This includes how to provide more than simply being seen as a ‘good person’.

Donnell also provides his career building tips, such as the skills gaps often seen in young coaches, and how they can plug any deficiencies that may hold them back in finding opportunities with employers. There’s also advice on how to build and nurture relationships with clients, which could be invaluable for personal trainers who need to retain the people they coach. Finally, and perhaps most important of all, Donnell reveals the three things he learned at a conference that defined a career altering moment for him. For all this and much more, hit the play button now.

 

This week’s topics:

• Donnell’s influences in strength and conditioning
• How networking helped Donnell’s transition to his new role at PLAE
• The best way to reach out to others when network building
• What to include on social media when building your network
• Why being a ‘good person’ is not always enough in networking
• The gaps often seen in young coaches, and the areas they can work on
• Nurturing experiences and relationships with clients
• The three things learned at a conference that created a career altering moment for Donnell

#Bitesize - Why and how to use obstacle courses with youth athletes with Jeremy Frisch

Jeremy featured on episode #270 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How to set up obstacle courses that have a purpose
• How to adjust them based on the age group
• How they fit alongside structured training

Check out the full episode with Jeremy here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-270-jeremy-frisch/

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.

Research in real-life: Unravelling what injury prevention strategies really works in practice with Nicol van Dyk

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Nicol van Dyk, injury surveillance and medical research officer with the Irish Rugby Football Union.

Having been at the IRFU since 2019, Nicol is here to talk about injury screening, injury prevention and specifically the Nordic hamstring exercise. With Rob, he discusses why first-hand coaching experience is highly beneficial when undertaking academic research, and his own personal four-step injury screening protocol. As part of this discussion, Nicol explains when interventions need to take place, the risk factors involved with injury screening, and how to identify athletes at a higher or lower risk of injury.

There’s also some insight into Nicol’s overall philosophy for injury prevention. In-keeping with recent trending topics within the industry, there’s also some discussion into Nordics, the risks involved with them, and the athletes that the Nordic hamstring exercise isn’t necessarily effective for. There’s also some signposting into where we can find out more about Nicol’s research, and what he’s going to be doing next. For all this and much more, hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• Nicol’s four-step Injury screening protocol with the IRFU
• Interventions and identifying risk factors
• Identifying athletes at high or lower risk of injury
• What triggers an intervention for rugby union players during testing
• What triggers an intervention for other sports
• Nicol’s overall philosophy for injury prevention
• The questions surrounding the phrase ‘injury prevention’
• Nicol’s opinion on Nordics, and whether there’s a risk involved
• Athletes that Nordics are not effective for

#Bitesize - Identifying and fixing common sprint technique errors in team sport athletes with Cam Josse

Cam featured on episode #297 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• The three most common sprint technique errors team sport athletes make
• How we can identify them
• How we can fix them

Check out the full episode with Cam here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-297-cam-josse/

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 Nordic hamstring exercise; are they safe and effective for athletes (?) with Franco Impellizzeri

Franco Impellizzeri is Rob’s guest on this week’s Pacey Performance Podcast. He’s been Professor in Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine at the UTS Faculty of Health since 2018, with around 170 publications in the area of sport science. However, Franco is much more than just an academic – he has hands-on experience in training several elite track and field athletes in various disciplines (including two gold medallists at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games). More recently, Franco has been the fitness coach of the Swiss Fencing Team (2012 to 2016) for the preparation of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Franco is here to mainly discuss the Nordic hamstring exercise, including the controversy around his recent meta-analysis. With information that could be invaluable to other trainers and coaches, Franco uncovered several errors in another recent meta-analysis in this area, and shares what his re-analysis means for practitioners. This includes statistical errors and the high risk of biases in such research.

There’s also a discussion into where trainers and coaches can find higher quality research, and what Franco will be up to next. In addition, Franco also tells us about his thoughts on the acute chronic workload ratio, and how it should be used in practice whilst being mindful of the problems what can be encountered using it. Finally, he talks about the issues with using the worst-case scenario as a training benchmark and that can be counteracted. For all this insight, hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• The errors in a recent meta-analysis on the Nordic hamstring exercise
• Statistical errors and the high risk of bias in Nordic research
• Why Franco re-analysed Nordic hamstring for his recent meta-analysis
• What Franco’s re-analysis means for practitioners
• Why the statistic that Nordics reduces injury by a given percentage is unrealistic
• How the chronic workload ratio is used in practice
• Problems encountered when using ratios
• The issues with using the worst-case scenario as a training benchmark

#Bitesize - Using Frans Bosch’s methods with Australia Rugby with John Pryor

John featured on episode #347 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Why Frans has had such a big influence on his practice
• Best ways to interpret Frans' methods
• How to develop ankle stiffness

Check out the full episode with John here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/contextual-strength-coordination-training-traditional-strength-training-and-intelligent-science/

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 military pre season camps for the right reasons. Answering the critics with Simon Thomas

This week’s Pacey Performance Podcast guest is Simon Thomas. Simon spent five seasons as the Head of Physical Performance for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, and has now moved on to Major League Rugby side Austin Gilgronis in the United States. Following four titles in New Zealand with Crusaders, Simon decided to take on a new challenge in Texas, joining up with head coach Sam Harris whom he had previously worked with at Honda Heat in Japan. Simon is here to talk about the growth of Major League Rugby, the cultural differences between the sport in traditional rugby nations and the USA, and how there are 300 million rugby fans who just don’t know it yet.

In addition to life in Texas at a fledgling side, Simon also discusses how to set up a successful preseason training camp, including the values to establish, the key objectives, and reflection on the group and their achievements the previous year. One of these training camps proved controversial as the team trained with the US Navy SEALs – as observers on social media waded in with opinions on whether that style of training was appropriate. However, Simon here explains the background behind it all, including the planning and preparation that led to it happening.

This background included the psychological element to the training camp, including how to get players into a routine of accountability, communication, and responding to effective leadership. Simon also talks about how to build trusting relationships between coaches and the team to allow this to happen, plus what the markers of a successful preseason can be. For all this, hit the play button now to get the real truth behind this viral story.

This week’s topics:

• The growth of Major League Rugby
• The origins of the Gilgronis name
• The cultural differences between coaching in New Zealand and Texas
• Developing a successful preseason camp
• How training with the Navy SEALs helped the Gilgronis during preseason
• How that SEALs training session became a social media sensation – and how it was misunderstood
• Why that training didn’t reflect the preparation and planning behind it
• Getting players into a routine of accountability and communication
• The importance of building relationships with coaches and avoiding friction
• The markers of success for a preseason

#Bitesize - How to implement eccentric focused training with your athletes with Angus Ross

Angus featured on episode #343 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What adaptations come from eccentric focused training
• How to programme eccentric focused training
• Where does it fit into the wider programme

Check out the full episode with Angus here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/eccentric-training-the-why-when-and-how/

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 and implementing isometric testing and training with athletes with Paul Comfort

Paul Comfort is a Reader in Strength and Conditioning and programme leader for the MSc Strength and Conditioning at the University of Salford, and is this week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast.

He's here to talk to Rob about isometric testing and training, and why there has been a recent resurgence in its popularity. This includes how coaches can use the right metrics during isometric testing, and how the time points to measure athletes by changes based on their own needs and particular sport. For those working on a budget, Paul also explains the alternatives to force plates when testing, and the importance of real, hands-on experience as a coach.

Paul also discusses isometric training and its link to dynamic performance, such as the benefits it can offer in comparison to more traditional strength training techniques. Paul tells us about how coaches can manipulate isometric training to get the results we want, in addition to eccentric training - and when it is appropriate to apply it. For all this advice from an expert who has co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles along with numerous book chapters, hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• Why Paul believes there has been a resurgence in isometric testing and training
• Using the right metrics in isometric testing
• Alternative options to force plates
• Paul’s views on strain gauges in sport-specific testing positions
• The link to dynamic performance when doing isometric training
• The benefits of isometric training compared with traditional strength training
• How we can manipulate isometric training to get the results we want
• The benefits of eccentric training and how to apply it
• Where to find more information about isometric and eccentric training

#Bitesize - Developing players through the pathway in an elite football academy with Matt Allen

Matt featured on episode #354 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How training focus changes as players move through an elite football academy
• Monitoring maturation
• Using maturation data to change (or not change) individual player training 

Check out the full episode with Matt here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/how-to-develop-some-of-the-premier-leagues-most-promising-young-talent/

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.

Agility training: Creating drills that transfer to on-field performance with Warren Young

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Warren Young. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Exercise & Sport Science at Federation University Australia and teaches and conducts applied research in a variety of topics relating to physical preparation for sport. Warren has published numerous articles over three decades and has a special interest in speed and agility training and assessment. His research, among other results, led to the development of the Reactive Strength Index and his deterministic model of agility performance.

Warren is here to talk to Rob about agility, including what has changed since his got into the industry over 30 years ago. He describes how there is often a disconnect between the physical and academic side of agility performance, and how that can be reconciled. Warren also discussed how the cognitive side of the model has translated into a coach’s day-to-day work, and whether testing can be integrated into a high-performance setting.

Warren also provides some exceptional insight into how to include change direction testing and agility training into a programme, including what to change between sports and different positions, such as attacking and defending players in a team sport. This includes strategies into how to enhance agility, and how to adapt them for a different level of athlete. For all this and much more, hit the play button now to hear Warren’s thoughts on a subject very few will know more about.

• How Warren developed his model of agility performance
• What has changed in our understanding of agility in the past 30 years
• How academics need to do a better job of including the physical side of his model
• How the cognitive side of the model has translated into a coach’s day-to-day work
• Can a particular test be integrated into a high-performance setting?
• The problems with change direction testing
• How change direction testing and training differs between sports and positions
• What to change in training between attackers and defenders
• Subjective evaluation in a change direction test
• Strategies to enhance agility and where they fit into overall training
• Adapting agility training strategies for novice youth athletes
• Warren’s advice for deceleration training

 

#Bitesize - Microdosing; how it differs to other methods of periodisation with Derek Hansen

Derek featured on episode #183 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What is microdosing?
• How it can be used during periods of fixture conjestion
• How it can be used for strength and power but also speed training

Check out the full episode with Derek here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-183-derek-hansen/

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.

Preventing and rehabilitating hip and groin injuries in athletes with James Moore

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is James Moore, leader of the specialist physiotherapy team at the Centre for Health and Human Performance. James has 25 years of experience in physio, graduating with an honours degree in physiotherapy from Kings College London. He was Clinical Lead Physiotherapist to the English Institute of Sport, with a special affiliation to UK Athletics. He spent a period of time working as Head of Medicine for Saracens RFC, before moving on to manage the intensive rehabilitation unit (IRU) at Bisham Abbey and was Head of Performance Services for the British Olympic Association and Deputy Chef de Mission for the Rio 2016 Olympics and beyond.

James is here to talk about hip and groin injuries, and why those injuries happen in the first place. In addition to telling us how he juggles running a business with being a clinician, James tells us about his time working with Andy Murray to aid his return to competitive tennis. He then goes into the differences to watch out for between male and female athletes when it comes to injury risk. There’s also insight into why some people need surgery to aid recovery from hip and groin injuries, and why some don’t.

James also provides a deep dive into how to readjust training sessions in order to aid recovery from injury and what to include in a rehabilitation programme. This includes how to adjust running mechanics to reduces the chances of injury, and the key markers and ratios to monitor that show an athlete’s progress and performance capability. For all this insight from one of the most experienced physios we’ve had on the podcast, and much more, hit the play button now.

On this week’s podcast:

• Juggling owning a business with being a clinician
• Working with Andy Murray throughout his return to competitive tennis
• Why and how hip and groin injuries happen
• The differences in injury risk between male and female athletes
• Identifying who will need surgery
• Why certain people can recovery without surgery
• Readjusting training sessions to aid recovery from injury
• What to include in a rehabilitation programme for groin injuries
• Adjusting running mechanics to reduce the chance of injury
• Markers to watch out for during an athlete’s rehab journey
• Key ratios that give insight into performance

#Bitesize - Why change of direction and agility testing doesn’t provide valuable information with Ian Jeffreys

Ian featured on episode #377 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What testing change of direction DOES give us
• Why other ways of understanding movement strategy may be better
• Assessing agility performance

Check out the full episode with Ian here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/agility-training-problems-with-change-of-direction-testing-game-speed/

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.

Developing the ”how” as well as the ”what” of coaching, self reflection and expanding deep knowledge with Jonas Dodoo and Jamie Taylor

This week’s guests on the Pacey Performance Podcast are Jamie Taylor and Jonas Dodoo. Jamie is the former head of Academy at Leicester Tigers, now working with Grey Matters as a Senior Coach Developer. Jonas is a regular on the podcast, a world-renowned speed coach and the head coach and founder of Speedworks.

Jamie and Jonas have been working together on a new education process for optimising coaching and talent development. The pair discuss some of the theory behind what they’ve learned over the years regarding the more reflective side of coaching, and how to make the right decisions at the right times. This includes critical thinking about coaching techniques, the work of peers, and even ourselves.

At the heart of this thinking is the balance between gaining a wider knowledge, such as hoovering up advice and tips on social media, and gaining a deeper knowledge of specific techniques, exercises and sports. A healthy balance allows coaches to adapt exercises through knowing their environment and players, and being able to find the ‘sweet spot’ where athletes understand and trust in training, even if they don’t particularly enjoy it. For all this and where to find out more about Jonas’ and Jamie’s programme, hit the play button now

This week’s topics:

• How COVID led to the growth of Speedworks
• What led to collaboration between Speedworks and Grey Matters
• The questions Jonas receives about how to implement his teachings
• The coaching appraisal process – self-reflection on training sessions
• Critical thinking, on both peer reviewed papers and ourselves
• Utilising technology to provide an objective view of coaching
• Personal development and next steps for Jonas
• The importance of being able to recharge
• Wider knowledge vs. deeper knowledge
• Being able to adapt exercises through knowing your environment and players
• The ‘sweet spot’ where athletes understand and trust in training

#Bitesize - The beliefs and practices of the Arsenal Academy performance department with Paudie Roche

Paudie featured on episode #228 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How they structure S&C sessions in the academy
• Paudie's thoughts on weightlifting for youth athletes
• Movement screens and their use in the Arsenal academy

Check out the full episode with Paudie here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-228-paudie-roche/

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.

Change of direction ability; testing, developing physical qualities and maximising on-field transfer with Tom Dos’Santos and Alistair McBurnie

This week’s Pacey Performance Podcast is the second part of Rob’s conversation with Alistair McBurnie and Tom Dos’Santos. Just as a reminder, Alistair is a sports science analyst for Manchester United’s first team, having worked his way up from coaching at academy level. Tom is a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he teaches strength conditioning and sports biomechanics. Previously, he’s worked at the University of Salford, England Northwest and Manchester Thunder netball squads. They’re currently collaborating on multidirectional speed.

The conversation continues with more insight into the world of change of direction, including its definition and the key positions athletes and coaches should be aware of for effective change of direction. This includes effective training of these key positions, and how to coach them in an applied setting. There’s also discussion into how to build an athlete profile, and how technological advances have led to developments in on-field change of direction testing.

Furthermore, Alistair and Tom talk about whether change direction testing is becoming less prominent following recent findings from their peers. Overall, if you’re looking for incredibly detailed discussion in this area of coaching, including drills, coaching plans and how to measure output, this week’s edition of the podcast is ideal for you. For all this – plus where to find even more information – hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• Definition of change of direction
• Key positions when it comes to effective change of direction
• Effective training of key positions
• Coaching change of direction drills in an applied setting
• Whether change of direction testing is becoming less prominent
• Building an athlete profile during change of direction testing
• How technological advances effect on-field change of direction testing
• Change of direction deficit
• Signposting for more insight from Tom and Alistair

#Bitesize - Why is the Nordic hamstring exercise so controversial with Kristian Thorborg

Gareth featured on episode #309 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What are the risk factors for hamstring injury
• What are the barriers to Nordics being used
• Why are Nordics so controversial

Check out the full episode with Kristian here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-309-kristian-thorborg/

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 deceleration vaccine, and understanding and improving deceleration ability with Tom Dos’Santos and Alistair McBurnie

Alistair McBurnie and Tom Dos’Santos join Rob on this week’s Pacey Performance Podcast. Alistair is a sports science analyst for Manchester United’s first team, having worked his way up from coaching at academy level. Tom is a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he teaches strength conditioning and sports biomechanics. Previously, he’s worked at the University of Salford, England Northwest and Manchester Thunder netball squads. They’re currently collaborating on research on multidirectional speed.

Alistair and Tom discuss how their partnership came into being through their university work, leading to their two-part review article being published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal. They then go into detail about multidirectional speed training, and how when done correctly it can reduce injuries such as muscle strains. Alistair and Tom also talk about how to sequence horizontal decelerations, and how to monitor them.

In addition to this, there’s also discussion on key metrics to look out for when using technology during testing, and the advancements in technology that is being adopted by football clubs such as Manchester United. Bearing in mind that this is only part 1 of Rob’s chat with Alistair and Tom, be sure to check back next week for even more expert insight.

On the podcast this week:

• Tom and Alistair’s work in multidirectional speed
• The importance of training deceleration
• Reducing injuries, including muscle strains
• Sequencing horizontal decelerations within a training cycle
• Monitoring and testing deceleration
• Key metrics and KPIs in deceleration testing
• Advancements in technology that help measure athlete output
• Key musculature for coaches to target

#Bitesize - What is the anaerobic speed reserve and how can we use it with Gareth Sandford

Gareth featured on episode #367 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What is the anaerobic speed reserve
• How is it being used by performance coaches around the world
• Why is it more beneficial than other testing and prescription options

Check out the full episode with Gareth here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/anaerobic-speed-reserve-maximising-training-prescription-part-1/

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 future of sports science and the sports scientist in professional sport with Jose Fernandez (Mahd Academy)

Joining Rob this week on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Jose Fernandez, leader of Sports Science at the Mahd Academy in Saudi Arabia. The Academy is part of the Ministry of Sport and has been tasked with developing athletic potential in the country. Previously, Jose was Head of Sports Science at Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros. Jose talks about his five-year journey, and how he’s moved from baseball to his current role. This has given him insight on how sports science in baseball differs from other sports, and how he built trust with the technical coaches at the Astros.

Jose also shares his views on athlete profiling and how training can be customised through data. We also talk about what Jose believes will be the next technological advance in sports science, whether wearables still have a future in data analysis, and the importance of biomechanics. There’s also some discussion on the ever more overlapping roles within professional sports, such as the crossover between data scientist, sports scientist, strength and conditioning, and recruitment of talent. For all this and much more, hit the play button now.

On this week’s podcast:

• Jose’s five-year journey
• How sports science in baseball differs from other sports
• How Jose built trust with the Houston Astros technical coaches
• Examples of how to save coaches’ time
• Athlete profiling and customising training through data
• Athlete profiling specific to baseball
• What Jose believes will be the next technological advance in sports science
• The future of wearables in the field
• Data analysis and the importance of biomechanics
• Transitioning between roles of data scientist, sports scientist and strength and conditioning coach
• Jose’s views on sports scientists infiltrating other areas of a team, e.g., recruitment

#Bitesize - The power of social media in getting (or not getting) a job in elite sport with Dave Slemen

Dave featured on episode #322 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Using social media to your advantage when looking for a job
• How social media can put recruiters off
• Why are wages so low for performance staff and what we can do about it

Check out the full episode with Dave here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-322-david-slemen/

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 and evaluating the return on investment from any sports technology with Sam Robertson (Professor at Victoria University)

The first Pacey Performance Podcast guest of 2022 sees the return of Sam Robertson, Professor of Sports Analytics at Victoria University. Prior to arriving at the university, Sam worked as a sport scientist in various roles in both Australia and the United Kingdom.

Since his last appearance, Sam has started his own One Track Mind podcast, exploring the science, technology, economics and politics of sport. Sam discusses a little about his podcast, including how he chooses guests and the topics they explore before moving on to the subject of sports technology. In addition to Sam’s definition of sports technology, he talks about FIFA’s criteria for choosing a sports technology partner, and how the data captured and advantages/disadvantages are often subjective to the individual coach or team.

Sam also discusses the democratisation of data, and how individuals can understand the return on investment of the technology they choose. There’s also debate on how sports data has affected fan engagement, and whether these developments have been positive for sport. Finally, Rob and Sam discuss how to subjectively choose a sports technology provider and the criteria we can all look out for. For all this insight and much more, hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• Sam’s definition of sports technology
• The data generated by sports technology
• FIFA’s criteria for choosing a sports technology partner
• The democratisation of data
• How individuals can understand the return investment on the technology they choose
• Is fan engagement driven by data going the right way?
• IMUs vs. player tracking systems
• Why the tech giants have stayed away from professional sports technology
• Creating frameworks to make better decisions on data collected
• How choosing a sports technology provider can be measured subjectively

As mentioned in the episode, you can be a part of a new initiative between Track VU and Sportsmith in the independant evaluation of sports technology by visiting sportsmith.co/tech

#Bitesize - Using fixed resistance machines in-season with Cory Schlesinger

Cory featured on episode #358 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Using fixed resistance machines with elite athletes
• Managing in-season stress with fixed resistance machines
• What sports science has done for programmes in the NBA

Check out the full episode with Cory here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/weight-machines-the-most-under-utilised-way-to-train-in-season-in-the-nba/

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.

Agility training, problems with change of direction testing & game speed with Ian Jeffreys (Coach Educator & Academic Director, Setanta College)

This weeks guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Ian Jeffreys. Ian is a Coach Educator and recently appointed Academic Director at Setanta College. Ian is an internationally renowned coach, educator and author. An ex professional rugby player, where he played at the highest level for 15 years, he is regarded as a world authority in the development of speed & agility and conditioning for team sports. His Gamespeed system of sport specific speed and agility development, along with his RAMP warm-up protocols have revolutionised training in these areas and have been adopted by a wide range of coaches and organisations around the world. 

In this episode of the podcast, Ian dives into why change of direction testing is becoming more and more redundant as we know more about training true agility. He also details why change of direction ability is only one part of the puzzle when it comes to coaching agility.

Ian gives some real life, practical examples of how we coach agility in closed and more importantly open scenarios. 

This weeks talking points -

• The link between teaching and coaching
• Why isolated change of direction tests don't give us the full picture
• Ways to train agility in open and closed environments
• Using personal playing experience to develop coaching ability
• The development of gamespeed 

#Bitesize - Understanding the menstrual cycle to optimise performance with Georgie Bruinvels

Georgie featured on episode #294 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where she discussed -

• Common symptoms of each phase of the menstrual cycle
• Working around each of the symptoms
• Supporting athletes in each phase

Check out the full episode with Georgie here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-294-dr-georgie-bruinvels/

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.

Gaining mobility and flexibility for sports performance with Vernon Griffith (Performance Coach)

This week’s Pacey Performance Podcast guest is Peformance Coach, Vernon Griffith. Previously, Vernon has been a consultant at Performance Explored, a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Association Presenter at the NSCA, and a High-Performance Director for basketball and football at Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School in Virginia.

Vernon has been a strength and conditioning coach for quite some time at various levels but had his first experience in coaching while enrolled in the military. Vernon talks about this time, and what led him to leave the armed forces for a new career. He also discusses how it has influenced his coaching style and taught him to value his time and what he can offer other people. Further to this, he tells us how he creates an environment conducive to coaching for those who may not necessarily enjoy team sports.

As part of his technical advice, Vernon discusses how to encourage movement exploration in the weight room, and the fundamental differences between movement and flexibility. What’s more Vernon and Rob talk about what athletes are capable of after recovering from injury, including how para athletes can influence techniques used with others. Finally, Vernon tells us about his online presence, and the content he finds value in sharing without feeling the need to generate controversy. For all this varied and invaluable insight, hit the play button now.

On the podcast this week:

• How to create an environment conducive to coaching
• How a military environment shaped Vernon’s coaching style
• Encouraging movement exploration in the weight room
• Determining what an athlete can and can’t do after injury
• How coaching para athletes can influence coaching style
• Changing a coaching environment to suit a professional athlete
• Differentiating between movement and flexibility
• Sharing online content to influence thought, not generate controversy
• Why Vernon left the military and started coaching
• Learning to value your time and what you can offer others
• The value in therapy and how it has become more normalised

#Bitesize - Benefits and downsides to eccentric training with John Wagle

John featured on episode #361 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Benefits of eccentric training
• Links to dynamic performance
• Downsides to ecentric training
• Where to start with eccentric training

Check out the full episode with John here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/how-to-incorporate-eccentric-training-into-a-strength-and-power-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.

Warm ups and cool downs; maximising our impact as coaches with Rett Larson (Strength & Conditioning Coach at German Women’s Volleyball Team)

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Rett Larson, strength and conditioning coach for the German women’s national volleyball team. He’s previously coached the Dutch and Chinese women’s volleyball teams, and worked for EXOS Athlete Performance for seven years. Prior to that, he learned his trade coaching younger athletes in strength training between the ages of 8 and 18 in Southern California.

Rett’s here to talk about warming up, cooling down, and why it can pay to coach younger athletes before moving on to adult-aged coaching. As well as the benefits of experience, coaches can really see how to engage with a group and notice the smaller performance details. With warming up, Rett is an expert in this field gives key advice on how to design effective warm ups, structure sessions, and why keeping things ‘messy’ can be more beneficial.

Rett also discusses cool downs, again discussing how to structure such sessions, keep the coach’s own ego in check relating to athletes’ attitude towards them, and how to maintain attention once the main training session is over. He also provides some bonus advice on percussive therapy devices, and the ones he uses. To learn all this and much more, hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• The benefits of coaching younger athletes before moving on to adults
• How Rett became the ‘warm-up’ guy
• The key to coaching effective warm-ups
• Why we need to warm-up
• Why coaches can keep warm-ups ‘messy’ rather than robotic
• How to structure warm-up sessions
• Ensuring flexibility through effective stretching
• Were stretching bands and activation exercises just a fad?
• Rett’s advice on cool-downs
• Percussive therapy devices, and the ones Rett uses

#Bitesize - Recommendations for training athletes during growth spurts with Sean Cumming

Sean featured on episode #364 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How to measure rate of growth in youth athletes
• Making changes to a programme during growth spurts
• When NOT to make changes during a growth spurt

Check out the full episode with Sean here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/working-with-youth-athletes-monitoring-maturation-biobanding-and-training-through-rapid-growth/

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.

Deciphering, understanding and optimising athlete movement efficiency with Matt Jordan

This week’s Pacey Performance Podcast guest is Matt Jordan. Throughout his career, Matt has consulted with more than 30 Olympic and World Championship medallists, and he frequently provides his expertise to high-performance sport organisations. Matt has been a strength and conditioning coach and applied sport scientist working with international athletes for over six Olympic Winter Games. In addition to being the Director of Sport Science at the Canadian Sport Institute Calgary, Matt is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary.

On the podcast, Matt discusses a topic he wrote about in High Performance Training for Sports (2^nd Edition) – efficiency of movement. Not only does Matt define what efficiency of movement is, but he also explains how experts apply it to training programmes. He also dives into the strength training framework for mechanical efficiency, and how isometric training should be adapted to apply to specific sports. Continuing the technical side of things, Matt also talks about loading for technical efficiency.

Matt also talks about some of the psychological aspects of sport science, such as why coaches need to remember that they are ‘servants of performance’ and not become transfixed on their own particular way of doing things. In a similar vein, Matt speaks about how coaches can detach from irrelevant information and see a problem for what it is, and avoid the pitfalls of following the same model again and again. To hear all this insight and much more, hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• What is efficiency of movement?
• Applying efficiency of movement to training programmes
• The strength training framework for mechanical efficiency
• Isometric training, and how specific exercises need to be for certain sports
• Why coaches need to remember that they are ‘servants of performance’
• How to detach from irrelevant information and see a problem for what it is
• Loading for technical efficiency
• How to avoid the pitfalls of being transfixed on a specific model

#Bitesize -The underpinning characteristics of speed with Stu McMillan

Stu featured on episode #286 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What are the underpinning characteristics of speed for team sport athletes
• How the underpinning characteristics differ for sprinters
• Why S&C coaches are more comfortable in the gym than on the field

Check out the full episode with Stu here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-286-stu-mcmillan/

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.

Creating a framework to maximise jumping and landing training with athletes with Dana Agar-Newman and Jeremy Sheppard

This week’s guests on the Pacey Performance Podcast are Dana Agar-Newman and Jeremy Sheppard. Dana is a senior practitioner at the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, and a head strength conditioning coordinator at the University of Victoria. He has also worked in rowing and rugby, including with the Canadian women’s rugby sevens team at Rio 2016. Jeremy is a strength conditioning coach with Canada Snowboard, previously having also worked with the Canadian Sport Institute.

The duo have recently written the jumping and landing training chapter in High Performance Training for Sports (second edition). Here, they discuss aspects of their research such as jump testing analysis and performance metrics, explaining the metrics to measure between differing sports and athlete levels. They also talk about tools to avoid, and whether to pursue variations in training.

In addition, the pair also talk about jump sustainability and what works in different sports and for different athletes. This includes what to consider when developing jumping exercises, force vectors, and landing evaluations. When it comes to jumps training, performance development and analysis, this week’s guests quite literally wrote the book on it, so hit the play button now for all this insight and much, much more.

This week’s topics:

• Jump testing analysis
• Tools to avoid due to their unreliability
• Differing sport-specific analysis metrics
• Differing metrics based on athlete experience and level
• The process for developing jumping exercises
• Arguments for and against lots of variation in training
• Force vectors and choosing exercises based on vertical and horizontal
• Jump sustainability, and the programming that influences it
• Landing evaluations and differences between sports
• What landings can tell us about other training variables, e.g., deceleration

#Bitesize - Choosing the most appropriate recovery methods with Robin Thorpe

Robin featured on episode #335 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How to determine the most appropriate recovery method
• What we need to understand to be able to do that
• What methods give the biggest bang for buck

Check out the full episode with Robin here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-335-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.

Speed, agility and social media gurus; reflections from 53 years coaching with Vern Gambetta (Coach and Founder of GAIN Network)

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Vern Gambetta. It would be no exaggeration to say it would easier to list the things Vern hasn’t done – he’s currently the Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems and has been a conditioning coach for several MLS teams, the Nike Oregon Project, Chicago Bulls, and was conditioning consultant to the US Men's World Cup Soccer team, plus much more.

Vern’s experience spans 53 years at all levels of competition after starting out in teaching. From here, Vern explains the value in the ‘old school’ attitudes and methods, and how that can translate into modern day coaching with skills that are now often in short supply. He also outlines how to strike a balance between being a specialist or generalist coach, with an interesting debate with Rob on how many coaches can be too quick to label themselves in a certain way.

Vern discusses how social media can be highly misleading for younger coaches, promoting a ‘perfect’ way of doing things that cannot be replicated in competition. However, he also talks about the opportunities available for coaches now that weren’t always an option. For all this and much more, hit play now to hear what someone who has done it all has to say about the industry.

On this week’s podcast:

• How Vern started in teaching, and how he calls upon that experience now
• How Vern believes younger coaches can tap into that educational background
• Whether it could be better to be a specialist or a generalist
• The importance of being adaptable in training and not turning athletes into “robots”
• Avoiding hamstring injuries from research dating back to the 1970s
• The influence of track coaches on team coaches when it comes to developing speed
• Why not to believe social media when searching for the “perfect” drills
• Potential opportunities for younger coaches in the next 5 to 10 years
• Where to find more advice from Vern’s vast experience

#Bitesize - Assessing and managing athletes through an ACL rehabilitation with Enda King

Enda featured on episode #287 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• Is an ACL injury a brain injury?
• What assessments should we use through the return to play process?
• The importance of eccentric qualities to reduce the risk of ACL reinjury

Check out the full episode with Enda here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-287-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.

Creating and developing a high school strength and conditioning programme with Joey Berles (JJ Pearce High School)

Rob is joined by Joey Bergles on the Pacey Performance Podcast this week. He’s the Director of Strength Conditioning at a high school in Dallas, giving him incredible insight into the developmental progress of younger athletes as they grow into older teens and eventually adults. This follows his time coaching college football at Texas Tech University, and women’s soccer and softball at Utah State as lead strength coach. Overall, this experience means Joey has seen coaching from the perspective of numerous skill levels, ages and abilities.

Joey’s knowledge will be invaluable for anyone coaching children at any level, for example how experiences at a young age can have a real knock-on effect and the five main movements that act as a start point for 12-year-old athletes. What’s more, Joey talks about how to keep kids engaged during training that can be perceived as boring or repetitive, and the games that will keep training fun. There’s also insight into how to build speed in younger athletes. To learn all this and much, much more, hit the play button now to hear real expertise in how to coach children and young people.

On this week’s podcast:

• The growth of high school strength and conditioning knowledge through social media
• Why Joey decided to coach younger athletes rather than collegiate level
• How experiences at a young age will influence an athlete’s future
• The five main movements that act as a start point for 12-year-old athletes
• How to keep kids engaged when training is repetitive and initially unrewarding
• How to provide quality advice when coaching larger groups of young people
• The story behind Joey’s “sarcastic” Instagram posts about sport-specific squats
• Methods to build speed in young athletes
• The games to use in training that build a sense of engagement

#Bitesize - The function of tendons and how to best train them with Keith Baar

Keith featured on episode #348 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• How tendons function and what is their job
• Should tendon stiffness always be the goal?
• How should we best train tendons for performance?

Check out the full episode with Keith here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/training-tendons-implications-for-sprinting-jumping-and-rehabilitation/

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.

Enhancing change of direction speed and agility in the real world with Molly Binetti (University of South Carolina)

Molly Binetti is this week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast. She is currently the Director of Women’s Basketball Performance at the University of South Carolina following various roles as a coach at the University of Louisville, Purdue University, and the University of Minnesota. As a result, she’s ideally placed to provide her expertise on change direction performance and testing options, open and closed drills, what to look for in an athlete’s movement, and how to avoid ‘over coaching’ athletes. Molly naturally has excellent knowledge of how to specifically coach women, which she goes into here.

In addition, Molly also provides plenty of hints and tips on isometric training, eccentric training, and the ideal programming for different levels of athlete. Details like this are what makes Molly such a superb source of information and a fascinating listen. To hear all this and much more (including the best warm up games prior to a training session!) simply hit the play button now.

This week’s topics:

• The differences coaching in universities and with the general public
• Understanding change direction performance and testing options
• What Molly does with jump testing in change direction
• What to look for in a player’s movement on the court from a coaching perspective
• The aspects of her career Molly would have done differently to gain an even greater oversight
• Open drills versus closed drills
• Creating constraints to avoid ‘over coaching’ athletes
• Changing a session from change direction to agility
• The best warm up games prior to a training session
• The differences between coaching a men’s and women’s basketball team
• The nuances to consider when coaching female athletes
• The link between isometric training and eccentric training
• Programming eccentric training for different levels of athlete