Episodios

  • In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is joined by Alan Murdoch, Jason Avedesian and Nick Court with topic being all about data driven rehab. This conversation takes a closer look at how integrating precise data collection and analysis into rehab processes can significantly improve outcomes for athletes. By focusing on early ACL rehabilitation strategies to combat swelling, infection, and pain, and blending medical insights with performance data, this episode reveals a path to more personalized and effective recovery.

    Learn about the nuanced steps necessary for transitioning athletes from injury back to peak performance, including the crucial distinctions between returning to running and fully engaging in competitive sports. The episode also highlights the role of technologies such as GPS, isokinetic dynomometry and the ForceFrame, in crafting preventative strategies that not only reduce the risk of future injuries but also contribute to the overall enhancement of athlete performance.

    This journey through the episode is an exploration of how combining technology, thorough data analysis, and a team-centered approach to rehab can create a more holistic and successful recovery process. It advocates for a balanced blend of science and practical application, aiming to equip athletes with the resilience and strength needed to not just return to their sport, but to excel beyond their previous capabilities.

    Join us as we delve into this thought-provoking discussion, offering insights and real-world applications for rehab professionals.

    Main talking point:

    Data-guided ACL rehab strategies focusing on swelling, infection, and pain prevention. Power variables and isometric testing to tailor rehab stages. Merging medical insights with performance data for comprehensive athlete care. Deciphering the critical phases from running to full sport participation. Harnessing GPS for targeted rehab and injury rate reduction. Debunking ACL rehab myths with real-world data application. Elevating rehab with a focus on eccentric muscular action and capacity improvement. Emphasizing rehab as a collective effort, integrating coaching insights and isometric training. Utilizing force plates, GPS, and innovative tools for progress tracking. The crucial blend of data, the coach's eye, and athlete feedback for success.
  • Eamonn featured on episode #484 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

    The lack of research in understanding the impact of a flat foot vs ball of the foot landingWhen Eamonn advises on using each oneHow each option effects intensity

    Check out the full episode with Eamonn here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/how-to-coach-and-programme-true-plyometrics/

    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.

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  • In this episode #487 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Ted Rath, Vice President of Player Performance for the Philadelphia Eagles, shares invaluable insights from his extensive career in the NFL. Rath explores the critical aspects of athletic performance in American football, emphasizing the importance of precision training tailored to individual needs and positions. With a background as a strength and conditioning coach and a former college football player, he highlights the philosophy behind player development, focusing on building power, resilience, and efficiency through carefully designed training programs.

    Ted delves into offseason preparation strategies, including isometrics and eccentric work, to prevent injuries and enhance performance. He also discusses the significance of analyzing athletes' movement patterns and injury histories to optimize their performance and durability. Rath touches on the adaptation of training regimens to meet the specific requirements of different player positions and the use of technology, like RFID tracking, to align training intensity with game demands.

    This episode offers a deep dive into Ted's holistic approach to athlete development, combining science and empathy in leadership.

    Give it a listen!

    Main talking points:

    Offseason trainingPre-season trainingIndividualising training based on position and movement patternOn-field trackingHow to use isometrics to prepare players for dynamic workIndividualising plyometrics for big guys
  • In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob sits down with Adam Parr, Head of Performance at Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. Adam shares his journey through the challenges of staff changes, establishing a successful performance culture from the ground up and integrating video with technical and tactical information.

    The conversation delves into Adam's transition from individual sports to team sports, emphasizing the creation of a cohesive culture among staff and players. Adam discusses the crucial steps of educating players on the importance of physical preparation, gaining buy-in from coaches, and the strategic implementation of advanced technology to enhance player performance and department success.

    Listeners will get an inside look at the intricacies of developing a performance department, from hiring experienced coaches to tailoring training interventions and creating a curriculum that addresses the needs of players across different age groups. Adam also highlights the integration of wearable technology and video analysis as game-changers in making informed coaching decisions and fostering collaboration within the team.

    Tune in to discover how Adam Parr is shaping the future of soccer performance at Charlotte FC, setting new standards for success in sports organizations, and the lessons learned along the way that can apply to any team looking to build a winning performance culture.

    Main talking points:

    Building an MLS performance department Transitioned from individual sports to team sports Educated players and gaining coach buy-in Developing physical development pathway for players Integrating video and GPS data Redefining warm ups for soccer
  • In episode #485 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob chats to High Performance Consultant, Martin Buchheit, to explore the critical aspect of evaluating performance staff within sports organizations. How success is measured among performance staff is often a topic of discussion and too often reduction in injuries or win:loss records are the best we can come up with.

    We are expertsd in profiling our athletes, assessing their strengths and weaknesses before creating physical development plans for them. So why isn't that done with performance staff? Why aren't we judging performance staff on criteria that is highly relevant to individual roles? Martin explains that this is very much a cultural thing and due to the rapid rise in the number of performance staff, things haven't caught up with the corporate world yet.

    So how can this be improved? How can managers start to put things in place for this to happen? Martin gives some recommendations for those at the top, but also those towards the bottom of the hierachy.

    This episode offers actionable insights on enhancing objectivity in staff evaluations and fostering an environment that champions growth, adaptation, and excellence.

    Main talking points:

    Why the current way to evaluate performance staff is flawedWhy results and win:loss record is a poor way to evaluate performance staffHow the corporate world does itChallenges to implement it in sportWhat can managers do to improve practiceWhat can regular practitioners do to start the process
  • In episode #484 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is joined by Eamonn Flanagan to dissect the intricacies of "true" plyometrics and their pivotal role in sports performance and rehabilitation.

    Eamonn shares his journey into the world of plyometrics, sparked by undergraduate curiosity and further fueled by a colleague's PhD research. The discussion navigates the critical aspects of preparing athletes for plyometric training, underscoring the necessity of a solid foundation in strength.

    Highlighting plyometric training's categorization based on intensity and athlete ability, Eamonn details the progression from lower to higher intensity exercises. The conversation also covers coaching strategies for effective plyometric training, including considerations for intent, surface, and intensity, and the importance of tailoring plyometric exercises to individual athlete needs and sport-specific demands.

    Listeners will gain invaluable insights into implementing plyometric training safely and effectively, ensuring athletes not only enhance their performance but also minimize injury risks. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports science enthusiast, this episode offers a thorough exploration of plyometric training's principles and practical applications.

    Main talking points:

    Categorizing plyometricsImportance of preparing athletes for plyometric trainingProgression from lower to higher intensity exercisesCoaching strategies for effective plyometric trainingForefoot vs flat foot landingsTailoring plyometric training to athlete's progression phase
  • In episode 483 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob speakers to Director of Applied Sports Performance at Liberty University, Connor Schoepp. With a focus on the critical role of isometrics in enhancing athletic performance and aiding rehabilitation, Connor shares his extensive experience and insights gained over nine years in the collegiate professional level.

    Delving into why isometrics have become a cornerstone in programming for high-speed sports, Connor outlines how these exercises improve motor learning, control, and can be specifically targeted to benefit athletes during their training and return to play phases. He emphasizes isometrics' versatility in providing high stimulus at a low cost, making it an indispensable tool for strength coaches aiming to develop athletes without interfering with their sport.

    The conversation also tackles the logistical challenges of implementing isometric training within the constraints of collegiate athletics, showcasing practical solutions for integrating these exercises into training regimens. Connor highlights the importance of addressing the "big rocks" of hip, knee, and ankle performance and rehab, and how dynamic work and movement prep can be synergistically combined with isometrics to mimic on-field movement patterns.

    Connor discusses his approach to hamstring rehab, highlighting the importance of isometrics in developing strength without exacerbating injury. By integrating dynamic work and movement prep with isometric exercises, he showcases how to effectively mimic on-field movement patterns and support the healing process.

    If you're interested in learning more about isometric strength training and hamstring injury rehab, this episode is for you.

    Main talking points:

    Isometrics' benefits for motor learning Logistical challenges of implementing isometric training Why some people still don't believe in the power of isometrics Utilizing isometrics for effective hamstring rehabilitation How to rehab a hamstring injury
  • In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is joined by Steve Short, the VP of Sports Medicine at the Denver Nuggets. With a wealth of experience in sports medicine, Steve delves into the complex world of assessing and rehabilitating hip and groin injuries in athletes.

    Steve begins by sharing his journey in sports medicine and the challenges he's faced, particularly in dealing with hip and groin injuries common in court-based sports like basketball. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the morphological and functional changes that occur in athletes and how these contribute to injury risks.

    The discussion then explores the differences in susceptibility to hip and groin injuries between males and females, with Steve providing insights into the nuances of diagnosis and rehabilitation for positive long-term outcomes. He stresses the importance of a thorough assessment process, including understanding pain referral patterns and considering anatomical and training statuses.

    Steve highlights the individualized approach needed in treating such injuries, focusing on a conservative treatment plan and the importance of continuous communication and monitoring. He shares valuable strategies on how to handle these injuries, from the initial examination to the final stages of rehabilitation, ensuring athletes return to their peak performance safely.

    The episode also covers practical aspects of rehabilitation, such as the use of reliable measures and tools like handheld dynamometers for regular assessment, and the importance of understanding muscle balance and force generation.

    Steve concludes by emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of the athlete's needs, incorporating rest and various modalities into the rehab process, and maintaining objective measures and strength exercises. He advocates for a focus on what athletes can do, rather than what they can't, to facilitate effective recovery.

    Main talking points:

    • Challenges in diagnosing hip and groin pain• Groin strength assessments• A groin injury case study• Surgical vs non-surgical routes• Using reliable tools for injury assessment
  • Gavin featured on episode #475 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

    Why we need to test neck strengthWhat positions are most reliableWhat technology is needed to test neck strength

    Check out the full episode with Alberto here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/methods-for-testing-and-training-neck-strength/

    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.

  • In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, after 7 years since he first appeared on the show, Rob is joined by High Performance Consultant, Kelvin Giles. With a career spanning decades in both the UK and Australia, Kelvin brings a wealth of experience and insight into the challenges and successes of coaching. This episode takes an in-depth look at the shifting landscape of youth sports, focusing on the critical need for a holistic approach to training and well-being.

    Kelvin, starting as a volunteer coach and rising to work with professional athletes, shares his journey and the lessons learned along the way. He delves into the changing culture in sports, particularly how the emphasis on results and rankings is negatively impacting young athletes' health, leading to increased injury rates and a decline in technical robustness.

    The conversation then shifts to the detrimental effects of prioritizing competitive winning over overall health and well-being. Kelvin highlights the decline in fundamental movement skills among young people and stresses the importance of addressing this issue in schools and sports programs.

    Recognizing the need for a paradigm shift, Kelvin discusses the necessity for coaches to prioritize individualized training and mentorship. He emphasizes the importance of developing movement literacy and foundational skills in young athletes, ensuring their physical health and performance are equally catered for.

    In a profound reflection on the state of high-performance sports, Kelvin points out the often-overlooked consequences these programs have on the majority's health and well-being. The discussion underscores the need for a balanced approach, one that values foundational movements and physical activity in the education and training of young athletes.

    Moreover, Kelvin provides practical advice on creating flexible and adaptive training programs. He advocates for a focus on personal bests and providing meaningful feedback, rather than just concentrating on outcomes. This approach, he argues, is vital for the holistic development of young athletes.

    Towards the end of the episode, Kelvin stresses the significance of sharing resources and knowledge for the betterment of youth athlete health and performance. His commitment to this cause is evident through his work and the impactful resources he has made available to the broader coaching community.

    Main talking points:

    Coaching journey from volunteer to professional level. Experience with Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos. Declining health in young athletes. Culture of results impacting youth sports. Emphasis on competitive winning harming development. Need for progressive learning in coaching. Importance of movement literacy in youth. Prioritizing foundational movements in training. Holistic understanding of young athletes' needs.
  • Alberto featured on episode #467 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

    What is curvilinear sprinting and why should we careWhat tests can we use to understand curvilinear speedHow to train it on the field

    Check out the full episode with Alberto here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/curvilinear-sprinting-how-we-can-test-and-train-this-unique-quality/

    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.

  • In this informative episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, host Rob Pacey is joined by Andy Ryland, Senior Manager of Education and Training at USA Football. They delve into the critical aspects of tackle technique in rugby and American Football, and the importance of building confidence in contact situations across sports.

    Andy, with his rich background in both American football and rugby, shares invaluable insights into the differences and similarities in coaching styles and tackle techniques between the two sports. The discussion emphasizes the evolution of tackle technique, focusing on neck safety and the reduction of head and helmet impacts. Andy highlights the significance of proper head placement and shoulder contact to minimize injuries.

    The episode also explores how technical models for coaching certification can enhance safety and tackle effectiveness in football, alongside conditioning drills like grappling and tumbling to build athlete confidence. Additionally, they discuss the importance of neck strengthening exercises in contact sports and the role of social media in learning tackle techniques.

    Throughout the episode, Andy also addresses the unique challenges faced by youth athletes in contact sports, emphasizing the reduced exposure to rough play in modern childhood and its impact on their ability to handle physical contact in sports. This insightful discussion extends to the significance of incorporating elements like hand fighting and physicality into speed training, which not only builds technical skill but also psychological resilience in young athletes. Furthermore, the podcast highlights how drills and conditioning, including innovative neck strengthening routines, can be customized for various sports to enhance safety and performance.

    This episode is not just for those in collision sports but highly relevant to those working in sports like soccer, backetball and ice hockey where building confidence in contact situations is crucial.

    Main talking points:

    Emphasis on safety in tackling technique. Evolving rugby tackle techniques for neck safety. Implementing coaching certification for safety in football. Conditioning and grappling for contact confidence. Confidence building in contact through various drills. Importance of neck strengthening in contact sports. Youth's decreased exposure to physical play. Streamlining progression in contact and collision. Adapting tackling drills across different sports. Developing reaction skills in contact situations. Incorporating physicality into speed training.
  • I this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is talking to Coach and Founder of SpeedSig, Jason Weber. Jason first came on the podcast in 2015 when he was with the Fremantle Dockers in the AFL but since then has had roles in A-League soccer and the military.

    But for the last 2 years Jason has been working on a new project, SpeedSig. In this episode, Jason takes us through his journey of using GPS to understand running loads but his frustration of wanting to understand HOW an athletes moves, not just how far they have run. This led to multiple projects and finally a PhD and a small business now working with some of the biggest sporting organisations in the world. He explains the process of capturing reliable data from lumbar and thoracic spine positioned GPS units to get metrics that help us understand that HOW.

    In the second half of the episode, having visited hundreds of organisations across the world, Jason reflects on what he has seen and his own practice while working in the AFL and in soccer. He admits to "confusing the f*ck out of people with data" laterly in AFL and gives his thoughts on how people can learn from those mistakes. He is also a huge proponent of learning to code and encourages any sports scientist to go on that journey. He explains why and takes us on his own journey to master R. Jason's enthusiasm for this space is infectious and it will be of huge interest to practitioners across the world who are looking to understand HOW their athletes move using technology they are probably already wearing.

    Main talking points:

    Why sports scientists should learn to codeThe SpeedSig journeyThe need to undrstand how an athlete moves, not just how far and how fastCollecting reliable speed signature data using GPSWhat metrics are importantThe increase in computer vision and AI toolsFuture evelopments in athlete tracking and GPSReflections on the last 10 years of coaching
  • In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob delves into the evolving world of athlete support with Founder and CEO of 292 Performance Ben Rosenblatt and Managing Director, INTRA Performance Group James Collins. This discussion pivots around the growing trend of athletes assembling personalized support teams to elevate their performance and extend their careers.

    Ben and James, with their extensive backgrounds in sports nutrition, strength conditioning, and sports biomechanics, share their insights into how athletes are increasingly seeking specialized, interdisciplinary support. They emphasize the craft of performance support and the vital role of trade skills in enhancing athlete capabilities.

    Key discussion points include the importance of contextualizing support for each athlete, managing communication efficiently, and aligning team expectations. The conversation also covers the adaptation of scientific approaches to fit individual athlete needs, the benefits of cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing, and the significance of trust and clear communication in athlete-support team relationships.

    Furthermore, the episode explores the challenges of integrating external services with club-managed support, the impact of athlete-centered interdisciplinary teams on stress and recovery perceptions, and the increasing role of data science and technology in making informed decisions for athlete development.

    If you're in a club working with external coaches or you're an external coach yourself, or you just want to get to know more about this area, this one is for you.

    Main talking points:

    Athletes are actively forming their own performance teams for career stages.Enhanced communication and interdisciplinary support are key to make this workDedicated support teams positively impact athletes' stress and recovery perceptions.Support teams across sports share knowledge to adapt science to individual needs.Athlete support teams are becoming broader networks for clubs and organizations.Efficient communication and data sharing are vital for support team effectiveness.Athletes receive continuous support throughout their careers for better performance.Support teams are extending individualized services to cater to loan players' needs.
  • In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob talks to Head of Athletic Performance and recent World Cup winner with the Springboks, Andy Edwards. He emphasizes the importance of creating a close-knit team atmosphere, much like a family, where hard work and high standards are the norm. Edwards talks about his start at Saracens before moving onto the Springboks, and how maintaining consistency, along with making small but impactful tweaks in training, contributed significantly to their success.

    Andy gives a masterclass in balancing data-driven decision-making with gut instincts, emphasizing the importance of understanding players beyond mere numbers. He shares insights into the pressures and exhilarations of leading the Springboks post-World Cup victory and the challenges of maintaining success in the international arena.

    Central to the Springboks' World Cup victory were the strategic adjustments in conditioning, focusing on specific rugby positions, and trust-building through small-sided games. Edwards highlights the crucial role of clear communication, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the game. He reflects on the sense of pride and the collective hard work that culminated in this triumph, marking a 19-year journey filled with unity and commitment to their country.

    This episode isn't just for those who work in rugby but for anyone wanting to get an insight into a World Cup winning culture.

    Main talking points:

    Creating a family-like team environment and high standards Importance of stability in team success Balancing data and intuition in coaching decisions Clear communication and respect in team dynamics Reflects on pressures, excitement of leading post-World Cup Details strategic conditioning, player-focused training approaches
  • In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is joined by Tom Tombleson, Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach with England Rugby. A significant part of their conversation focuses on the innovative use of the warm-up as a movement screen.

    This technique, honed through his extensive experience in various coaching roles, including his time at Super Rugby with the New South Wales Waratahs, allows for a detailed analysis of each player's physical capabilities and movement patterns.

    Tom emphasizes the importance of this method in individualizing player training. By assessing players during the warm-up, he can tailor exercises to their specific needs, enhancing overall performance and reducing the risk of injury. This approach represents a shift from traditional warm-up routines, integrating functional movement assessment into the very start of training sessions. Tom shares how this strategy not only optimizes physical readiness for training but also serves as an ongoing tool to monitor player progress and adapt training programs accordingly.

    The discussion also touches on Tom's journey from being a semi-professional rugby player to a top-level strength and conditioning coach. He reflects on the challenges and learnings throughout his career, providing insights into the evolution of coaching philosophies and methods in high-performance sports. The conversation offers a rare glimpse into the intricacies of professional sports training, with Tom providing practical tips for coaches and athletes alike.

    Main talking points:

    Innovations in speed training.Sprinting as movement analysis.Tailoring training to individual athletes.Testing and enhancing game speed.The journey from Super Rugby to England Rugby.Evolution of coaching philosophies.Impact of player history on training.Balancing discipline and enjoyment in coaching.
  • In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob welcomes Gavin Pratt, the Director of Strength and Conditioning at the UFC Performance Institute.

    This conversation offers an exclusive look into the world of neck strength training and testing protocols for elite UFC fighters. Gavin Pratt, with his extensive background in strength and conditioning, delves into the critical role of neck strength in the sport of mixed martial arts. He shares his expert insights on the unique challenges faced by UFC fighters and the innovative approaches employed at the UFC Performance Institute to enhance neck strength and prevent injuries. Gavin details the frequency, location and mechanisms behind neck injuries suffered across the UFC, highlighting the importance of more dedicated research and innovation in this area.

    Listeners will discover the importance of neck training in mitigating the risks of concussions and neck injuries, which are prevalent in combat sports. Gavin discusses the specific exercises and equipment used in the institute, including the incorporation of tools like the iron neck, and how these are tailored to meet the demands of a UFC fighter's training regimen.

    The podcast also explores the cutting-edge testing protocols used to measure and monitor the effectiveness of these training methods. Gavin sheds light on the integration of technology in testing, such as the use of instrumented mouthguards and biomechanical analysis, to gather data on the forces exerted on fighters during training and competition.

    This episode is not just an insight into the world of UFC strength and conditioning but also a valuable resource for coaches, trainers, and sports scientists interested in understanding and applying advanced neck strength training techniques.

    Main talking points:

    Emphasis on neck strength for fighter safety.Utilizing instrumented mouthguards to detect impacts.Neck injury mechanisms in mixed martial arts.Specific exercises for neck strengthening.Iron neck and other specialized equipment use.UFC's research initiatives and findings.Testing protocols for neck strength.Neurocognitive training integration in sports
  • Steph Mock, Assistant AD for Sports Performance at the University of Pittsburgh is on this week's episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast. Steph traced her journey from high school sports to a collegiate volleyball career at West Virginia University. She later transitioned into strength conditioning, working at Clemson University and Mississippi State University, before returning to her alma mater. Her mentors, especially Rick Franzblau, played a crucial role in her professional development​​.

    The discussion turns to the experience of being a woman in the predominantly male field of strength and conditioning. Steph highlights the importance of viewing the role as one of leadership, emphasizing skills such as relationship building and managing complex situations, which are gender-neutral. She acknowledges the influence of female leaders within the University of Pittsburgh, including the Chancellor and the Athletic Director, in her career development. This segment underscores the evolution in the field, where gender is becoming less of a defining factor in defining one's leadership and professional capabilities.

    A significant portion of the podcast is devoted to the topic of microdosing in training, particularly its application in collegiate sports. Steph delves into her first exposure to the concept at a conference in 2018 and how it influenced her approach to training the volleyball team at the University of Pittsburgh. She explains how microdosing, or splitting training sessions into shorter, more frequent sessions, is particularly effective for in-season training. This approach helps to navigate the constraints of athletes’ schedules, including practices, competitions, and academic commitments. She emphasizes that this methodology allows for more focused, specific stimulus in training sessions, aiding in better preparation and recovery for athletes. The adoption of microdosing was already in place at the University of Pittsburgh, thanks to the head volleyball coach, making it easier for Steph to implement and enhance the practice.

    If you're looking to introduce micro dosing into your programming, check out this episode with Steph.

    Main talking points:

    Microdosing: Efficient in-season training strategy.Navigating a male-dominated field.Enhancing athlete preparation through technology.Microdosing: Balancing schedules, practice, academics.Gender-neutral professional skills.Innovations in strength conditioning.Microdosing benefits: Focused, specific training stimuli.
  • In the Pacey Performance Podcast, host Rob Pacey engages with Aaron Cunanan, the Director of Applied Sports Science for the Cincinnati Reds, delving into various facets of his professional journey and perspectives on sports science. Cunanan begins by acknowledging the influence of mentors like Duncan French, Jeff Head, and John Wagle, who have significantly impacted his development both as a professional and an individual.

    Cunanan's career transition from a weightlifting athlete to a coach marks a pivotal point in his narrative. His initial coaching experiences under Dr. Kyle Pierce at the International Weightlifting Federation provided him with valuable insights into systematic and process-oriented coaching in Olympic sports.

    A key part of the conversation revolves around Cunanan's approach to training and conditioning. He explains the importance of an adaptation-based approach, emphasizing understanding training principles over specific methods. This philosophy was shaped by his diverse experiences, including his tenure at the UFC Performance Institute and the San Francisco Giants.

    Cunanan shares specific examples from his time in the UFC, illustrating the necessity for flexibility and adaptability in training methodologies due to the varied and unpredictable nature of athletes' schedules and physical conditions. He talks about managing the challenges of training MMA athletes with different timelines, highlighting the use of periodization and the strategic balance of conditioning elements to optimize athlete performance.

    The conversation also touches upon the integration of sports science in professional sports. Cunanan discusses the thoughtful use of data and technology in training and conditioning, advocating for a problem-driven approach in sports science. He stresses the importance of scientific literacy among practitioners to effectively use technology and data to inform training decisions.

    Overall, the podcast offers a rich and insightful perspective into Aaron Cunanan's approaches to sports science and athlete conditioning, blending personal experiences, professional philosophies, and practical strategies in the realm of high-performance sports.

    Main takeaways:

    Emphasis on adaptation-based training approach Flexibility in training methodologies for MMA athletes Utilizing periodization in athlete conditioning Integration of sports science and data Advocating problem-driven approach in sports science
  • Hailu featured on episode #446 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

    The difference between folding and sittingCoaching the skill of change of directionHow to coach the reacceleration after a deceleration

    Check out the full episode with Hailu here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/improving-change-of-direction-ability-deceleration-drills-and-coaching-transitional-movements/

    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.