Pacey Performance Podcast

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is talking to Matt McInnes Watson about the critical role of jump training in physical development. Matt, a former high jumper turned coach, shares insights from his extensive experience in both track and field and team sports. He discusses how balancing a full-time job, part-time PhD, and starting a business has led him to develop a systematic approach to training athletes for dynamic movements. The conversation highlights the significance of differentiating between various jump training modalities and understanding the reflexive components essential for propulsion. Matt emphasizes the importance of "deep tier" jumps as well as the need to not be obsessed with stiffness when coaching plyometrics and jumps. Additionally, Matt touches on how jump training has been a fundamental element in managing momentum and energy effectively in track and field. His passion and expertise in improving dynamic movement are evident as he explains the distinctions between pl

In thi episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is joined by Joey Bergles, Director of Strength & Conditioning at JJ Pearce High School. In this podcast, Joey shares invaluable insights gained from his experiences in Dallas's public schools, his own business, and online coaching platforms. Joey highlights the importance of an open mindset, the challenge of balancing overpacked sports schedules, and the critical role of specialized coaching in fostering athletic growth. Joey delves into the mechanics of speed training, discussing the balance between acceleration and maximum velocity, the nuances of warm-up routines, plyometrics, and technical drills, and the imperative of consistent, quality training. He sheds light on the often overlooked yet foundational aspects of athletic development, such as technique refinement, explosive power enhancement, and the cultivation of a dedicated mindset among young athletes. This podcast is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and young athletes alike, seeking to unl

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Brent Callaway, Anthony Hobgood and Nic Hill who are all part of EXOS. This podcast dives deep into the essence of sprinting, guiding you through an exclusive look at how EXOS, with its 11 locations worldwide, builds fast athletes. Brent, Anthony and Nic offer insights into the challenges of translating track skills to football, the intricacies of load management, and the crucial balance of strength conditioning with game preparation. Volume control, quality over quantity, and a focus on high-frequency leg action are just the tip of the iceberg. Dive into the technical aspects of biomechanics, the significance of individualized programming, and how EXOS leverages sport science to tailor each athlete's training plan. Witness firsthand the remarkable transformation of Xavier Worthy, who shattered the 40-yard dash record, a testament to the effectiveness of EXOS's methodology. Whether you're an aspiring athlete eager to unlock your speed, a coach loo

Andy featured on episode #480 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed - Why tackle technique is important in rugby and American football Developing a tackle technique framework Evidence of its real-world benefits  Check out the full episode with Andy here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/optimising-tackle-technique-and-building-confidence-in-contact/ 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, Rob is joined by James Bunce, Performance Consultant & Owner, XG Performance. James shares his journey, starting from Southampton, where he climbed up to head of the department from initially starting as an intern in the academy, through his transition to the Premier League to develop a high-performance department, to taking on challenges in the US and Monaco. Reflecting on his experiences, James discusses the excitement and challenges of setting up his consultancy, including working on the 30th MLS franchise in San Diego. The episode delves into the essence of succeeding in the competitive sports industry, highlighting the need for hustle, differentiation, and continuous learning. It underscores the importance of professionalization and modernization of coaching practices, alongside advocating for a focus on athletic development and player performance pathways. The discussion also covers the challenges of transitioning to consultancy roles, the value of p

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 jou

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 landing When Eamonn advises on using each one How 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.

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 u

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 weara

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

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 at

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 exerci

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

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 strength What positions are most reliable What 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 movemen

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 care What tests can we use to understand curvilinear speed How 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 n

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

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 sharin

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. Edward