Adopting an adaptations-led approach to programming strength and power training with Alex Wolf
In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob speaks to Alex Wolf who delves into the adaptation-led approach to strength training, contrasting it with traditional methods. Alex shares his extensive background in strength conditioning and discusses the importance of defining outcomes before selecting training methods. He emphasizes the need for specificity in training and provides examples of how to effectively target adaptations. The discussion also highlights the challenges and misconceptions surrounding traditional strength training practices, advocating for a shift in perspective towards outcome-driven training methodologies. In this conversation, Alex discusses the importance of shifting from traditional exercise advocacy to an outcome-led approach in strength and conditioning. He emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of physiological principles and the importance of clear objectives in training. The discussion also covers the training intention framework, the balance between technical skills and needs analysis, and the necessity of understanding muscle architecture for effective coaching.
Main talking points:
• Adaptation-led approach focuses on outcomes rather than just exercise
• Specificity in training is crucial for effective performance enhancement
• Understanding the intended outcome is essential before selecting training methods
• Unexplained performance improvements are not sustainable or reliable
• Machine-based training can be more effective than traditional barbell exercises in some scenarios
• Understanding the physiology behind exercise selection is essential
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59:37
Shaping and structuring energy system development during pre-season and in-season with Pete Burridge
In this episode of the Pace Performance Podcast, Rob speaks to Pete Burridge who delves into the complexities of energy system development in rugby, exploring how it intertwines with tactical and technical execution under physical and mental strain. They discuss the importance of energy system development tailored to the game model, the role of testing in performance, and the strategies employed during pre-season conditioning.
Pete shares insights from his experiences at various rugby clubs, emphasizing the need for effective communication between coaches and performance staff to optimize player readiness and performance. In this conversation, Pete discusses various aspects of training methodologies, focusing on progressive overload, heart rate monitoring, and the psychological impacts of training on athletes. He shares insights on the importance of volume in training, the use of heart rate as a performance metric, and the challenges of maintaining athlete engagement.
Additionally, he expresses skepticism about Zone 2 training in team sports and explores innovative ways to gamify training sessions to enhance motivation and performance. The conversation culminates in a discussion about high-intensity training protocols and their necessity for athlete development.
Main talking points:
A high-low training format allows for optimal recovery and intensity management
Energy system development should align with the team's game model and coaching strategies
Off-feet conditioning is crucial for managing player fatigue and ensuring readiness
Gradual integration of new players into conditioning is essential for their adaptation
Volume is a key driver for central adaptations like cardiac output
Training monotony can be mitigated with engaging strategies
Zone 2 training has limited applicability in team sports
Gamifying training can enhance athlete engagement and performance
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55:38
How knowledge of growth and maturation is helping the Brentford Academy develop Premier League players
This conversation delves into the critical aspects of growth and maturation in youth football with staff from the Brentford FC academy and industry experts, focusing on biological maturation, assessment methods, injury prevention, and talent identification. Our guests discuss their experiences and insights on how to effectively monitor and support young footballers through their developmental stages, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and education. This conversation delves into the innovative practices at Brentford FC regarding youth player development, focusing on bio-banding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the holistic approach to nurturing young athletes. The panel discusses the importance of understanding growth and maturation, the challenges faced during player trials, and the significance of creating a supportive environment that prioritizes player experiences and well-being. They emphasize the need for tailored training loads and the integration of various developmental strategies to optimize performance and reduce injury risks.
Main talking points:
Genetics play a significant role in determining maturity
Regular assessments are crucial for understanding growth patterns
Strength training can positively impact bone density in young athletes
Talent identification should consider biological age and maturity
Bio-banding allows for tailored training based on physical maturity
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1:38:47
Screening and injury risk reduction in the UFC with Tim Roberts
In this episode of the Pace Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Tim Roberts, the sports medicine manager at the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City, shares his extensive background in sports physiotherapy and the importance of multi-sport experience in developing as a clinician. He discusses the significance of strength profiling in MMA, the tiered diagnostic approach used at the UFCPI, and the technology and tools employed for athlete assessment. Tim emphasizes the need for tailored injury prevention programs that cater to the diverse backgrounds of athletes at the institute. In this conversation, Tim discusses the intricacies of performance analysis, injury prevention, and rehabilitation strategies in MMA. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing data for accurate performance insights, creating a culture of injury prevention among fighters, and the challenges faced in managing their rehabilitation. Tim shares insights on how to effectively communicate with athletes, the significance of maintaining their fighter spirit, and the structured approach to return-to-play progressions. He highlights the need for a balance between athlete safety and performance demands, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for fighters.
Main talking points:
Tiered diagnostics to help immediate programming and prevention
Brain health assessments
Finding a balance between care and toughness for fighter mentality
Maintaining athlete involvement during recovery
Building trust and connection with fighters
Leveraging technology for athlete assessment
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58:20
Beyond the six-month mark: Rethinking ACL injury risk, rehab, and return to play with Tim McGrath
In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Tim McGrath discusses the complexities of ACL injuries, emphasizing the importance of blending art and science in rehabilitation. He shares insights on assessing athletes' risk factors, the significance of biomechanical evaluations, and the necessity of effective communication in sports settings. Tim also highlights the role of biases in training and assessment, advocating for a structured approach to skill acquisition and injury prevention. In this conversation, Tim discusses the common mistakes made in ACL rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of understanding both biological and functional components. He highlights the significance of objective assessments in the later stages of rehabilitation and challenges the traditional six-month return timeline, advocating for a more individualized approach based on the athlete's readiness rather than a strict timeline.
Main talking points:
ACL injuries require a blend of art and science in rehab
Biomechanical assessments are crucial for identifying risk factors
Rehabilitation must address both physical and cognitive aspects
Common mistakes in ACL rehab include ignoring structural issues
The ‘six-month return’ timeline for ACL injuries
There are lots of voices in the coaching world. Few are as trusted as the Pacey Performance Podcast. Rob Pacey and his guests share the philosophies, ideas and insights in conversations that are the signal in the noise of the sport performance space.