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