Episode 284: Jason Hettler - Speed and agility coach IMG Academy
Aug 30, 2024
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In this discussion, Jason Hettler, the Speed and Agility Coach at IMG Academy, shares insights on training junior tennis athletes, highlighting the balance between physical conditioning and mental preparation. He dives into his agility training techniques and the evolution from traditional methods to dynamic approaches. Jason also reflects on how fatherhood has shaped his perspectives and discusses his experiences on the Grand Slam circuit, emphasizing the joys of coaching and personal growth.
Jason Hettler emphasizes the importance of tailored agility training that directly addresses the unique movement patterns of tennis players.
Effective load management is crucial for tennis athletes, focusing on balancing intense training demands with necessary recovery strategies.
The psychological elements of training, particularly instilling confidence through challenging workouts, significantly influence performance outcomes in competitive settings.
Deep dives
Transition to IMG Academy
After leaving Altus, the speaker began working at IMG Academy in Florida, which focuses on sports training for youth athletes aged 11 to 19. This prestigious institution has a long history, spanning over 50 years, and offers a variety of sports training programs. Initially hired as a speed and agility coach, the speaker adapted his expertise from professional track and field to address the unique needs of young athletes in various sports. This transition allowed him to experiment with different training methodologies within a team sport setting, facilitating a blend of professional and youth sports coaching.
Shifting Focus to Tennis
After a year and a half, the speaker transitioned to the lead strength and conditioning coach for the tennis program at IMG Academy. tennis requires a high level of athleticism and involves complex movement patterns, prompting the speaker to evaluate how agility training could be effectively implemented. By collaborating with experienced colleagues and conducting extensive research, he developed a tailored approach to agility that considers the specific needs of tennis players. The opportunity to apply his lessons from track and field in a more individualized sport context added a new dimension to his coaching strategies.
Yearly Training Schedule
The yearly training calendar at IMG Academy is structured around a rigorous competition schedule, spanning from January to mid-November. The pre-season lasts three to four weeks, emphasizing strength conditioning, followed by back-to-back competition blocks. Each week typically includes two fitness sessions for athletes, alongside rigorous tennis practices that last four hours daily. This comprehensive training model is designed to develop athletes holistically while managing the associated fatigue of a high-volume competitive season.
Load Management and Monitoring
Effective load management became a key focus area for the speaker as it directly impacts athlete performance and injury prevention. Tennis, being a sport characterized by high volume and repetitive movements, requires careful attention to the training load imposed on players. Utilizing heart rate monitoring for select athletes, the speaker aims to better understand training load in relation to sport-specific demands. This involvement fosters a more individualized coaching approach, balancing the intense training required for tennis with appropriate recovery strategies.
Psychological Considerations in Training
The speaker has gained insights into the psychological elements of training, recognizing the importance of confidence in performance. There has been a shift towards implementing challenging workouts even if the primary purpose is to instill confidence rather than achieving specific physical adaptations. Understanding the mindset of tennis athletes has proven essential; they are more accustomed to discomfort and fatigue compared to other sports. Ultimately, fostering a sense of confidence through successful training experiences can significantly impact performance outcomes during competitions.
This episode sees the return of Jason Hettler to the podcast.
Jason is the Speed and Agility Coach at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Prior to this he was the Performance and Innovation Manager at ALTIS in Phoenix, Arizona where his role included leading a group of sprinters, consulting with various professional sporting organizations, creating and editing education content, internship coordination, and media/marketing.
On this episode we discuss:
Jason's role at IMG
How did Jason build his COD/ agility model
Jason shares his annual schedule with his Tennis players
He discuss performance therapy for tennis players
I ask Jason about his microcycle set up
I ask Jason about the differences between training sprinters vs tennis players
We discuss training transfer and skills vs capacities
We discuss training load and staying healthy
What is the biggest thing Jason has changed his mind on lately?
What is Jason's favorite Glam Slam
How did Jason develop his ESD model
How has fatherhood changed him
What projects is Jason working on?
This was agreat discussion with Jason and I hope you all enjoy it.