

Eric Performance #139 John Pryor
Feb 28, 2023
John Pryor, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach known for his work with the Japan national rugby team, shares insights from his career. He discusses Japan's monumental upset over South Africa in 2015 and emphasizes the significance of cultural context in rugby training. Pryor highlights the importance of hip lock for athletic performance and explores innovative tools like VueMotion software and the SPP app for analyzing movement efficiency. His collaboration with Frans Bosch profoundly influenced his coaching strategies, blending speed and power training methods.
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Japanese Rugby Work Ethic
- John Pryor adapted to Japanese rugby culture by appreciating their strong work ethic and patience, called "gumman."
- The team endured tough, frequent training, leveraging this mindset to improve significantly on the world stage.
Training Periodization Tips
- Plan training in three-week cycles with a download week at 70% load to balance work and recovery effectively.
- Maintain strength and hypertrophy loads during download weeks to sustain gains amid intense field sessions.
Importance of Hip Lock
- Hip lock, or pelvic control during running, is crucial for efficient force application and injury prevention.
- Lack of hip lock leads to energy loss and injury risk, making strength training alone insufficient for speed gains.