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The Brian Cain Mental Performance Mastery Podcast

Awareness, The Foundation of Athletic Development with Donovan Santas

Oct 1, 2024
Donovan Santas, a veteran in professional baseball with extensive experience as a strength and conditioning coach, dives deep into the evolution of athletic training. He discusses how baseball-specific conditioning has transformed, emphasizing the growing focus on mental performance. Topics explored include cognitive assessments, fatigue management, and the significance of breath control in performance. Donovan also shares insights on the impact of sleep and shares personal anecdotes, including a shift toward healthier lifestyles to optimize athletic recovery.
35:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The evolution of strength and conditioning in baseball now emphasizes specialized training programs that enhance explosive power and performance metrics.
  • The increasing integration of mental performance training is vital for addressing athletes' psychological challenges, promoting resilience, and optimizing competitiveness.

Deep dives

Evolution of Strength and Conditioning in Baseball

The role of strength and conditioning in baseball has transformed significantly over the past 25 years, evolving from a primarily reactionary approach to a proactive and specialized discipline. Initially, strength coaches juggled multiple roles including nutritionist and video coordinator, focusing mainly on preventing injuries during workouts. As the importance of physical performance became evident, organizations began to recognize the value of dedicated strength staff, leading to the expansion of departments from just a few personnel to specialized teams. This shift allowed strength coaches to concentrate on performance improvement and year-round training, enhancing athletes' capabilities and directly impacting game outcomes.

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