Phil Nash, Manager of Coach Education at EXOS and an expert in strength and conditioning, shares his insights on training athletes. He discusses the balance between structured training and the freedom of play, emphasizing adaptability and growth. Phil critiques traditional conditioning models, advocating for a shift to dynamic, movement-focused training. He also highlights the significance of enjoyment in training, exploring the infinite game concept for a long-term perspective on athletic performance. Coaches and athletes will gain valuable, practical insights from his approach.
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insights INSIGHT
Models Are Useful Yet Imperfect
Models are simplifications that are incomplete but still useful for organizing coaching decisions.
Start with models, then update them as your experience reveals their limits.
insights INSIGHT
Rethink The Force–Velocity Curve
The classic force–velocity curve misleads if taken literally; sprinting can produce higher single-leg forces than squats.
View strength as force production across a velocity continuum rather than fixed curve boxes.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Position–Pattern–Power As A Framework
Classify sport and training tasks by their positional, pattern, and power demands to guide interventions.
Use that classification to choose whether to target position, sequencing, or strength qualities.
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Today’s guest is Phil Nash. Phil is a Manager of Coach Education at EXOS. He is a seasoned strength and conditioning professional who leads EXOS’s efforts to develop and educate coaches worldwide. Phil specializes in bringing practical, science-based training methods—like plyometrics and medicine-ball work—into performance systems, and regularly shares his expertise at major industry conferences
On today’s show, we dig into training models ranging from the force–velocity curve to the idea of infinite games, exploring how these frameworks influence the way we view athletic performance. Phil offers his perspective on blending structured training with the freedom of play, highlighting adaptability and growth as central themes in coaching. This episode provides clear, practical insights for coaches and athletes alike on building both physical capacity and mental resilience.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and the Vert Trainer
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Use code “justfly20” for 20% off of LILA Exogen Wearable resistance gear at www.lilateam.com
View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/)
Timestamps
5:12 – Phil’s Journey into Coaching and Performance Training
12:40 – Exploring the Interplay of Science and Coaching Art
22:18 – Building Strong Athlete-Coach Relationships
32:07 – The Role of Autonomy and Curiosity in Development
43:51 – Balancing Physical Preparation with Mental Readiness
55:46 – Using Constraints to Guide Skill and Movement
1:07:12 – Learning from Mistakes and Coaching Growth
1:18:09 – Phil’s Reflections on Longevity and Evolving as a Coach
Actionable Takeaways
5:12 – Phil’s Journey into Coaching and Performance Training
Key Idea: Phil’s path into performance was shaped by curiosity and the pursuit of practical knowledge over titles.
Takeaways:
Curiosity often leads to better learning than rigid career plans.
Don’t chase credentials alone; focus on applying knowledge effectively.
Reflect on your own journey: what experiences shaped your coaching approach?
12:40 – Exploring the Interplay of Science and Coaching Art
Key Idea: Phil emphasizes blending research with intuition. Coaching is both science and art.
Takeaways:
Use research as a guide, not a rulebook.
Stay flexible: coaching requires adapting principles to individuals.
Trust experience and feel when the data isn’t enough.
22:18 – Building Strong Athlete-Coach Relationships
Key Idea: Relationships drive results; athletes respond best when trust and mutual respect are present.
Takeaways:
Prioritize connection before correction.
Listen actively; athletes often know more about their body than you realize.
Strong relationships create resilience during setbacks.
32:07 – The Role of Autonomy and Curiosity in Development
Key Idea: Giving athletes autonomy fosters curiosity, ownership, and growth.
Takeaways:
Encourage athletes to explore solutions, not just follow orders.
Create environments where curiosity is rewarded.
Autonomy builds long-term motivation and adaptability.
43:51 – Balancing Physical Preparation with Mental Readiness
Key Idea: True performance is as much mental as it is physical. Mindset shapes outcomes.
Takeaways:
Prepare the mind alongside the body.
Use reflection and visualization tools to build confidence.
Don’t overlook recovery as a mental reset, not just a physical one.
55:46 – Using Constraints to Guide Skill and Movement
Key Idea: Constraints-based training creates problem-solving and adaptable movers.
Takeaways:
Design environments that force athletes to adapt.
Use constraints to spark creativity, not to over-control.
Let athletes discover solutions instead of prescribing every detail.
1:07:12 – Learning from Mistakes and Coaching Growth
Key Idea: Mistakes are inevitable; growth comes from reflection and ad...
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