In this episode of the Pace Performance Podcast, Rob speaks to Pete Burridge who delves into the complexities of energy system development in rugby, exploring how it intertwines with tactical and technical execution under physical and mental strain. They discuss the importance of energy system development tailored to the game model, the role of testing in performance, and the strategies employed during pre-season conditioning.

Pete shares insights from his experiences at various rugby clubs, emphasizing the need for effective communication between coaches and performance staff to optimize player readiness and performance. In this conversation, Pete discusses various aspects of training methodologies, focusing on progressive overload, heart rate monitoring, and the psychological impacts of training on athletes. He shares insights on the importance of volume in training, the use of heart rate as a performance metric, and the challenges of maintaining athlete engagement.

Additionally, he expresses skepticism about Zone 2 training in team sports and explores innovative ways to gamify training sessions to enhance motivation and performance. The conversation culminates in a discussion about high-intensity training protocols and their necessity for athlete development.

Main talking points:

• A high-low training format allows for optimal recovery and intensity management

• Energy system development should align with the team's game model and coaching strategies

• Off-feet conditioning is crucial for managing player fatigue and ensuring readiness

• Gradual integration of new players into conditioning is essential for their adaptation

• Volume is a key driver for central adaptations like cardiac output

• Training monotony can be mitigated with engaging strategies

• Zone 2 training has limited applicability in team sports

• Gamifying training can enhance athlete engagement and performance