AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers
Prepare Like a Pro with Jack Mclean
Welcome to the “AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers" your go-to resource for invaluable insights into the world of elite sports. We're here to empower footballers and high-performance staff with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the AFL arena. Prepare to take your game to the next level with our expert guidance.
In this podcast, we tackle a range of burning questions often asked by those striving for excellence in the AFL. From understanding the distance AFL players cover and their training regimen to breaking into elite sports as a strength & conditioning coach and exploring pathways to the AFL, we've got you covered.
Every Monday, we release a new episode that provides updates on upcoming live interviews and fresh insights from AFL players, senior coaches, sports psychologists, strength and conditioning coaches, sports dietitians, and other leading figures in the industry. These experts share their career journeys, success stories, and practical tips for athletes and high-performance staff alike.
Don't miss our weekly live conversations on the Prepare Like a Pro YouTube channel, where you can watch these discussions and get notified about new content. For more resources, freebies, and blog posts, join our newsletter, and stay connected with us on Instagram. Your feedback matters, so let Jack know how we can make our podcasts even better and suggest the topics you'd like us to cover next.
To explore the wealth of information we offer, visit our website at https://preparelikeapro.com/, and if you're ready to take your training to the next level, join our academy membership at https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/. Get ready to prepare like a pro and unlock your full potential in the world of AFL high performance! Also don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@PrepareLikeAPro to get more high performance value!
In this podcast, we tackle a range of burning questions often asked by those striving for excellence in the AFL. From understanding the distance AFL players cover and their training regimen to breaking into elite sports as a strength & conditioning coach and exploring pathways to the AFL, we've got you covered.
Every Monday, we release a new episode that provides updates on upcoming live interviews and fresh insights from AFL players, senior coaches, sports psychologists, strength and conditioning coaches, sports dietitians, and other leading figures in the industry. These experts share their career journeys, success stories, and practical tips for athletes and high-performance staff alike.
Don't miss our weekly live conversations on the Prepare Like a Pro YouTube channel, where you can watch these discussions and get notified about new content. For more resources, freebies, and blog posts, join our newsletter, and stay connected with us on Instagram. Your feedback matters, so let Jack know how we can make our podcasts even better and suggest the topics you'd like us to cover next.
To explore the wealth of information we offer, visit our website at https://preparelikeapro.com/, and if you're ready to take your training to the next level, join our academy membership at https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/. Get ready to prepare like a pro and unlock your full potential in the world of AFL high performance! Also don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@PrepareLikeAPro to get more high performance value!
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 18, 2025 • 59min
#340 - Jon Clarke | From Stress to Success: Power of Mindfulness in High-Performance Sports
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Jon’s Advice for Aspiring Coaches
✅ The Importance of Mindfulness
✅ Practical Tips for Beginners in Mindfulness
✅ The Power of Breathing Techniques
✅ Journaling for Stress Relief
People mentioned:
✅ Wim Hof
✅ Eddie Jones
✅ Michael
✅ Brene Brown
✅ Brian Mackenzie
✅ Michael Gervais
✅ Paul Stridgeon
✅ Anthony Sieblod
✅ Craig White
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/mindfulness-for-peak-performance/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
May 15, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - 5 Game-Changing AFL Training Tips Every Coach and Parent Should Know
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Why technique is the #1 priority in Aussie rules training
✅ How healthy habits outperform elite routines early on
✅ The hidden value of balancing football with school
✅ Building resilience when kids face sport setbacks
✅ Sleep: the game-changer for growth and recovery
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/5-game-changing-afl-training-tips-every-coach-and-parent-should-know/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
May 11, 2025 • 26min
#143 - Strength Tips for Dominating This AFL Season
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Should athletes lift heavy during the season?
✅ Microdosing strength: The secret to staying powerful without fatigue
✅ Why lifting heavy might not make you faster
✅ The most common gym mistake sport coaches still make
✅ Eccentrics, isometrics, and injury-proofing your athletes
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/strength-tips-for-dominating-this-afl-season/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
May 8, 2025 • 7min
#bitesize - Georgia Bevan Reveals Pro Nutrition Tips for AFL Game Day Success
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Game day nutrition strategy for AFL athletes
✅ Nutrition tips for athletes struggling to gain weight
✅ How to manage hydration and avoid overhydration in sports
✅ The role of sugar and processed carbs in sports nutrition
✅ Best evidence-based supplements for sport
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/georgia-bevan-reveals-pro-nutrition-tips-for-afl-game-day-success/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
May 4, 2025 • 34min
#339 - Danny Lum on Isometric Strength Secrets to Improve Running Performance
Highlights from the episode:
✅ What is isometric training?
✅ The secret to hypertrophy using isometric holds
✅ How to introduce isometrics to your current training
✅ Combining dynamic, plyometric, and isometric methods
✅ Avoiding common mistakes in isometric application
People mentioned:
✅ Alex Natera
✅ Gregg Haff
✅ Lachlan James
✅ Tim Suchomel
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/danny-lum-on-isometric-strength-secrets-to-improve-running-performance/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
May 1, 2025 • 5min
#bitesize - The Best AFL Fitness Training Methods & Exercises
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Physical and technical demands in AFL: Key research insights
✅ Anaerobic speed reserve training for football performance
✅ In-season strength training and injury prevention methods
✅ How often you should train in season?
✅ How can young developing players build strength?
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/the-best-afl-fitness-training-methods-exercises/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition.
🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone!
Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program
Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!
Apr 27, 2025 • 19min
#142 - Plyo Training for Athletes: Surfaces, Safety & Smarter Progressions
Highlights from the episode:
✅ What real plyometrics look like
✅ The hidden phase that builds stronger athletes
✅ Why surface choice can make or break training
✅ Common plyometric mistakes coaches still make
✅ Simple jump tests that reveal hidden weaknesses
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/plyo-training-for-athletes-surfaces-safety-smarter-progressions/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Apr 24, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Sophia Nimphius on the Hidden Causes of ACL Injuries Coaches Often Miss
Highlights from the episode:
✅ Non-contact ACL risks in modern sport
✅ Fatigue myths and movement variability
✅ Real-world athlete screening strategies
✅ Retraining vs. reprogramming: What matters most
✅ Tech limitations in monitoring ACL strain
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/sophia-nimphius-on-the-hidden-causes-of-acl-injuries-coaches-often-miss/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Apr 20, 2025 • 40min
#338 - Balin Cupples | The Role of High-Performance Coach in a Team Sport Perspective
Highlights from the episode:
✅ The one thing young coaches forget to do
✅ How to measure a successful preseason
✅ How elite teams build movement efficiency
✅ How coaches and performance staff should work together
✅ Why “high challenge, high support” creates resilient athletes
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/balin-cupples-the-role-of-high-performance-coach-in-a-team-sport-perspective/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
Apr 17, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Are you a true strength & conditioning coach or just using the title?
Highlights from the episode:
✅ The course that gives coaches an unfair edge
✅ Are you really a strength coach or just using the title?
✅ The investment every serious coach must make
✅ The most overlooked coaching advantage
✅ The difference between a trainer and a true coach
Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review.
Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/
Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/
Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/are-you-a-true-strength-conditioning-coach-or-just-using-the-title/
Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach.
Book a FREE coaches discovery call
https://calendly.com/plp2/15min
