AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers
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!
Latest episodes
Feb 28, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Phil Graham-Smith on Biomechanics, ForceDecks, and the Future of Athlete Testing
Highlights from the episode:
- The Birth of ForceDecks
- Importance of Needs Analysis in Testing Athletes
- Isokinetic Testing and Injury Prevention
- Pose Estimation App and AI in Movement Tracking
- Building a Technical Model
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/phil-graham-smith-on-biomechanics-forcedecks-and-the-future-of-athlete-testing/
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
Feb 24, 2025 • 43min
#333 - Alex Sakadjian, Head of Performance at St Kilda Football Club
Highlights from the episode:
- How to Land Your First Full-Time Strength & Conditioning Job
- How Rehab Philosophy Has Evolved in High-Performance Sport
- Pathway to Become a High-Performance Manager
- The Secret to Leading a Winning S&C Team
- How to Make the Jump to AFL Strength & Conditioning
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/alex-sakadjian-head-of-performance-at-st-kilda-football-club/
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
Feb 21, 2025 • 5min
#bitesize - Preventing Concussions in Young AFL Footballers: Techniques and Training
Highlights from the episode:
- Tackle Technique and Anxiety Management
- Neck Strength and Testing Protocols
- Training Techniques for Neck Strength
- Importance of Whole Body Strength
- Using VR and VOMS for Concussion 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/preventing-concussions-in-young-afl-footballers-techniques-and-training/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards greater fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
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 they're 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!
Feb 17, 2025 • 14min
#138 - Lifting Weights Every Day, Here’s What Aussie Footballers Should Know
Highlights from the episode:
- Prioritizing Football Performance
- Preseason Conditioning and Game Conditioning
- Strength and Power Adjustments
- Common Mistakes in Training Programs
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/lifting-weights-every-day-heres-what-aussie-footballers-should-know/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards greater fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
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 they're 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!
Feb 14, 2025 • 5min
#bitesize - 50 Tips to Get Drafted in AFL
Highlights from the episode:
- Fundamentals and Game Analysis
- Conditioning and Athleticism
- Professionalism and Preparation
- Elite Performance Mindset
- Leadership
- Life Balance
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/50-tips-to-get-drafted-in-afl/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards greater fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
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 they're 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!
Feb 10, 2025 • 40min
#332 - Ted Rath – NFL Strength & Conditioning Coach and Author of Beyond Comfort
Highlights from the episode:
- Career Reflection & Advice
- Growth Mindset & Consistency
- Understanding Motivation & Building Trust
- Mamba Mentality & Work-Life Integration
- Leadership & Extreme Ownership
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from send us your feedback and tell us what you love and 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/ted-rath-nfl-strength-conditioning-coach-and-author-of-beyond-comfort/
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
Feb 7, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Daniel Jones on Training NBA vs. AFL Athletes & Data-Driven Coaching
Highlights from the episode:
- Adjusting Coaching Philosophy in New Environments
- Key Differences in Profiling NBA vs. AFL Athletes
- High-Performance Programming for Senior Athletes
- Enhancing Athlete Buy-In with Program Options
- Using AI Tools for Objective Performance Data Analysis
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/daniel-jones-on-training-nba-vs-afl-athletes-data-driven-coaching/
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
Feb 3, 2025 • 15min
#137 - 2025 Strength & Conditioning Trends What to Watch For
Highlights from the episode:
- The Rise of Sports Science in Athlete Performance
- The Return of PhDs and Placements in Elite Sport
- Tactical Periodization in AFL Training
- The Evolution of Individualization in Training
- The Growing Role of Side Hustles in S&C Careers
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/2025-strength-conditioning-trends-what-to-watch-for/
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
Jan 31, 2025 • 5min
#bitesize - Achieve Your Personal Best: 7 Advanced Tips for a Faster 2K Time Trial
Highlights from the episode:
- Know Your Current Capacity
- Importance of Repeat Speed Day
- Flexibility and Mobility
- Managing Joint Pain
- Set a Target and Use a Running Calculator
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from send us your feedback and tell us what you love and 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/achieve-your-personal-best-7-advanced-tips-for-a-faster-2k-time-trial/
Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards greater fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field!
Book a FREE footballer discovery call
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 they're 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!
Jan 27, 2025 • 6min
#bitesize - Gareth Sandford on Mastering Speed Endurance and Critical Speed for AFL Athletes
Highlights from the episode:
- Defining Speed Endurance and Maximal Aerobic Speed
- Understanding Critical Speed
- Speed, Hybrid, and Endurance Profiles in AFL
- How much is too much for a speed profile?
- What is the minimal dose for the endurance profile?
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from send us your feedback and tell us what you love and 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/gareth-sandford-on-mastering-speed-endurance-and-critical-speed-for-afl-athletes/
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
