

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

Dec 6, 2024 • 5min
#bitesize - Strategic Planning & Creativity in High-Performance Sports with Bill Tait
Highlights from the episode:
- Principles of Strategic Planning
- Creativity in Planning
- Effective Review Processes
- Decision-Making in High-Pressure Situations
- Effective Communication Strategies
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/strategic-planning-creativity-in-high-performance-sports-with-bill-tait/
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

Dec 2, 2024 • 15min
#133 - Back on Track: Master the Art of Returning to Running Post-Injury
Highlights from the episode:
- Key Markers for Phases of Recovery
- Reconditioning Phase
- Performance Phase
- When to Use Accelerated vs. Conservative Models
- Using Awareness and Danger vs. Pain Scales
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. 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/back-on-track-master-the-art-of-returning-to-running-post-injury/
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!

Nov 29, 2024 • 4min
#bitesize - Strategies for Managing Performance Teams in AFL with Scott Murphy
Highlights from the episode:
- Empowering Your Team
- Combating the "I" Mentality
- Building Player Confidence
- Influencing Player Lifestyle
- Managing Perceptions During Challenging Times
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/strategies-for-managing-performance-teams-in-afl-with-scott-murphy/
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

Nov 25, 2024 • 33min
#326 - Strength Training for Beginners vs. Advanced Athletes with Darrell O' Neill
Highlights from the episode:
- Should You Get a Master's Degree Before Coaching?
- Differences in Training for Beginners vs. Advanced AFL Athletes
- Tailoring Programs for Younger and Older Players
- Managing Large Training Groups: Balancing Macro and Micro
- The Benefits of Rehab S&C for Athlete Development
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/strength-training-for-beginners-vs-advanced-athletes-with-darrell-o-neill/
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

Nov 22, 2024 • 4min
#bitesize - How to Boost Your High-Speed Running Performance this Summer
Highlights from the episode:
- Short Rep Running
- Job Returns or Shorter rest periods
- Dividing Distance
- Setting Targets and Recovery
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/how-to-boost-your-high-speed-running-performance-this-summer/
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!

Nov 18, 2024 • 47min
#325 - Lachlan James Tailoring Strength Assessments for Elite Athletes
Highlights from the episode:
- Developing the Five Strength Qualities
- Importance of Maximal and Fast Strength
- Isometric vs. Dynamic Strength Training
- Reactive Strength for Field-Based Athletes
- Common Mistakes in Strength Programming
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/tailored-strength-training-metrics/
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

Nov 14, 2024 • 5min
#bitesize - Elevating Performance: The Key Pillars of World-Class Training with Blair Mills
Highlights from the episode:
- Influences and Coaching Philosophy
- Challenges and Growth in Elite Sport
- Creating a World Class Training Environment
- Programming and Periodization Strategies
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/elevating-performance-the-key-pillars-of-world-class-training-with-blair-mills/
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

Nov 11, 2024 • 20min
#132 - Unlock the Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Developing Running Power for Footballers!
Highlights from the episode:
- Transitioning Between Sports: Personal Insights
- High-Performance Certificate Program
- Key Areas of Speed Development
- Profiling Athletes for Optimal Performance
- Strength and Conditioning Strategies
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. 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/unlock-the-secrets-the-ultimate-guide-to-developing-running-power-for-footballers/
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!

Nov 8, 2024 • 4min
#bitesize - Run Faster: 5 Tips for Hitting a 2km Personal Best
Highlights from the episode:
- Understanding Your Running Type
- Calculating Your Anaerobic Speed Reserve
- Optimal Training Frequency
- Incorporating Variation in Training
- Cross Training as a Substitute
- The Importance of Recovery
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/run-faster-5-tips-for-hitting-a-2km-personal-best/
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 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!

Nov 4, 2024 • 21min
#131 - A Year-Round System for Athlete Development and Program Success
Highlights from the episode:
- Transitioning Between Sports: Personal Insights
- High-Performance Certificate Program
- Key Areas of Speed Development
- Profiling Athletes for Optimal Performance
- Strength and Conditioning Strategies
Have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. 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/a-year-round-system-for-athlete-development-and-program-success/
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