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

This conversation delves into the critical aspects of growth and maturation in youth football with staff from the Brentford FC academy and industry experts, focusing on biological maturation, assessment methods, injury prevention, and talent identification. Our guests discuss their experiences and insights on how to effectively monitor and support young footballers through their developmental stages, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and education. This conversation delves into the innovative practices at Brentford FC regarding youth player development, focusing on bio-banding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the holistic approach to nurturing young athletes. The panel discusses the importance of understanding growth and maturation, the challenges faced during player trials, and the significance of creating a supportive environment that prioritizes player experiences and well-being. They emphasize the need for tailored training loads and the integration of various developmental strategies to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. Main talking points: Genetics play a significant role in determining maturity Regular assessments are crucial for understanding growth patterns Strength training can positively impact bone density in young athletes Talent identification should consider biological age and maturity Bio-banding allows for tailored training based on physical maturity

In this episode of the Pace Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Tim Roberts, the sports medicine manager at the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City, shares his extensive background in sports physiotherapy and the importance of multi-sport experience in developing as a clinician. He discusses the significance of strength profiling in MMA, the tiered diagnostic approach used at the UFCPI, and the technology and tools employed for athlete assessment. Tim emphasizes the need for tailored injury prevention programs that cater to the diverse backgrounds of athletes at the institute. In this conversation, Tim discusses the intricacies of performance analysis, injury prevention, and rehabilitation strategies in MMA. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing data for accurate performance insights, creating a culture of injury prevention among fighters, and the challenges faced in managing their rehabilitation. Tim shares insights on how to effectively communicate with athletes, the significance of maintaining their fighter spirit, and the structured approach to return-to-play progressions. He highlights the need for a balance between athlete safety and performance demands, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for fighters. Main talking points: Tiered diagnostics to help immediate programming and prevention Brain health assessments Finding a balance between care and toughness for fighter mentality Maintaining athlete involvement during recovery Building trust and connection with fighters Leveraging technology for athlete assessment

Tim McGrath, Senior Director of Player Health and Performance at the Washington Commanders and a PhD expert on ACL injuries, dives into the complexities of ACL rehabilitation. He emphasizes the need to combine art and science in recovery and discusses the critical role of biomechanical assessments in identifying risk factors. Tim critiques the traditional six-month return timeline, stressing a personalized approach based on athlete readiness. He also addresses common rehabilitation mistakes and the importance of understanding both physical and cognitive aspects to ensure a successful return to play.

Kyle Sammons, Coordinator of Sports Science and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Arizona Cardinals, explores the innovative Beast Factory Framework he developed for athlete rehabilitation. He discusses the transformative power of single joint training over traditional multi-joint exercises, sharing insights on biomechanics and injury mechanisms. Kyle highlights the need for collaboration between strength coaches and medical professionals, and dives into the significance of understanding tendon injuries, especially in relation to Achilles rehabilitation and performance enhancement.

In this discussion, Chris Chase, the Director of Performance for the Memphis Grizzlies, shares his expertise on multidirectional speed and deceleration training in basketball. He highlights the critical role of deceleration in athletic performance and the integration of advanced technology like force plates for effective measurement. Chase advocates for progressive overload in training and emphasizes the balance of acceleration and deceleration exercises. He also explores the evolution of training methodologies and the role of functional training in athlete development.

Luke Sewell, first team rehab coach at Ipswich Town, shares his innovative strategies for aggressive hamstring injury rehabilitation. He emphasizes early loading and neuromuscular control to enhance recovery while minimizing reinjury risks. Sewell discusses the importance of tailoring rehab intensity using match data and establishing clear rehabilitation goals. His approach focuses on collaboration among medical staff, coaches, and players, ensuring effective communication and psychological support throughout the recovery process.

In this engaging discussion, strength and conditioning specialist Anthony Donskov shares insights from his 20 years of experience and PhD in hockey performance. He dives into reflexive eccentric training, emphasizing its benefits for athletic performance and injury prevention. Anthony outlines critical elements like stiffness and speed, as well as the importance of clear external cues for athletes. He also details a structured three-day training cycle, addressing programming strategies that balance heavy lifting and reflexive movements to maximize explosiveness while minimizing soreness.

Jake Tuura, an expert in tendon training and former college strength coach, shares his journey from battling jumper's knee to mastering tendon health. He explains how tendons, crucial for athletic performance, benefit from focused training like heavy lifting and isometric exercises. Jake highlights the significance of early physical activity for tendon development and addresses the rising Achilles rupture rates in athletes, advocating for tailored training programs. His insights provide a potent blend of science and practical advice for injury prevention and performance enhancement.

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Steph Mock Grubbs and Ryan Grubbs discuss their experiences transitioning across different sports, levels, and job roles within elite performance environments. Their journey from college athletics to professional sports highlights the evolution of roles in strength & conditioning, rehab, and sports science. Steph, now with the Houston Astros, and Ryan, working with the Houston Texans, explain how reconditioning bridges the gap between rehab and performance training, ensuring athletes return to play at optimal levels. They emphasize the importance of adapting training methodologies, particularly in baseball, where athlete workload and season length pose unique challenges. A key theme of their discussion is the shift from being generalists to specialists, requiring continuous upskilling in rehab, load management, and performance programming. The integration of strength, rehab, and reconditioning teams in professional sports enables collaboration and efficiency in managing injury risk and athlete development. The episode also covers balancing athlete health with team needs, using objective performance data to inform return-to-play decisions, and navigating career transitions in elite sport. They stress the importance of mentorship, research, and relationship-building in making successful career moves. Finally, they discuss challenges in balancing professional careers with personal relationships, emphasizing adaptability, teamwork, and continuous learning in both career growth and life. Their insights provide valuable lessons for practitioners looking to evolve within high-performance environments while maintaining long-term career sustainability. Main talking points: Reconditioning bridges rehab and performance training. Transitioning from college to pro sports requires adaptation. Balancing athlete health with team performance needs. Eccentric training is key in injury prevention. Collaboration between strength, rehab, and reconditioning teams. Athlete workload management is crucial in long seasons. Individualized return-to-play plans improve performance outcomes. Generalist to specialist career shifts require upskilling. Mentorship and networking help career transitions. Objective performance data informs return-to-play decisions. Professional careers impact personal relationships significantly. Continuous learning and adaptability drive career growth.