In the Pacey Performance Podcast, host Rob Pacey engages with Aaron Cunanan, the Director of Applied Sports Science for the Cincinnati Reds, delving into various facets of his professional journey and perspectives on sports science. Cunanan begins by acknowledging the influence of mentors like Duncan French, Jeff Head, and John Wagle, who have significantly impacted his development both as a professional and an individual. Cunanan's career transition from a weightlifting athlete to a coach marks a pivotal point in his narrative. His initial coaching experiences under Dr. Kyle Pierce at the International Weightlifting Federation provided him with valuable insights into systematic and process-oriented coaching in Olympic sports. A key part of the conversation revolves around Cunanan's approach to training and conditioning. He explains the importance of an adaptation-based approach, emphasizing understanding training principles over specific methods. This philosophy was shaped by his diverse experiences, including his tenure at the UFC Performance Institute and the San Francisco Giants. Cunanan shares specific examples from his time in the UFC, illustrating the necessity for flexibility and adaptability in training methodologies due to the varied and unpredictable nature of athletes' schedules and physical conditions. He talks about managing the challenges of training MMA athletes with different timelines, highlighting the use of periodization and the strategic balance of conditioning elements to optimize athlete performance. The conversation also touches upon the integration of sports science in professional sports. Cunanan discusses the thoughtful use of data and technology in training and conditioning, advocating for a problem-driven approach in sports science. He stresses the importance of scientific literacy among practitioners to effectively use technology and data to inform training decisions. Overall, the podcast offers a rich and insightful perspective into Aaron Cunanan's approaches to sports science and athlete conditioning, blending personal experiences, professional philosophies, and practical strategies in the realm of high-performance sports. Main takeaways: Emphasis on adaptation-based training approach Flexibility in training methodologies for MMA athletes Utilizing periodization in athlete conditioning Integration of sports science and data Advocating problem-driven approach in sports science

Hailu featured on episode #446 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed - The difference between folding and sitting Coaching the skill of change of direction How to coach the reacceleration after a deceleration Check out the full episode with Hailu here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/improving-change-of-direction-ability-deceleration-drills-and-coaching-transitional-movements/ This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

Aaron Walsh, a mental skills performance expert, discusses the importance and integration of mental skills in sports. He emphasizes their role in differentiating successful athletes, especially in high-pressure situations. Walsh advocates for treating mental skills like any other skill and integrating them into coaching, recruitment, and training decisions. This episode also explores the cultural significance of rugby in New Zealand and the perception versus reality of the mental side in sports performance.

This week on the podcast, three guests with extensive experience in speed training for youth athletes discuss the differences in training youth athletes compared to adults. They share tips for coaching large groups and dive into specific drills for youth athletes. The importance of cues, communication, and engagement in speed training is also discussed. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights and advice for coaches working with youth athletes.

Jordan Milsom, former professional sportsman, discusses the importance of suitable contracts in pro sport, what it's like to lose your job, and the need for professional advice in case of a worst-case scenario.

Head of late stage rehab & sports science at Isokinetic Medical Group, London, Filippo Picinini discusses the stages of on-field rehabilitation after long-term injuries, emphasizing the importance of movement quality and gradual progression. He highlights the use of GPS technology to monitor players and informs the progression through the rehabilitation stages.

Nick Grantham, athletic performance coach, discusses the importance of having a clear CPD plan, how to choose a mentor, and whether a mentor is necessary for career acceleration.

Matt Buckthorpe, an expert in ACL rehabilitation, discusses the critical stages of recovery from ACL injuries. He highlights the importance of understanding the injury mechanism and outlines the specific objectives and criteria for each phase of rehabilitation. The podcast covers strategies like neuromuscular electrical stimulation and blood flow restriction training in the early stage, regaining quad strength in the mid-stage, and progressing to sport-specific drills and technical skills in the late stage.

Tania Spiteri, Senior Adjunct Fellow at University of Technology Sydney, discusses the importance of agility and change of direction (COD) training and testing. She highlights the difference between agility and COD, explores the constraints that influence agility performance, and emphasizes the need for representative drills. The podcast also covers the use of perceptual-cognitive drills, the role of nonspecific signals, and the effectiveness of agility ladders in training.

Exploring the difference between agility and change of direction. The difficulties in testing agility and available options. The challenges of integrating decision making into agility tests. The limitations of measuring agility in a laboratory setting.