Science for Sport Podcast

Club Plans & Personal Coaches: Adding An Edge? In this week’s episode, host Richard Graves sits down with Daniel Booth, a performance coach who’s worked inside elite teams (Watford FC, Ealing Trailfinders), across Olympic sprint programmes, and independently with top athletes, to unpack one of the hottest debates in high performance: Should athletes stick strictly to club schedules, or can personal trainers/physios/dietitians add an edge without adding risk? Drawing on experience from football, rugby, and Olympic sport, Daniel explains why tensions flare (mismatched philosophies, poor communication, asset ownership), what great collaboration looks like in the real world, and how high-performing organisations formalise outside support without losing control. What you’ll learn The real source of conflict between club performance/medical staff and external coaches, and how cross-sport thinking challenges “that’s how we’ve always done it.” A practical collaboration model: who shares what, when, and how (weekly data drops, post-match/flight recovery notes, and a single “central coordinator” to integrate inputs). Risk vs. reward in load management: why living on the “edge” drives adaptation, and how to avoid double-loading athletes after intense sessions. Contracts done right: how some teams formally write approved externals into player agreements and set clear, shared calendars. International duty realities: why centralised models in rugby/cricket often outperform football’s fragmented approach, and what football can copy now. Case studies that translate: lessons from LeBron/Mancias and Mahomes/Stroop—how season-long regen blocks and role clarity reduce noise and improve availability. Social media pitfalls: why chasing a “brand” erodes trust, and how word-of-mouth and discretion still win in elite environments. About Daniel Booth Daniel Booth is a performance coach with 10+ years’ experience across elite football (Watford FC), rugby (including Ealing Trailfinders), and Olympic sprint programmes, as well as work with Warner Bros. Discovery. Now operating independently, he partners with clubs and national teams to deliver athlete-centred programming and is formally written into several Premiership rugby player contracts to act as the central performance coordinator, integrating club, country, and external inputs. Daniel’s approach blends cross-sport best practice, honest communication, and low-ego, data-led decision-making focused on availability and longevity. SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Nathan Spencer, Strength & Power Coach at the St. George Illawarra Dragons and former NBA Performance Coach with the Orlando Magic. With over 15 years in high-performance sport, Nathan shares his unique journey from the pathways of Australian rugby league to the courts of the NBA, and now back to the NRL. The conversation dives deep into velocity-based training (VBT), practical insights into using data in elite environments, and the importance of education and context when applying technology in sport. Whether you’re a coach, sports scientist, or performance professional, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and thought-provoking discussions about how to truly leverage tech and data to improve athlete performance. What you’ll learn in this episode How Nathan transitioned from rugby league to the NBA and back, and what he learned in the process The real-world application of velocity-based training (VBT) in different sports, from basketball to rugby league Why context and interpretation matter more than the tech itself Lessons from managing high-performance environments through challenges like COVID and condensed seasons How to educate and upskill coaches to make better, data-driven decisions Emerging trends in VBT and where the technology is headed Insights into Nathan’s upcoming VBT course with Science for Sport, designed to help coaches apply these principles in their own environments About Nathan Spencer Nathan Spencer is an experienced Strength & Power Coach with a global career spanning rugby league, basketball, and elite sport. He has: Worked with NRL clubs, the NBL, and spent four years with the Orlando Magic in the NBA A Master’s in High Performance Sport and a current PhD candidate researching coach mentorships A passion for educating and upskilling coaches, helping practitioners make better, context-driven decisions in their environments SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Jacob Rothman, founder of Perch and now Head of Strength at Catapult, to explore how camera-based, AI-driven technology is changing strength and conditioning, velocity-based training, and athlete monitoring in elite sport. Jacob shares the journey from an MIT startup to being trusted by pro teams, collegiate programs, and the military, and how the recent Catapult acquisition of Perch is creating a seamless ecosystem that connects weight-room data with on-field performance metrics. What you’ll learn in this episode How camera-based velocity-based training (VBT) is revolutionising athlete monitoring. Why closing the feedback loop in the weight room is a game-changer for S&C coaches and sports scientists. Real-world insights: how LSU Football leveraged Perch to fuel a national championship season. What the Catapult–Perch integration means for the future of athlete data and performance analytics. The challenges and lessons of building a hardware-software platform for elite sport. About Jacob Rothman Jacob Rothman co-founded Perch at MIT after a back injury inspired him to find a safer, smarter way for athletes to train. Since 2017, Perch has become a trusted solution for pro teams, collegiate programs, and elite training facilities, capturing over 500 million reps in the weight room. In June 2025, Catapult acquired Perch to bring non-invasive, AI-powered strength analytics into its global athlete performance ecosystem. Today, Jacob leads Strength at Catapult, driving innovation in integrated performance and health solutions. SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with former NFL star turned MMA promoter Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman, a man who’s gone from sacking quarterbacks to shaking up the fight game. Known for his explosive NFL career with the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills, Merriman has successfully transitioned into the world of Mixed Martial Arts with his promotion Lights Out Extreme Fighting (LXF). In this episode, he reveals how his football mindset, business vision, and passion for innovation are transforming combat sports, from cutting-edge punch-tracking tech to game-changing virtual advertising platforms. You’ll discover how Merriman: Mastered career transition – leaving the NFL on his own terms while building the Lights Out brand. Applied sports science to the cage – from NFL hand-fighting skills to the cardio demands of MMA. Integrated performance technology – including live punch velocity and G-force tracking for fans and coaches. Created new revenue models – opening sponsorship opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses in combat sports. Bridges athlete pathways – helping NFL and college football players switch to MMA. Maintains athlete discipline year-round – the evolution of MMA training culture and its professionalisation. Whether you work in elite performance, teach sports science, or simply love hearing how science and innovation change sport, this conversation is packed with insights into performance tech, athlete development, and the business of sport. About Shawne Merriman Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman is a former NFL linebacker, three-time Pro Bowl selection, and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Drafted 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2005, Merriman quickly became one of the league’s most feared pass rushers before retiring in 2013. Off the field, he built the Lights Out brand into a multi-platform sports and entertainment company, launching Lights Out Extreme Fighting in 2019. Today, LXF is one of the most watched regional MMA promotions in the world, with Merriman leading the charge in integrating sports science and technology into combat sports. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes Luke Harris, the Head of Strength & Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club. Luke shares his insights on managing multiple teams, the challenges of balancing youth and women’s football, and how he integrates cutting-edge science to drive player development. With a career spanning several years in elite football, Luke gives an in-depth look into his approach to coaching, recovery, and player development across different age groups. Key Takeaways: The demands of working with multiple teams (youth and women's) and how to manage a busy schedule with double sessions and varied player needs. How Luke has transitioned from youth football to overseeing elite programs and the impact this shift has had on his approach. The importance of relationship-building with players and how that can drive successful strength and conditioning programs. How to balance individual player needs with team goals and ensure each player develops both physically and mentally. Insights into technology in football, including GPS and force plates, and how Luke utilises these tools for player development and injury prevention. The role of context in understanding performance metrics and why raw numbers don't tell the full stoy. A glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a high-performance sports science department and the constant evolution of methods to support athletes at different stages of their careers. Tune in to hear about Luke’s strategies for success and his journey from youth football to professional football in Australia! About Luke Harris: Luke Harris is the Head of Strength & Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club, where he oversees the physical development and performance of both the youth and women's teams. With a strong background in sports science, Luke transitioned from working with youth teams to managing elite programs, bringing a wealth of experience in player development, recovery strategies, and the integration of advanced technologies like GPS and force plates. Known for his approachability and focus on building strong relationships with players, Luke is dedicated to balancing team goals with the individual needs of athletes, ensuring they progress physically and mentally at every stage of their career. His work continues to shape the future of football at Adelaide United, where he is deeply involved in both on-the-ground performance and long-term athlete development. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Steve McNamara, one of Rugby League’s most experienced and respected minds. With a career spanning over 36 years across playing and coaching, Steve has done it all, captaining Hull FC, coaching England at a home World Cup, and leading Catalans Dragons to their first major silverware. From working on Hull’s fish docks to standing on the touchline at Wembley, Steve reflects on the evolution of the sport and the people and principles that shaped him. Whether you’re a performance coach, team manager, or aspiring leader in sport, this episode is packed with valuable lessons. Key takeaways from this episode: The importance of early coaching influences and how Brian Smith shaped Steve's entire coaching outlook What it was really like transitioning from part-time pro in the mud to full-time athlete in the Super League era How to build identity and unity in a national team without a home base – and why Steve moved England’s programme to Loughborough Leading England to a heartbreaking 2013 World Cup semi-final defeat — and how to handle pressure and process loss Turning around Catalans Dragons: the brutal honesty, cultural differences, and a French barbecue that changed everything Why great coaches need great support teams – and Steve’s advice to anyone aspiring to coach at the highest level From tactical insights to leadership philosophies, Steve shares stories that are honest, humorous, and hugely insightful. ** About Steve McNamara** Steve McNamara is a former professional Rugby League player and top-level coach with over 35 years in the game. He’s coached England at a home World Cup, worked in the NRL with the Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors, and led Catalans Dragons to their first major trophy and multiple Grand Final appearances. Known for his leadership, culture-building, and tactical insight, Steve is one of the sport’s most respected figures. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

What does fuelling a Premier League footballer really look like? This week, we’re joined by Ted Munson, Brentford FC’s Lead Performance Nutritionist, whose journey has taken him through elite-level roles across football, rugby, Formula 1, and even international tournaments with Denmark’s national team. From managing nutrition for matchday prep and recovery to adapting for individual player needs, Ted shares what goes on behind the scenes at the highest level of the game – and how everyday athletes can apply some of the same principles. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Ted landed his first role in elite sport – and the winding road to Brentford FC The five core nutrition principles he follows with Premier League players Why personalisation is essential – no two players are ever treated the same How to fuel players around training intensity, travel, and congested fixtures What a typical training week looks like nutritionally (yes, pancakes are involved) How elite strategies can be adapted by amateur players and coaches The biggest mistakes players make with fuelling – and how to fix them Why behaviour change and communication matter more than textbook knowledge Easy, affordable fuelling tips that work – no fancy products needed The importance of carbohydrate periodisation for both performance and body comp Whether you’re a coach, a sports scientist, or just someone who plays five-a-side on a weekend, this episode is packed with practical advice, stories from the top, and a good dose of honesty about what works, what doesn’t, and why a tray of Jaffa Cakes might not be such a bad idea. About Ted Munson Ted Munson is the Lead Performance Nutritionist at Brentford Football Club, with over a decade of experience working across elite sport. His career has included roles with clubs such as Hull City, Millwall, MK Dons, Luton Town, and Harlequins Rugby, as well as consulting in Formula 1 and with the Danish national football team. Ted is a registered performance nutritionist and passionate educator, known for translating complex science into simple, practical strategies that help athletes fuel for performance and recovery—on and off the pitch. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

This week, Richard Graves is joined by returning guest Andrew Hyde, a leading strength and conditioning coach and founder of Aesthetic Athletes, who works with elite and youth footballers across the UK. With professional clubs identifying talent as young as six, and social media raising the stakes for young athletes, is youth football facing a crisis? Or just a complex new challenge? In this honest and insightful episode, Andrew shares his experiences from working with young athletes and their families, discussing how to support their development without damaging their love for the game. Key topics you’ll learn about: The difference between encouragement vs pressure in youth development Why early specialisation might be doing more harm than good The critical role of parents as stakeholders in an athlete's journey How physical maturation affects performance (including issues like Osgood-Schlatter’s) Why multisport participation isn't just beneficial, it's essential Managing load, recovery and expectations during growth spurts The impact of social media and performance comparisons on young athletes Why long-term success is more about joy and patience than relentless training Andrew's “Project Mbappe” warning, and why sitting back with a margarita might actually help The importance of creating a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment around a child athlete Whether you're a coach, parent, or performance professional, this episode will reshape how you think about talent development in football and beyond. About Andrew Hyde Andrew Hyde is a strength and conditioning coach and founder of Aesthetic Athletes, based in Manchester, UK. Specialising in youth athletic development, Andrew works with both elite and aspiring athletes, helping them build physical competence, resilience, and a love for the process. With a background that includes roles in professional football academies, the NHS, and educational institutions, Andrew takes a holistic and empathetic approach to coaching. His philosophy centres around guiding young players through the challenges of early specialisation, maturation, and performance pressure, all while helping them maintain joy in their sporting journey. Andrew has previously contributed to Science for Sport and Catapult, and continues to be a respected voice on how to develop athletes in a sustainable and person-first way. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

Joining the conversation is Michael Carolan, a performance coach and sport rehabilitation expert with nearly 20 years of experience in elite sport and education. He discusses the transformative approach of treating rehab as a coaching opportunity rather than mere therapy. Communication and trust are key to athlete recovery, while adaptability can outshine rigid protocols. Michael emphasizes the importance of maintaining athlete connection during injury and offers strategies to train around injuries effectively. His blend of science and a human touch makes for engaging insights.

In this episode, host Richard Graves sits down with former professional footballer Sam Winnall, who shares his honest reflections on a 15-year career across clubs including Wolves, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Sam opens up about the realities of life as a professional athlete, the highs of Wembley wins and Golden Boots, the lows of injury setbacks and contract uncertainty, and the immense physical and mental demands that most people never see. More than just a career retrospective, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset, resilience, and adaptability required not only to succeed in elite sport, but to transition into life after it. In this episode, you’ll learn: The hidden pressures of professional sport—why talent alone isn’t enough. How dealing with setbacks, rejection, and injury shaped Sam’s career and character. What a typical day really looks like for a professional footballer, from training to nutrition to recovery. The crucial role of mental health and mindset in athletic performance and longevity. Why transition planning and identity beyond sport are essential for athletes facing retirement. The surprising ways Sam now channels his competitive edge into golf, padel, and personal growth. Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, practitioner, or athlete, this episode is for anyone interested in the human side of elite performance and what it truly takes to stay at the top, and how to support athletes through the challenges that come with it. About Sam Winnall Sam Winnall is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over 15 years, including spells at clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Known for his goal-scoring instincts and work ethic, Sam made over 300 league appearances and scored more than 100 goals, achieving promotions, cup victories, and memorable moments at some of English football’s most historic clubs. Since retiring at 32, Sam has transitioned into mentoring and supporting athletes, with a particular focus on helping them develop the mental resilience needed to thrive both during and after their sporting careers. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research