In this must-listen episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Ajmal Shahzad—World T20 champion, fast-bowling coach, and cricket trailblazer. Ajmal shares his journey from making history as Yorkshire's first Asian-born player to becoming a sought-after coach in the modern game. Discover: The advice legendary all-rounder Imran Khan gave him that changed his game. How Ajmal brought cricket back to Pakistan with an historic MCC tour. His philosophy on developing fast bowlers in today’s game. The challenges and triumphs of transitioning from player to coach. Ajmal’s honest reflections on authenticity, leadership, and learning from failure will leave you inspired. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or cricket fan, this episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your game. ** About Ajmal Shahzad** Ajmal Shahzad is a former professional cricketer and World T20 champion who represented five counties and England at the international level. Breaking barriers as Yorkshire's first Asian-born player, Ajmal transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career. He is now the lead bowling coach at Derbyshire and has worked with elite teams like the Trent Rockets. Renowned for his innovative approach and leadership, Ajmal continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers while shaping the future of fast bowling. 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

What does it take to lead in the high-pressure world of professional football? Ross Burbeary, Head of Performance at Huddersfield Town, shares his incredible journey from martial arts and ice hockey to shaping culture and optimising performance in football. In this episode, Ross reveals the secrets behind great leadership, why 'chameleons' thrive, and how to build a winning culture in any organisation. Plus, discover how Ross and his team raised over £1 million for prostate cancer through the inspiring initiative, Prostate United. Packed with insights, and leadership lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sports, performance, and making a difference! About Ross Burbeary Ross Burbeary is an accomplished sports performance professional with over a decade of experience in elite football and other sports. He began his career at Sheffield Wednesday, working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in their academy, before taking on roles at clubs including Doncaster Rovers, Nottingham Forest, Rotherham United, Lincoln City, and Derby County. His expertise spans strength and conditioning, sports science, and fostering high-performance cultures. Currently the Head of Performance at Huddersfield Town Football Club, Ross is passionate about optimising performance and driving culture change. Beyond football, he co-founded Prostate United, an initiative that has raised over £1 million for Prostate Cancer UK, uniting participants from clubs across the globe. With experience in the NHL and a dedication to leadership, Ross continues to be a transformative figure in sports performance. 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

🎙️ Mastering Confidence: Secrets of Elite Performance What separates elite performers from the rest? How can you cultivate confidence, resilience, and the mindset to excel under pressure? This week, Richard Graves sits down with Dr. Chris Shambrook, former Team GB rowing psychologist and Performance Director at Planet K2, to uncover the secrets behind high-level success. From working with Olympic champions like Steve Redgrave to applying psychology in the business world, Dr. Shambrook shares fascinating insights into building confidence, handling egos, and thriving in high-stakes environments. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or professional looking to unlock your full potential, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom you don’t want to miss. 👉 Tune in and discover how to become the consistent factor in a chaotic world. About Dr. Chris Shambrook Dr. Chris Shambrook is a distinguished performance psychologist with over 25 years of experience, including five Olympic Games with Team GB's rowing team. As Group Performance Director at PlanetK2, he translates elite sports insights into practical strategies for business leaders and teams. An accomplished speaker and author, Chris has co-authored three books and holds an honorary professorship from Staffordshire University 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

Inside the NFL's Concussion Protocols: Dr. Allen Sills on Player Safety This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Allen Sills, Chief Medical Officer of the NFL, to the Science for Sport Podcast. In a game renowned for its intensity, how does the league ensure player safety on and off the field? Dr. Sills pulls back the curtain on cutting-edge concussion protocols, game-changing safety innovations, and the evolution of health measures that protect athletes at every level. From independent spotters stopping the game to the millions invested in research and equipment, discover the science and strategy reshaping one of the world’s most physically demanding sports. Dr. Sills also shares exclusive insights on the future of player safety, collaboration with global sports leagues, and how the NFL is setting new standards for health in elite sports. Whether you’re an NFL fan, a sports scientist, or someone fascinated by the intersection of medicine and performance, this episode is packed with revelations you can’t miss. Tune in now and join the conversation about the evolving science of saving lives in sport. About Dr Allen Sills Dr. Allen Sills is the NFL's Chief Medical Officer, appointed in March 2017 as the league's first CMO. A neurosurgeon specializing in athlete care, he is also a Professor of Neurological Surgery and Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center. Dr. Sills collaborates with team medical staffs, the NFL Players Association, and medical experts to enhance player health and safety through rule changes, equipment evolution, and injury reduction plans. He led the NFL's COVID-19 response and spearheaded the league's Injury Reduction Plan, achieving a 24% decrease in reported concussions in 2018. An active researcher with over 170 scientific publications, Dr. Sills is a member of the Concussion in Sport Group, setting international concussion standards. 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves dives into the world of Rugby League with two seasoned professionals, Scott Taylor and Ben Jones-Bishop. Between them, they boast over 30 years of experience, 250 tries, and a lifetime of lessons from the pitch. Scott reflects on his transition from a 14-year career—highlighted by Grand Final wins and international caps—to taking the reins as head coach of the newly formed Goole Vikings. Meanwhile, Ben shares the secrets behind his longevity, the challenges of balancing professional sport with medical setbacks, and the pride of representing Jamaica in their first Rugby League World Cup. Together, they explore the evolution of rugby league: from advancements in player welfare and GPS technology to managing the brutal physicality of the modern game. With candid insights into life on and off the field, including the sacrifices and strategies for recovery, this episode is a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and aspiring athletes alike. Don’t miss this engaging conversation about resilience, coaching, and the future of rugby league. Listen now! About Ben Jones-Bishop Ben Jones-Bishop is a dynamic rugby league star known for his electrifying speed and versatility. A two-time Super League champion with Leeds Rhinos, he’s dazzled fans at clubs like Salford, Wakefield, and Sheffield Eagles. Internationally, he made history scoring Jamaica’s first-ever try in a Rugby League World Cup. Overcoming challenges on and off the field, Ben continues to inspire with his resilience and passion for the game. Instagram: @bjonesbishop About Scott Taylor Scott Taylor is a powerhouse of rugby league, known for his stellar career with Hull FC, Wigan Warriors, and Hull Kingston Rovers. A three-time Challenge Cup winner and Super League champion, he also represented England on the world stage. Now retired, Scott has taken on a new challenge as head coach of the Goole Vikings, bringing his experience and passion to the next generation of players. Instagram: @scotttagtaylor 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

Episode 242: In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport podcast, Richard Graves sits down with former professional cricketer Jack Brooks, whose 15-year career is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a love for the game. Jack shares his unconventional journey to becoming a professional at 24, breaking into the county circuit after starting in village cricket. From the pressures of leading Yorkshire’s bowling attack during back-to-back County Championship wins to grappling with self-doubt despite his success, Jack provides a refreshingly honest look at life on and off the pitch. He reflects on the influence of legendary coaches like Jason Gillespie, the camaraderie of dressing rooms, and the reality of managing a cricket career while planning for life after sport. Whether you're a budding cricketer, a sports enthusiast, or curious about the psychology behind elite performance, Jack’s story is one of grit, adaptability, and a pure passion for the game. Don’t miss his advice for young athletes and insights on transitioning into coaching at one of the country’s most storied clubs. This is an episode packed with inspiration, laughs, and lessons from a man who made every moment on the field—and beyond—count. About Jack Jack Brooks is a former professional cricketer renowned for his bowling and dynamic presence on the field. Affectionately nicknamed "The Headband Warrior" for his distinctive headgear, Brooks began his cricketing journey in village cricket before advancing through Minor County Oxfordshire and Surrey's second XI. He secured a professional contract with Northamptonshire in 2008, marking his first-class debut against the touring Australians in 2009. Brooks later joined Yorkshire in 2012, playing a pivotal role in their consecutive County Championship victories in 2014 and 2015. In 2018, he signed with Somerset, contributing to their T20 Blast triumph in 2023. Over his 15-year career, Brooks amassed over 650 wickets across all formats and achieved a first-class century. Transitioning from player to mentor, he now focuses on coaching, aiming to impart his extensive experience to aspiring cricketers. Instagram: @brooksyferret Linkedin: Jack Brooks 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

Episode 241 In this week's Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves dives into the world of data analysis in professional football with two brilliant guests—Arian Forouhandeh, Physical Performance Data Lead at Wolves, and Ryan White, Sports Science Analyst at Crystal Palace. Arian and Ryan reveal how data is transforming the game, sharing insights from their own work on injury prevention, player performance, and optimising every match. They also introduce Science for Sport’s new Certified Sports Data Analyst course, a groundbreaking programme they helped create to equip the next generation of sports scientists with practical skills. If you're interested in the future of sports science or want to understand how data can make a real difference on and off the field, this is an episode not to miss! About Arian Arian Forouhandeh is the Physical Performance Data Lead at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, where he focuses on data-driven strategies to enhance player performance and prevent injuries. His academic background includes a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, a Bachelor's in Sport and Exercise Science, and a professional certificate in Data Science. Arian is also pursuing a professional doctorate aimed at developing integrated models for injury prevention in professional football. His previous roles encompass performance analysis internships at Nottingham Forest FC, as well as sports science data analysis positions with USA Hockey and Loughborough Hockey. Instagram: @datainsport Linkedin: Arian Forouhandeh About Ryan Ryan White is the Sports Science Analyst for the first team at Crystal Palace Football Club, where he delivers daily insights and communicates data across multiple departments, contributing to the club's integrated research strategy. He is nearing the completion of his PhD, which has provided him with a strong academic foundation in sports science and data analytics. Prior to his current role, Ryan served as a Sports Scientist at Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire Carnegie Instagram: @ryan_white_93 LinkedIn: Ryan White To find out more about the Certified Sports Data Analyst https://bit.ly/certifiedsportsdataanalyst -

In episode 240, Matt Solomon former host of the Science for Sport Podcat, joins us. Specifically you will learn: Matt's favourite episodes Lessons learned from the podcast Lessons from Paralympic S&C About Matt "Matt Solomon is a Strength and Conditioning Coach and Sport Scientist, having started his career in football working in both the Netherlands and UAE, he transitioned to Olympic and Paralympic sports, forging a nice in the latter. He worked for 7 years at Sport Centrum Papendal with the Dutch Olympic Team leading the physical development for a number of Paralympic programs. Through this he was able to contribute to a number of success stories across European, World and Paralympic levels. Recently Matt was at the Paralympic games as S&C coach for the Dutch Paralympic Team, however his next step is back in to the football world, where he has started as 1st Team Physical Development Coach at Ajax. In addition to this he has been a contributor to Science for Sport for 7 years, producing articles, infographics and of course the Science for Sport Podcast, which celebrates it's 240th episode. He is also a course provider for the ASCA in the Netherlands and delivers guest lectures at Universities." Instagram: @mattsolomonstrength Linkedin: Matt Solomon FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/sfsepisode240 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family ​ 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

In episode 239, Andy Hyde, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Aesthetics Athletics, joins us. Specifically you will learn: The importance of training the groin Injuries which can occur at the groin How to train the groin to prevent injuries and optimise performance About Andy "Andrew has a degree in Sport & Exercise Science and a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning from Leeds Beckett University. He is the Director of Aesthetic Athletes where he works with elite soccer players and the general population. Andrew has also worked as a Strength & Conditioning Coach in the NHS, rehabilitating ACL ruptures, and is the Content Manager at Science for Sport, having previously worked as an Intern Strength and Conditioning Coach with Leeds United F.C. Ladies Academy." Instagram/Twitter: @aestheticathletes, @andrewhyde96 FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/sfsepisode239 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family ​ 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher

In episode 238 Jake Colley-Davies Owner of Caradoc Conditioning, joins us. Specifically Jake will be looking at: Physical charachteristics of rugby How to put on enough mass to compete at the top level How a player development pathway might look Case study: What a session with Jake looks like About Jake "My name is Jake Colley-Davies, I am a Strength and Conditioning Coach that helps Rugby Players to get Fitter, Faster and Stronger. I use my knowledge and experience from my BSc Sports Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage, and my MSc Strength and Conditioning to enable amatuer players to access the same quality strength and conditioning that professional and elite athletes access. I am currently focussed on Online Coaching, working with over 140 players through “The Rugby Athlete Programme” and my “1-1 Coaching”. I also lead S+C sessions for teams in-person, giving the players and coaches the tools to continue with quality sessions through the season. The future for Caradoc Conditoning is to continue expanding our reach and education; not only educating/supporting the players individually, but educating coaches so that they can lead quality sessions for their players." @caradoc_conditioning on all socials. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caradoc_conditioning Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caradoc_conditioning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakecolleydavies/ Jake Colley Davies Nominate future podcast guests here! If you want to hear from a particular person on a particular topic, let us know! Hit the link below and we'll see what we can whip up for you. https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/ FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/sfsepisode238 JOIN THE SCIENCE FOR SPORT TEAM: https://www.scienceforsport.com/join-our-team/ ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively, Freeing Up Time To Spend With Friends And Family ​ 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 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher