Science for Sport Podcast

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

In episode 237 Matt Cook owner of Transferable Training, joins us. Specifically Matt will be looking at: Importance of training transfer Working back from game actions How to maximise training transfer About Matt "I run my own little business called Transferable Training where most of my work is focused around speed and reconditioning with individual athletes. Alongside this I also do some work in team settings with both senior and academy set ups." Instagram - transferabletraining X - transferabletraining/mathewcook9 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/sfsepisode237 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

Aimee O'Keeffe, a performance nutritionist with a wealth of experience in elite sports, and Dr. James Morehen, who specializes in nutrition for top athletes, dive deep into the unique nutritional needs of female footballers. They explore how physiological differences impact dietary requirements and emphasize tailored strategies for optimal performance. The conversation also addresses psychological influences on nutritional habits, highlights the importance of carbohydrate loading, and introduces the new Female Football Nutrition Network, aiming to empower female athletes.

In episode 235 Louise Wood, S&C Coach at QPR Women, joins us. Specifically Louise will be looking at: Types of bone iinjuries How bones heal How to accelerate the healing process About Louise "Ten years ago I decided to go back to university and study sports rehab, followed by a masters in Strength & Conditioning. I jumped straight in the deep end getting internships with London Bronco’s, The Forge Clinic, Cobham RFC and the Samoa Rugby. I was working in the NHS for three years in respiratory outpatients, then inpatients during the pandemic. Followed by a move to geriatric medicine. I decided that sport was where I wanted to be so I took a casual role at QPR. Three season later I am now working with the PDP and women’s first team. Over the last three months I took a little sabbatical to trade football for rugby league at London Broncos as senior GSR with the men’s 1st team and Head of rehab and S&C coach for the women's team. The immediate future involves hopefully seeing QPR women gain promotion to championship level and become full time footballers. As for the end game I’m slowly building my own clinic which will offer a broad spectrum of rehab and performance services for youth athletes, weekend warriors, professionals and older adults." Instagram: @lnw_performance LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/louise-wood-msc-b080a3205 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/sfsepisode235 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

Jake Reeve, Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach at Loughborough University, specializes in individualizing training for large groups. He discusses the intricate process of developing personalized training programs for over 120 athletes, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches to enhance performance and minimize injuries. Jake highlights the role of data analysis in crafting these programs and shares insights on periodization, balancing short-term goals with long-term athlete development, and specific strategies for optimizing training sessions.