
Science for Sport Podcast
Discover the Secrets Behind Elite Performance.
Join us on the Science for Sport Podcast, where every episode dives into the cutting-edge world of sports science and the untold stories behind the best athletes and teams on the planet.
Hosted by Richard Graves, we bring you exclusive insights from elite athletes, world-class coaches, and leading sports scientists who are shaping the future of global sport.
This isn’t just another sports podcast—this is your backstage pass to:
- The science powering record-breaking performances.
- The trends, challenges, and breakthroughs redefining the game.
- Mastering the balance of art and science in coaching.
Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, physio, nutritionist, teacher, or just a passionate sports fan, this is your chance to learn from the pros and stay ahead of the curve.
Tune in every Monday and uncover what it takes to make the best, better.
Latest episodes

Nov 4, 2024 • 32min
240: Goodbye: The End Of An Era
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
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Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
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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
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Oct 28, 2024 • 30min
239: Give Your Groin The Attention It Deserves
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
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Oct 21, 2024 • 21min
238: Go From Scrawney Teen To Elite-Level Rugby Pro
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.
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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
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Oct 14, 2024 • 24min
237: Optimise Training Transfer For Maximal On-Pitch Performance
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.
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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
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9 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 42min
236: Nutrition Essentials For Female Footballers
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.

Sep 30, 2024 • 16min
235: Bad Break: How To Recovery Faster Than Ever From Bone Fractures
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.
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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
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Sep 23, 2024 • 18min
234: Perfect Programming: Individualisation For 100s Of Athletes At Once
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.

Sep 16, 2024 • 19min
233: Swim Faster Than Ever With Elite-Level Strength
In episode 233 Michel Verkade, S&C Coach at TeamNL, joins us.
Specifically Michel will be looking at:
Importance of strength in swimming
Importance of core training
What S&C can add when athletes are strong enough
About Michel
"Michel Verkade is an S&C coach for the Dutch Women’s Waterpolo and Para-Swimming teams. A former teacher in physical education with a small career in Waterpolo, he also has experience in volleyball, motorsports (MXgp, Moto2, WSBK and Formula 2). However, he is specialised in water based sports."
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michel-verkade-35335234/
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.
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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
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Sep 9, 2024 • 26min
232: Eccentric Training: Don't Leave Gains On The Table
In episode 232 Tom Stringwell, Founder of Your Gym Sport Performance, joins us.
Specifically Tom will be looking at:
Types of eccentric training
Physiology underpinnig eccentric training
How and when to use eccentric training
About Tom
"Founder of Your Gym Sport Performance and consultant to teams and athletes throughout the world."
https://ygsp.co.uk/
Instagram: yourgymsportsperformance
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.
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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
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Sep 2, 2024 • 33min
231: Why Sprint Interval Training Is Essential For Conditioning
In episode 231 Andrew Usher, Researcher and Boxing Coach, joins us.
Specifically Andrew will be looking at:
Importance of energy systems
Energy system misconceptions
How to implement sprint interval training
About Andrew
"Andrew Usher, exercise physiologist and teaching fellow fellow at Abertay University. PhD was titled An Exploration of Muscle Oxygen Kinetics in Professional Boxing and based on my work with elite atheltes over the last 10 or so years. I work with a range of athletes from early start career to elite and world level both in boxing and other sporting areas. Our research paper Use of NIRS to explore skeletal muscle oxygenation during different training sessions in professional boxing Is the first to look at the effects of training modalities within professional boxing, and their relevance to outcomes (sparring and competition)."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXLNtMNRGIc&t=6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjORW6pCkV0
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scottish-boxing-champs-fine-tuned-26974253
Twitter: andrewusher
Instagram: theandrewusher
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/
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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