

Science for Sport Podcast
Science for Sport
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.
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

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.
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

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.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/
FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW:
https://bit.ly/sfsepisode233
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

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.
https://www.scienceforsport.com/nominate/
FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW:
https://bit.ly/sfsepisode232
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

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/
FREE 7d COACH ACADEMY TRIAL
SIGN UP NOW:
https://bit.ly/sfsepisode231
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

Aug 26, 2024 • 30min
230: All Those PhDs And Not A Single Smart Person
Daniel Booth, head of performance for Watford FC Women and CEO of The LAB Performance, shares his insights on coaching careers. He challenges the norm of requiring PhDs, advocating instead for practical skills and real-world experience. The discussion focuses on the gap between academic credentials and effective coaching abilities. Booth emphasizes the importance of social intelligence, mentorship, and diverse sports exposure for successful coaching. He also provides resources for developing impactful coaching skills that go beyond traditional education.

Aug 19, 2024 • 21min
229: Judo: How To Prepare For The Paris 2024 Olympics
In episode 229 Emma Reid, TeamGB Judo Athlete, joins us.
Specifically Emma will be looking at:
What life in the Olympic Village is like
How she prepared to Paris
The use of S&C and Sport Science
Lessons she learned from the Experience
About Emma
"My name is Emma Reid and I have recently become an Olympian competing in Judo -78kg category. I studied event management at Coventry University and decided to become a full time athlete in 2017 at the British Judo Centre of Excellence."
Instagram: @emmaclarereid
TikTok: @emmareid43
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/sfsepisode229
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

Aug 12, 2024 • 29min
228: Muscle Misconceptions: How To Be Big And Flexible
In episode 228 Jon Bell, Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, joins us.
Specifically Jon will be looking at:
What flexibility & mobility are
Physiology underpinning flexibility & mobility
Misconceptions on muscle & mobility
How to optimise flexibility & mobility
About Jon
"Jon Bell is a lecturer in the therapeutic and rehabilitation sciences department at Leeds Beckett University. He currently works with the British Wrestling, GB Muay Thai and Bare Knuckle Boxing Associations in a Sports medicine and research capacity. His current research involves the measurement of the magnitude and frequency of linear and angular head acceleration in various combat sports and their link to diffuse axonal injury."
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/sfsepisode228
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