Science for Sport Podcast

291: Managing Workload and Performance in the NHL

October 27th, 2025  |  31 mins 39 secs

ai in sport, applied research, athlete monitoring, catapult, coaching, data analytics, high performance, ice hockey, load management, new jersey devils, nhl, performance analysis, phd research, recovery, return to play, sports data, sports science, sports technology, strength and conditioning, workload management

In this episode, New Jersey Devils Sports Scientist Steven Nightingale joins host Richard Graves to discuss how data, workload management, and recovery strategies are applied in the NHL’s demanding 82-game season. He shares insights from his global career and PhD research, revealing how science and practical experience combine to keep athletes performing at their best.

284: Club Plans & Personal Coaches: Adding An Edge?

September 8th, 2025  |  32 mins 14 secs

athlete monitoring, case studies mahomes lebron brady, central contracts, club vs personal coach, coaching philosophy, collaboration in sport, communication in teams, data sharing, elite sport, external practitioners, football performance, gps tracking, high performance, injury prevention, load management, multidisciplinary teams, olympic sport, performance pathways, periodisation, player availability, player welfare, premier league, programme design, recovery strategies, regeneration, return to play, rugby performance, s&c, sports science, strength and conditioning

Richard Graves and performance coach Daniel Booth debate how clubs, national teams, and personal practitioners can align around “one athlete, one plan” without adding risk—covering communication, data sharing, contracts, and load management. Practical takeaways draw on football, rugby, Olympic sport, and case studies like Mahomes and LeBron to show what good collaboration looks like in practice.

276: Coaching Through Rehab with Michael Carolan

July 14th, 2025  |  35 mins 27 secs

acl rehab, athlete rehab, coaching injured athletes, coaching psychology, communication in sport, elite athlete rehab, functional training, injury prevention, injury recovery, load management, mental health in athletes, performance coaching, professional sport rehab, rehab coaching, rehab protocols, return to play, sport performance, sports rehabilitation, sports science, strength and conditioning

In this episode, performance coach and rehab expert Michael Carolan shares his athlete-first approach to coaching through injury, blending science, communication, and real-world experience. From pro footballers to military personnel, Michael explains how tailored rehab, psychological support, and smart coaching can turn setbacks into comebacks.

271: Strength First: Why It Underpins Everything

June 9th, 2025  |  28 mins 21 secs

athletic development, coaching, elite sport, gps data, high performance, injury prevention, performance coaching, periodisation, physical preparation, player monitoring, player wellbeing, power training, preseason planning, return to play, robustness, rugby league, rugby performance, rugby union, sports science, strength and conditioning

Leicester Tigers’ Head of Performance, Matt Parr, shares insights from coaching across both rugby union and league. From building strength and robustness to managing return-to-play and player wellbeing, this episode dives deep into the science behind elite performance.

266: Blending Science, Rehab and Reality in Elite Football

May 5th, 2025  |  30 mins 33 secs

athlete wellbeing, athletic training, catapult sports, elite sport, football analytics, football performance, injury prevention, load management, mls, multidisciplinary teams, performance coaching, performance optimisation, player monitoring, rehabilitation, return to play, seattle sounders, sports medicine, sports science, sports technology, strength and conditioning

Athletic Trainer Scott Armistead joins the Science for Sport podcast to share his journey from New Zealand to the MLS, offering candid insights into injury rehab, player trust, and performance optimisation. With real-world examples from FC Cincinnati and Seattle Sounders, this episode explores the power of multidisciplinary teamwork and cutting through data overload.

191: Return From Injury Better Than Ever With Elite Pitch-Based Rehab

November 27th, 2023  |  24 mins 10 secs

football, gps, gym, injury, load monitoring, pitch, rehab, return to performance, return to play, soccer, training

Come with us as we delve into the mysterious and exciting world of sports science…

This entertaining podcast explores:

• The science behind the world’s best athletes.
• Current issues and events in the world of sport.
• How to master the art and science of coaching.

Every Monday, Matt Solomon chats with various experts to uncover the science and secrets behind what makes the best athletes in the world so damn good at what they do. They’ll also dive into global issues and events effecting the world of sport, such as COVID-19 and gene doping.

Though anyone is welcome to join us on this journey, this podcast is primarily for:

• S&C coaches/sports scientists
• Physiotherapists
• Nutritionists/Dieticians
• Physical education teachers
• Sports enthusiasts
• Knowledge-seeking athletes

If you’re any of the above, we challenge you to listen to an episode and not fall in love with this laugh-out-loud, brain-swelling podcast.