Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Sports Performance”

314: Player Load, Practice Periodisation, and the Art of Keeping It Simple with Jackson Polk

Science for Sport — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Richard Graves is joined by Jackson Polk, Director of Sports Science at the University of Southern California (USC), for a conversation that covers the full spectrum of what it actually means to do this job well, from wrangling a thousand Catapult metrics down to the handful that matter, to the perhaps surprising conclusion that conversation might be your most powerful tool.
Jackson's path into sports science isn't the conventional one. He started as a student videographer with Oklahoma football, found himself drawn to the patterns hiding in data, and taught himself enough statistics and analytics to make coaches stop and listen. That curiosity eventually took him from Norman, Oklahoma, to Los Angeles, where he's spent the past four years building USC football's sports science programme from the ground up.
What makes this episode stand out is Jackson's willingness to be honest about uncertainty, about AI, about his own mistakes, and about the limits of any single metric or method. He's equally at home referencing Principal Component Analysis and the TV show Veep, and that breadth of thinking is what makes him worth listening to. Whether you work in elite sport, study sports science, or just want to understand what goes into keeping a college football roster performing at its best, there's plenty here to take away.

In This Episode You Will Learn

Why reducing Catapult's thousand-plus metrics down to a focused few, Player Load, sprint volume, and repeat sprint exposures, actually produces better decisions than trying to monitor everything
How Jackson uses principal component analysis to build confidence in the data he's presenting to coaches and athletes
The "iceberg" model of athlete monitoring: what data can tell you, and what only a direct conversation will uncover
Why practice periodisation and load management have been one of USC's biggest organisational wins, and how PlayerLoad underpins that planning
How force plates (via VALD/ForceDecks) and velocity-based training tools like Perch complement GPS data to reveal readiness on any given day
The case for teaching college athletes sound recovery habits early, so they're not spending their rookie contracts figuring out what works
How Jackson thinks about AI in sports science: where it's useful, where to be cautious, and why it's only as good as the data it's trained on
Why communication, not technology, is the cornerstone of an effective sports science operation, and how to make data digestible for coaches under pressure
The value of building a culture where experimentation and failure are treated as learning, not liability
Lessons from Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke on separating process from outcome, applied directly to sports science decision-making

About Jackson Polk
Jackson Polk is the Director of Sports Science for USC Trojans football, a role he was elevated to in 2024 after serving as Assistant Director from 2022–23. He joined the USC support staff in March 2022, bringing with him an unconventional background that blends mathematics, data science, and a deep passion for American football.
His journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he spent four seasons as a student videographer before becoming a volunteer performance analyst. While at OU, he co-founded the Oklahoma Sports and Data Analytics Club, which went on to win the Pro Football Focus Analytics Blitz contest. He completed his bachelor's degree in mathematics at Oklahoma in 2021 and subsequently pursued a master's in data science and analytics.
At USC, Jackson has been responsible for building the football programme's sports science infrastructure, integrating GPS monitoring, force plate testing, and load management into daily practice planning. He holds an MBA alongside his analytical credentials, and his work sits at the intersection of data science and high-performance sport.

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Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
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Improve Your Athletes' Performance
Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
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313: Building Durability in Action Sports with Ryan Blake

Science for Sport — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0100

What does it actually take to prepare an athlete for a sport where the environment itself is part of the challenge? In this week's episode, Richard Graves sits down with Ryan Blake, Performance Coach, Consultant, and founder of Extreme Sports Performance, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of action sports performance.

Ryan brings a unique perspective to this conversation. A former action sports athlete himself whose career was cut short by a life-threatening injury, he has since spent over 20 years working across elite sport, academy systems, private education, and national governing bodies, before circling back to the world he started in. Today, he works as a performance consultant for British Water Ski and Wakeboard, Head of Sport Science at St Paul's School in London, and Lead Tutor for the Youth Strength and Conditioning Association.

This isn't a conversation about conventional periodisation or standard gym metrics. Ryan challenges the assumptions baked into most traditional performance models and makes a compelling case for why action sports, think X Games, halfpipe snowboarding, freestyle skiing, demand an entirely different approach. One built not around chasing peaks, but around building repeatable, durable performance that holds up under fatigue, variable terrain, and real-world unpredictability.
He talks through his Restore, Apply, Own framework in practical terms, explains why training in a fresh state but competing in a fatigued one is one of the most underappreciated problems in sport, and shares how he uses a blend of velocity-based training, jump testing, readiness monitoring, and athlete-specific education tools to close that gap. He also weighs in on the growing use of AI in competition judging, the rapid rise of the X Games League, and why the preparation systems in action sports simply haven't caught up with where the sport is heading.
Whether you're a sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, or simply someone with an interest in how elite performance is built at the fringes of mainstream sport, this is a conversation worth your time.

In This Episode You Will Learn

Why traditional performance models fall short in action and adventure sports, and what needs to change
The difference between performance capacity and durability — and why durability is the more important target in action sports
How Ryan's Restore, Apply, Own framework structures athlete preparation from the ground up
Why training athletes in a fatigued state is just as important as having them fresh — and how to do it effectively
How to use a simple SWOT analysis to identify athlete needs and prioritise support when resources are limited
The role of technology in action sports performance, including VBT, jump testing, readiness monitoring, and AI in competition judging
Why strength training alone doesn't transfer to sport performance without progression through capacity, application, and environment
How the rapid growth of the X Games League and Olympic inclusion is creating both opportunity and a preparation gap in action sports
Practical first steps for coaches and athletes looking to engage with a more structured performance system in action sports

About Ryan Blake
Ryan Blake is a performance coach and consultant specialising in action and adventure sports. He founded Extreme Sports Performance in 2018 after a career that has taken him through elite academy systems, professional sport, private education, and national governing body consultancy. He holds accreditations from both the UKSCA and NSCA, holds an MSc in Maintenance and Enhancement of Elite Performance from the University of Portsmouth, and has worked with world champion athletes and Olympic medallists across disciplines including British Tennis, England Cricket, British Cycling, and now British Water Ski and Wakeboard.
Alongside his consultancy work, Ryan serves as Head of Sport Science at St Paul's School in London and as Lead Tutor for the Youth Strength and Conditioning Association. His own background as an action sports athlete — and the life-threatening injury that ended that chapter — underpins his philosophy around risk, durability, and long-term performance. He is based in Guildford and can be found on Instagram at @extremesportsperformance or at extremesportsperformance.com.

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312: The Role of Environment in Player Performance

Science for Sport — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, Richard Graves is joined by former professional footballer Carl Asaba for an honest and insightful look at life inside the game.
Carl’s journey into professional football wasn’t typical. From missing out on early opportunities and stepping away from the game, to earning a contract at 21 and going on to play over a decade in the professional ranks, his story challenges many of the assumptions around talent pathways and development.
Across the conversation, Carl reflects on the psychological demands of elite sport, handling pressure, navigating setbacks, and the importance of environment and culture in performance. From record transfers and dressing room dynamics to playoff heartbreak and career-defining moments at Wembley, this episode offers a grounded, real-world perspective on what it actually takes to build and sustain a career in football.
For practitioners working in elite sport, there are clear takeaways around player psychology, team culture, and the often-overlooked role of man management in performance.

In this episode, you will learn

Why non-linear talent pathways can still lead to elite performance
How early setbacks can shape long-term motivation and resilience
The psychological impact of transfers, expectations, and identity
What separates strong team cultures from individual-driven environments
Why “man management” remains a critical performance skill in modern sport
How players experience pressure in high-stakes matches (e.g. playoffs, Wembley)
The role of belief, environment, and coaching in unlocking performance
Lessons on handling success, ego, and distractions early in a career
What burnout, injury, and time out of the game really feel like
Why giving “your all” is a more sustainable mindset than chasing outcomes

About Carl Asaba
Carl Asaba is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over a decade across English football. Starting his professional journey at Brentford at the age of 21, he went on to play for clubs including Reading, Gillingham, and Sheffield United.
Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, Carl was part of some iconic teams, including Gillingham’s promotion-winning side and Sheffield United’s memorable 2002–03 campaign, which reached the latter stages of multiple competitions.
Since retiring, Carl has remained close to the game through media work and supporting the next generation, while offering a unique perspective shaped by both traditional and unconventional routes into elite sport.

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293: Johnny Nelson on the Gym that Created World Champions

Science for Sport — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by boxing legend Johnny Nelson MBE, the longest-reigning cruiserweight world champion in history. With a story that spans early losses, a transformative mentorship under Brendan Ingle, mental resilience, structural discipline, and elite-level performance, Johnny offers a rare window into the mindset and preparation of a world-class athlete.
From his humble Sheffield upbringing through a gritty apprenticeship in Europe to standing atop the world with 13 title defences, Johnny reflects on the physical demands of his sport, the mental architecture that carried him, and how those lessons translate into high-performance sport science environments today. Whether you’re working with elite athletes, exploring pathway development, or investigating the interplay of mindset, culture and performance. This episode delivers actionable insight.

You’ll Learn

How deliberate structure and environment in the early years set Johnny’s foundation for world-class performance, and what that means for athlete development pipelines in elite sport.
The interplay between physical conditioning and mental readiness: why Johnny argues that even 99% physical fitness isn’t enough without mental strength to match.
How a coach/mentor adapted learning modality to individual athlete needs (story-based learning vs. written instruction) and how that insight translates to sport science practice.
The “apprenticeship phase” of elite athletes: why Johnny spent six years as a sparring partner across Europe, what he learned about failure, character-building and resilience, and how that maps to athlete development models.
The transition out of elite competition: Johnny’s reflections on his own injury-forced retirement, loss of gym identity and how elite sport practitioners can support athlete exit and long-term wellbeing.
Practical take-aways on environment design, multicultural team culture, and creating performance contexts that simulate hostile or challenging conditions (drawing on Johnny’s anecdotes of gym culture and travelling abroad).

About Johnny Nelson
Johnny Nelson (born 4 January 1967, Sheffield) turned professional in 1986 after a modest amateur career. He trained under iconic coach Brendan Ingle at the Wincobank gym in Sheffield, where he developed not only boxing skills but a mindset of relentless belief and self-validation.
In March 1999 he captured the WBO Cruiserweight World Title and held it until his retirement in 2006—during which he defended it 13 times, the most ever in cruiserweight history. Post-career, Johnny has built a prominent role as a boxing pundit, keynote speaker, and mentor around mindset, resilience and high-performance culture.

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288: How Scotland Built a Fitter, Faster, Stronger Rugby Team

Science for Sport — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Stuart Yule, Head of Physical Performance with the Scotland national rugby team.

Stuart’s career has spanned elite roles in football, hockey, and judo, before moving into rugby where he’s been a driving force behind Glasgow Warriors’ success and Scotland’s rise on the international stage. Drawing on his unique background as a Commonwealth Games athlete, physiotherapist, and S&C coach, Stuart shares powerful insights into developing players who can thrive at the very highest level.
This episode gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Scottish Rugby has evolved over the past decade and what it takes to prepare athletes to perform on the international stage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Stuart’s unique journey, from weightlifting in his dad’s garage to competing for Scotland – shaped his approach to performance.
The key differences between preparing players at club vs. international level.
Why alignment across national pathways has been critical to Scotland’s success.
How Scottish Rugby has raised physical standards and created a culture of continual improvement.
Lessons from other sports (including judo, athletics, and AFL) that are now embedded in rugby performance.
The importance of technical mastery, co-created training programmes, and athlete ownership in achieving world-class results.
How Scotland are preparing physically to compete with the best rugby nations in the world.

About Stuart Yule
Stuart Yule is Head of Physical Performance with the Scotland national rugby team. A two-time Commonwealth Games competitor in weightlifting, Stuart’s career spans physiotherapy, strength & conditioning, and high-performance coaching. He has worked across football, hockey, and judo before joining Glasgow Warriors, where he played a pivotal role in their domestic and European success. Since 2017, Stuart has been a cornerstone of the Scotland national setup under Head Coach Gregor Townsend, helping raise performance standards and prepare players for the demands of test rugby.

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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

286: NFL’s Digital Athlete – How Data is Transforming Player Health & Safety

Science for Sport — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week, host Richard Graves is joined by two leading figures driving innovation in sport:

Dr Mackenzie Herzog, VP of Player Health & Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL

Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Together, they explore the groundbreaking NFL Digital Athlete, a data-driven platform reshaping how the league prevents injuries, enhances performance, and safeguards the long-term health of its players.

This episode offers a rare look behind the scenes at how one of the world’s biggest sports organisations is using advanced analytics, computer vision, and machine learning to transform player welfare.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the NFL Digital Athlete creates a 360° view of every player by combining wearable, video, and performance data
The role of AWS in processing 500 million+ data points per week to power injury prevention and performance insights
How data modelling led to rule changes like the dynamic kickoff and banning hip-drop tackles to reduce injuries
How computer vision is used to track player pose and limb position to identify mechanisms of injury
How concussion risk has dropped thanks to position-specific helmets and guardian caps
Why player and coach buy-in has been crucial for the success of data-driven safety initiatives
How the Digital Athlete model is now influencing college football, global sport, and even other industries

About Dr Mackenzie Herzog
Dr Mackenzie Herzog is the Vice President of Player Health & Safety and Strategic Innovation at the NFL. She leads the league’s efforts to reduce injuries, improve player health outcomes, and integrate cutting-edge technology and analytics into performance and safety strategies. Mackenzie has overseen the creation and implementation of the NFL Digital Athlete, spearheading collaborations with partners such as AWS to harness data for player health and safety advancements across the league.

About Julie Souza
Julie Souza is the Global Head of Sports at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she partners with leading sports organisations to leverage cloud technology, machine learning, and data analytics to transform athlete performance, fan engagement, and operational efficiency. Julie has played a pivotal role in AWS’s collaboration with the NFL, powering the Digital Athlete platform and pioneering innovations like next-gen stats, optical tracking, and large-scale injury risk modelling.

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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

280: Sports Science at the Intersection of Youth and Professional Football with Luke Harris

Science for Sport — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes Luke Harris, the Head of Strength & Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club. Luke shares his insights on managing multiple teams, the challenges of balancing youth and women’s football, and how he integrates cutting-edge science to drive player development. With a career spanning several years in elite football, Luke gives an in-depth look into his approach to coaching, recovery, and player development across different age groups.

Key Takeaways:

The demands of working with multiple teams (youth and women's) and how to manage a busy schedule with double sessions and varied player needs.
How Luke has transitioned from youth football to overseeing elite programs and the impact this shift has had on his approach.
The importance of relationship-building with players and how that can drive successful strength and conditioning programs.
How to balance individual player needs with team goals and ensure each player develops both physically and mentally.
Insights into technology in football, including GPS and force plates, and how Luke utilises these tools for player development and injury prevention.
The role of context in understanding performance metrics and why raw numbers don't tell the full stoy.
A glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a high-performance sports science department and the constant evolution of methods to support athletes at different stages of their careers.

Tune in to hear about Luke’s strategies for success and his journey from youth football to professional football in Australia!

About Luke Harris:
Luke Harris is the Head of Strength & Conditioning and Sports Science at Adelaide United Football Club, where he oversees the physical development and performance of both the youth and women's teams. With a strong background in sports science, Luke transitioned from working with youth teams to managing elite programs, bringing a wealth of experience in player development, recovery strategies, and the integration of advanced technologies like GPS and force plates. Known for his approachability and focus on building strong relationships with players, Luke is dedicated to balancing team goals with the individual needs of athletes, ensuring they progress physically and mentally at every stage of their career. His work continues to shape the future of football at Adelaide United, where he is deeply involved in both on-the-ground performance and long-term athlete development.

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275: What It Really Takes: A Look at Life as a Professional Footballer

Science for Sport — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, host Richard Graves sits down with former professional footballer Sam Winnall, who shares his honest reflections on a 15-year career across clubs including Wolves, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion.

Sam opens up about the realities of life as a professional athlete, the highs of Wembley wins and Golden Boots, the lows of injury setbacks and contract uncertainty, and the immense physical and mental demands that most people never see.

More than just a career retrospective, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset, resilience, and adaptability required not only to succeed in elite sport, but to transition into life after it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The hidden pressures of professional sport—why talent alone isn’t enough.
How dealing with setbacks, rejection, and injury shaped Sam’s career and character.
What a typical day really looks like for a professional footballer, from training to nutrition to recovery.
The crucial role of mental health and mindset in athletic performance and longevity.
Why transition planning and identity beyond sport are essential for athletes facing retirement.
The surprising ways Sam now channels his competitive edge into golf, padel, and personal growth.

Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, practitioner, or athlete, this episode is for anyone interested in the human side of elite performance and what it truly takes to stay at the top, and how to support athletes through the challenges that come with it.

About Sam Winnall
Sam Winnall is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over 15 years, including spells at clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Known for his goal-scoring instincts and work ethic, Sam made over 300 league appearances and scored more than 100 goals, achieving promotions, cup victories, and memorable moments at some of English football’s most historic clubs. Since retiring at 32, Sam has transitioned into mentoring and supporting athletes, with a particular focus on helping them develop the mental resilience needed to thrive both during and after their sporting careers.

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274: The Truth About Blood Flow Restriction with Dr. Warren Bradley

Science for Sport — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

What do Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James... and astronauts have in common? They’re all using the same training technology, blood flow restriction (BFR).

In this episode, host Richard Graves back Dr. Warren Bradley, Chief Science Officer and founder of Hytro, to unpack how BFR is transforming the way athletes train, recover, and even how astronauts prepare for life in space.

You’ll learn:

What blood flow restriction actually is, and how it helps build strength, muscle, and endurance faster (with less load on your body).
Why BFR is no longer just for injury rehab, and how pro athletes are using it to boost performance and speed up recovery.
The science behind why restricting blood flow (safely!) creates powerful training adaptations.
How Warren’s product ended up on a SpaceX rocket, and why NASA now uses BFR to fight muscle loss in space.
Common myths and misconceptions about BFR… including whether it’s safe (spoiler: it is, with the right approach).
Where BFR is heading next, from grassroots athletes to medical rehab and even everyday gym-goers.

Warren also shares his incredible journey, from working in the Premier League to founding a company used by over 260 elite teams worldwide, all the way to collaborating with NASA for space missions.

This is one of those episodes that blends cutting-edge science with real-world application. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or just a performance fanatic, this one’s a must-listen.

About Dr. Warren Bradley
Dr. Warren Bradley is the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Hytro, the world’s leading performance Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) company. With over a decade of experience in professional sports, including roles with Premier League football clubs and international rugby teams, Dr. Bradley has a rich background in sports science. He holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Liverpool John Moores University and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field. Through Hytro, Dr. Bradley has pioneered the development of patented BFR wearables, making advanced training and recovery methods accessible to athletes worldwide, from elite professionals to grassroots enthusiasts.

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270: Dr. James Morehen on Fueling England Rugby Through the Six Nations

Science for Sport — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

What’s it really like behind the scenes of an England Rugby Six Nations campaign? How do you fuel elite athletes to perform at their peak, and recover just as hard?

This week, host Richard Graves is joined by the brilliant Dr. James Morehen,lead performance nutritionist for England Rugby and founder of the Performance Nutrition Network. With a career that’s taken him from snowboarding in Canada to backstage of international test matches, James brings a fascinating, no-nonsense look at the art (and science) of elite-level nutrition.

If you’re a coach, athlete, nutritionist or just curious about what fuels champions, this episode is packed with practical insights, powerful stories, and a few grassroots tips that could change your game.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to fuel for optimal performance and recovery during high-stakes tournaments like the Six Nations
The importance of preparation, trust, and consistency in elite sports nutrition
Why carbohydrates aren’t the enemy, and how they’re periodised to match training loads
How halftime nutrition strategies can make or break a second-half performance
The real-world challenges of fuelling players during international travel and changing environments
Simple, effective advice for grassroots players and coaches to improve fuelling and recovery on a budget
Why Jaffa Cakes and chocolate milk still have a place in post-match recovery
What inspired James to go from aspiring S&C coach to becoming one of the top performance nutritionists in UK sport
The importance of building trust with athletes and the subtle art of sideline communication
James’ thoughts on balancing consistency with cultural curiosity when travelling with elite teams

Whether you're working at the elite level or coaching an U16s team on Sundays, this episode offers something for everyone. As James puts it, "We’re all failed athletes trying to help others be their best."

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269: Food First, Supplements Second: Performance Nutrition with Tom Coughlin

Science for Sport — Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Join host Richard Graves as he sits down with performance nutrition consultant Tom Coughlin, who brings a decade of elite sports experience working with Olympic athletes, professional rugby teams, and numerous other high-performance individuals. In this enlightening episode, Tom shares his journey from psychology and sports science student to becoming a leading voice in sports nutrition.

Discover essential insights about:

The truth about sports supplements and how to navigate the complex market
Why food fundamentals matter more than fancy supplements
The science behind pre-workout nutrition and caffeine's proven benefits
How behavioral psychology shapes successful nutrition strategies
Real-world advice for both elite athletes and everyday gym-goers

Drawing from his experience as former Head of Nutrition at Scottish Rugby and work with the 2019 Rugby World Cup team, Tom breaks down common nutrition myths and provides practical guidance for optimising performance through smart fueling strategies. This episode delivers valuable insights on making informed nutrition choices in a supplement-saturated market.
Don't miss Tom's expert perspective on building sustainable nutrition habits and his evidence-based approach to performance enhancement that has helped countless athletes reach their peak potential

About Tom Coughlin
Tom Coughlin is a performance nutrition consultant with over a decade of experience working with Olympic athletes and professional teams. As former Head of Nutrition at Scottish Rugby and a key figure in the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign, Tom combines his expertise in sports science and psychology to deliver evidence-based nutrition strategies. His approach emphasises realistic, food-first solutions while helping both elite athletes and everyday performers optimize their nutrition for peak performance.

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263: Secrets of Success: What Makes Teams Thrive?

Science for Sport — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Join host Richard Graves in this episode of the Science for Sport podcast as he dives deep into the world of sports performance with the experienced consultant Tom Clough. With over a decade of experience, Tom shares his journey from aspiring athlete to a leading strength and conditioning coach, offering valuable insights that will resonate with both sports scientists and fans alike.

In this episode, Tom discusses his transformative experiences in the US sports system and how they shaped his coaching philosophy. He explores the crucial role of leadership in sports, emphasising the importance of staying connected with teams to foster an environment of trust and collaboration.
Discover how diversity within a team can be its greatest strength, and learn about the challenges and triumphs that come with overcoming adversity in high-stakes environments. Tom also sheds light on the evolving role of technology in sports performance and the importance of interpreting data meaningfully to drive success.

Whether you're a budding sports scientist or a passionate sports fan, this episode is packed with insights that will deepen your understanding of what it takes to excel in the world of sports. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind successful coaching and the power of teamwork in achieving greatness!

About Tom Clough
Tom Clough is an accomplished performance consultant and strength and conditioning coach with over a decade of experience in the field of sports performance. Passionate about athletic development, Tom began his career in personal training and sports therapy before pursuing an internship in the United States, where he honed his skills in strength and conditioning.
Having worked with both rugby league and rugby union teams, Tom has a unique perspective on the coaching landscape, emphasising the importance of leadership, connection, and diversity within teams. His journey has taken him from the UK to the US and back, where he has been instrumental in helping athletes overcome challenges and achieve their peak performance. Tom is currently working with the Huddersfield Giants and continues to share his insights on coaching and performance enhancement.

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258: League Two to Premier League: Football's Greatest Underdog Story

Science for Sport — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

From the dugouts of League Two to the intense pressure of the Premier League, former Luton Town Head of Performance Jared Roberts-Smith takes us behind the scenes of one of football's most remarkable journeys. In this captivating episode, Jared reveals how sports science has revolutionised the beautiful game over his 14-year career, sharing intimate insights into the physical and mental demands of Premier League football that few get to witness.

Discover the cutting-edge recovery techniques used by elite athletes, the psychological challenges of competing at the highest level, and what it really takes to survive in the world's most demanding league. Jared opens up about the emotional toll of last-minute defeats, the intense concentration required for 90+ minutes of Premier League football, and how modern players must maximise every aspect of their preparation to succeed.

Whether you're a sports professional, aspiring athlete, or passionate fan, this episode offers unprecedented access to the evolution of football performance and the fine margins that separate success from failure at the elite level. Join us for a masterclass in modern football performance from someone who helped orchestrate one of the sport's greatest underdog stories.

About Jared Roberts-Smith
About Jared Roberts-Smith: A pioneering figure in football performance, Jared Roberts-Smith brings 14 years of elite experience in professional football, most recently serving as Head of Performance at Luton Town FC during their historic rise from League Two to the Premier League. His career includes influential roles at Charlton Athletic, Stoke City, and Melbourne Victory, where he has been instrumental in revolutionising performance infrastructure and methodology. As a leader in sports science implementation, Jared has overseen the development of state-of-the-art performance centres, pioneered recovery protocols, and helped transform how clubs approach player optimisation. His unique perspective spans multiple levels of professional football, from League Two to the Premier League, making him one of the most insightful voices in modern football performance.

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252: How to Maximise Athlete Performance & Recovery

Science for Sport — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This week we are unlocking the Secrets of Elite Performance with Dr Peter Tierney! From the high-pressure world of professional rugby and football to cutting-edge performance apparel, Dr Peter Tierney has seen it all. In this episode, we dive deep into what it takes to win at the highest level, exploring the critical lessons from his time with Leinster Rugby’s Heineken Cup-winning squad, the evolving science of athlete recovery, and the power of data in shaping the future of sports performance.
Discover:

The biggest mistakes teams make when trying to replicate success
Why recovery isn't a one-size-fits-all approach – and how to get it right
How wearable tech is changing the game (for better or worse!)
What elite coaches like Stuart Lancaster do differently

If you're serious about maximising performance, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply straight away. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports science enthusiast – you don't want to miss this one!

** About Dr Peter Tierney**
Dr Peter Tierney is a highly experienced sports scientist and performance coach with over a decade of experience working across multiple sports, including rugby, football, and athletics. He has held key roles with Leinster Rugby, contributing to their Heineken Cup success, and has worked in industry innovation, focusing on performance apparel. Dr Tierney specialises in athlete recovery, data-driven performance strategies, and applying cutting-edge sports science to optimise results. He actively shares insights on social media and contributes to advancing the field through research and applied practice.

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250: The Science for Sport Story

Science for Sport — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we unveil The Science for Sport Story with none other than its founder, Owen Walker. From his early days chasing football dreams to building the world’s go-to platform for sports science education, Owen shares the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that shaped Science for Sport. Discover how a failed footballer’s passion for sports science turned into a revolutionary resource used by professionals and students worldwide.

Join host Richard Graves as he dives into the vision behind Science for Sport, its impact on athletes and coaches, and the exciting future of sports science education. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a coach, or simply curious about the journey of turning an idea into a global phenomenon, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

** About Owen Walker**
Owen Walker is the founder of Science for Sport, a platform revolutionizing sports science education worldwide. Starting as an aspiring footballer, Owen’s passion for understanding performance and recovery led him to a career in sports science, including roles at Cardiff City FC and beyond. With a mission to make evidence-based knowledge accessible to all, Owen has turned Science for Sport into a trusted resource for professionals, students, and coaches globally. His journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of education.

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248: Overcoming Pressure and Performing Under Stress

Science for Sport — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

How do elite athletes handle pressure and perform at their peak when it matters most? In this episode, host Richard Graves sits down with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Haley Perlus to uncover the secrets behind mastering the mental game.

In This Episode, Discover:

The surprising story that inspired Dr. Perlus’ career in sports psychology.
How to turn pressure into your greatest advantage.
Practical strategies to stay calm and focused under stress.
Why “the best athlete is the best recoverer.”
How boredom and stillness can unlock brilliance.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone looking to level up your mindset, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive under pressure in sports and life.

** About Dr Haley Perlus**
Dr. Haley Perlus is a distinguished sport and performance psychologist with a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Drawing from her background as an elite alpine ski racer, coach, fitness professional, and entrepreneur, she provides clients with mental toughness tools to achieve peak performance. Dr. Perlus has collaborated with top athletes, Fortune 100 executives, and global brands to overcome mental barriers and attain tailored results. She is a professor at the University of Colorado, and author of several books, including "The Ultimate Achievement Journal" and "The Inside Drive." Her insights have been featured in publications such as Thrive Magazine, Fitness Magazine, and IDEA Fitness Journal

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