Science for Sport Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Strength And Conditioning”

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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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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311: The Future of Weight Room Monitoring with Perch P2

Science for Sport — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Jordan Lucier, Senior Director of Engineering at Catapult and Co-Founder of Perch, to explore the next evolution of performance monitoring in the weight room.

Perch has become one of the most widely used camera-based systems for measuring barbell velocity and strength training performance in elite sport. Now, with the launch of Perch P2, the technology is taking another step forward.

Jordan shares the story behind the development of Perch, how computer vision and machine learning are used to quantify weightlifting performance, and why the weight room has historically been one of the least measured environments in sport.

The conversation explores the key technological advancements behind P2 — including improved camera technology, greater processing power, enhanced portability, and new possibilities for tracking movement quality and technique.

Jordan also discusses how better strength training data can help coaches build a more complete picture of athlete performance, how Perch fits alongside Catapult’s wider ecosystem of athlete monitoring tools, and why the next frontier may lie in connecting weight room insights with on-field performance.

In this episode you will learn

How Perch evolved from an early idea into a leading weight room monitoring system
Why velocity-based training has become increasingly important in elite sport
How computer vision technology can quantify barbell movement and lifting performance
The key upgrades introduced with the new Perch P2 system
Why portability is a major step forward for strength and conditioning environments
How improved frame rates and camera technology increase measurement accuracy
The concept of the “inaccuracy gap” and why it matters for explosive movements
How machine learning is used to track movement and analyse lifting performance
Why movement quality may become the next frontier of strength training analytics
How weight room data could integrate with broader athlete monitoring systems

About Jordan Lucier
Jordan Lucier is the Senior Director of Engineering at Catapult and Co-Founder of Perch, a computer vision system designed to measure performance in the weight room.

Originally developed at MIT, Perch uses advanced camera technology and machine learning to automatically track barbell velocity, movement patterns, and strength training performance without requiring wearable sensors.

Jordan has led the engineering development of the system from its early concept through to global adoption across professional teams, collegiate programmes, and high-performance environments.

His work sits at the intersection of sports science, computer vision, and performance technology, helping practitioners bring objective measurement to one of the most important areas of athlete development: strength training.

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310: Why Female Physiology Still Needs Greater Attention in Sport with Dr Candice Macmillan

Science for Sport — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Why Female Physiology Still Needs Greater Attention in Sport with Dr Candice Macmillan

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes Dr Candice Macmillan, lecturer at the University of Pretoria, sports physiotherapist, and course author of “Contraceptives and the Female Athlete” on the Science for Sport platform.

As women’s sport continues to grow professionally around the world, understanding the unique physiological considerations of female athletes has never been more important. Yet many practitioners still feel underprepared when supporting athletes through topics such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptives, and their potential implications for performance, wellbeing, and decision-making.

Drawing on her background as a sports physiotherapist, researcher, and academic, Dr Macmillan explores how practitioners can better support female athletes through education, communication, and evidence-based decision making.

The conversation covers the complexity of hormonal contraceptives, how different types influence physiology and behaviour, and why awareness of factors such as testosterone suppression and symptom tracking may be crucial for athletes and support staff alike.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr Macmillan explains why empowering athletes to ask the right questions about their own health may be one of the most powerful tools practitioners can provide.

This episode offers valuable insights for sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and performance staff working across elite sport — while also opening up a conversation that continues to shape the future of female athlete support systems.

In This Episode You Will Learn

Why female athlete health remains one of the most misunderstood areas in elite sport
The difference between hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives
Why the contraceptive pill is not a single solution and varies widely in composition
How hormonal contraceptives can influence testosterone levels and athlete behaviour
Why symptoms may impact performance more than hormone levels themselves
The importance of tracking menstrual symptoms for informed medical decisions
Why practitioners must help athletes learn the language to describe how they feel
The role communication plays between athletes, coaches and medical staff
How policy and education are shaping the future of female athlete support in sport

About Dr Candice Macmillan
Dr Candice Macmillan is a lecturer at the University of Pretoria, a qualified sports physiotherapist, and holds a PhD in Sports Physiotherapy.

Her work focuses on female athlete health, injury prevention, and performance, with a particular interest in how physiological factors influence training, recovery, and long-term athlete wellbeing. Through her academic and applied work, she aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice for practitioners working in sport.

Dr Macmillan is also the author of the “Contraceptives and the Female Athlete” course available on the Science for Sport platform, where she helps practitioners better understand the complexities of hormonal contraception and its potential implications for female athlete performance and health.

Her research and teaching continue to contribute to a growing body of work aimed at improving education, awareness, and practical support for female athletes across sport.

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309: Building Smarter Performance Systems with Emily Jacobson

Science for Sport — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, Richard Graves is joined by Emily Jacobson, Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Marquette University.

Emily has spent the past decade building and refining a sports science model within a relatively small department, working primarily with men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball. Alongside her role at Marquette, she also contributes to U.S. Soccer in a high-performance capacity.

In this conversation, we explore one of the most pressing challenges in applied sports science: how do you simplify complex data streams so they become actionable for coaches and meaningful for athletes?

From acute:chronic workload ratios and GPS monitoring to return-to-play frameworks and Power BI dashboards, Emily shares how she transformed “expensive toys” into effective performance tools.

She discusses the importance of visualisation, collaboration with data engineers, humility in decision-making, and why the “eyeball test” still matters in a world driven by wearables and AI.

For practitioners working in elite sport, or those building systems within constrained environments, this episode offers practical insight into making sports science more impactful, not just more complex.

In this episode you will learn:

How to simplify GPS and workload data for real-world application
Why acute:chronic workload ratios are a framework — not a solution
How to build effective data visualisations that coaches actually use
The difference between “expensive toys” and performance tools
How to structure phased return-to-play models with clear definitions
Why collaboration with data engineers and academics can transform departments
How to educate athletes in an era of AI, social media and misinformation
Why patience and long-term development still matter
How to adapt sports science systems in the transfer-portal era
Why relationships remain more important than technology

About Emily Jacobson
Emily Jacobson is the Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Marquette University, where she has worked for the past 10 seasons. A former Marquette women’s soccer student-athlete, she now oversees sports science and performance systems across multiple programmes, with a particular focus on soccer and volleyball.

She has helped develop load monitoring models, return-to-play protocols and data visualisation systems that integrate GPS, velocity-based training, force plates, motion capture and body composition analysis.

In addition to her work at Marquette, Emily serves as a network employee within U.S. Soccer’s high-performance department.

Her approach combines applied performance coaching, collaborative analytics, and a strong emphasis on education and athlete relationships.

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307: Performance Science in AFL and NRL with Brendan Fahrner

Science for Sport — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

This episode explores what high performance really looks like inside two of the most demanding professional sporting environments in the world.

Richard Graves is joined by Brendan Fahrner, formerly Head of Sports Science at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and previously a long-serving performance staff member at Richmond Football Club during one of the most successful periods in AFL history.

Across a career spanning AFL and NRL, Brendan has worked inside premiership-winning programs, navigated the evolution of GPS and performance analytics, and seen firsthand how elite sport has shifted from data accumulation to data translation.

In this conversation, he strips back the noise around technology and shares why soft skills, trust, and clarity of message ultimately drive performance outcomes. From simplifying GPS dashboards to building credibility with senior coaches, Brendan offers a grounded, practical perspective on what actually moves the needle in team sport.

He also speaks candidly about practitioner burnout, self-worth, and why sustainability in high performance careers is just as important as physical robustness in athletes.

This episode will resonate with sports scientists, S&C coaches, performance managers and aspiring practitioners looking to build impact in elite environments.

In this episode you will learn

Why high performance is more about relationships than periodisation
How to build trust quickly when entering a new club environment
The importance of simplifying data for coaches and athletes
How to align performance metrics with a coach’s game model
Why most GPS reports contain too much irrelevant data
How to identify the few variables that truly influence coach perception
Practical strategies for athlete-centric monitoring in squad settings
The crossover principles between AFL and NRL performance environments
How to translate analytics into language players understand
Why self-care and professional boundaries matter in elite sport
The importance of valuing yourself as a practitioner

About Brendan Fahrner
Brendan Fahrner is a high performance practitioner with extensive experience in elite Australian sport.
He began his career in the early adoption phase of GPS in the AFL, working with Richmond and later Geelong during a period of sustained premiership success. He spent the majority of his career at Richmond Football Club, contributing to three premiership titles and multiple finals campaigns.
Most recently, Brendan worked in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, applying performance principles across codes and leading athlete monitoring and sports science integration within rugby league.
He has developed a strong reputation for simplifying complex performance data, building trust with athletes and coaches, and creating athlete-centred systems in high-pressure team environments.

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306: The Evolution of Professional Cricket Through Ryan Sidebottom’s Career

Science for Sport — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Richard Graves welcomes former England fast bowler Ryan Sidebottom to the Science for Sport Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on longevity, resilience, and the evolution of elite cricket.

Across a first-class career spanning more than 20 years, Ryan experienced the game at every level — from sweeping floors and laying bricks in the winter to winning a T20 World Cup with England. In this episode, he reflects on how professional cricket changed during his career, why physical preparation became essential for longevity, and how mindset, curiosity, and self-analysis shaped his success.

Ryan speaks openly about setbacks, selection disappointments, returning to the England setup after six years away, and the hard, often unseen work that underpinned his performances. It’s an honest insight into elite performance, long careers, and what really matters behind the scenes.

In this episode you will learn:

How professional cricket evolved from semi-professional roots to a fully supported high-performance environment
Why strength & conditioning became critical to Ryan’s longevity as a fast bowler
How he managed long periods outside the England setup and stayed mentally engaged
The role of self-analysis, questioning, and learning from senior players
What elite environments can learn from England’s 2010 T20 World Cup turnaround
Why curiosity and asking questions accelerate development in elite sport
How mindset, confidence, and preparation influence consistency over time

About Ryan Sidebottom
Ryan Sidebottom is a former England international fast bowler with a first-class career spanning over two decades. He represented England in Test cricket and was part of the 2010 ICC World T20-winning squad. At domestic level, Ryan enjoyed success with Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, winning multiple County Championship titles and taking over 1,000 career wickets. Since retiring, he has remained closely involved in the game through media, hospitality, and ambassadorial roles, with a growing interest in coaching and player development.

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304: Uncommonly Consistent: Football to Formula One with John Noonan

Science for Sport — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by John Noonan, a highly experienced performance coach whose career spans elite football, rugby league and union, Winter Olympic sports, and the world of Formula One.

John describes himself as a “gypsy of sport” driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and a deep interest in what actually moves the needle in elite performance. From his early days in football and rugby to supporting drivers in the most intense performance environment in global sport, John shares how his thinking has evolved beyond programmes and protocols, towards relationships, skill execution, and consistency under pressure.

The conversation explores how elite performers prepare for the biggest moments, why world-class athletes are “uncommonly consistent,” and how performance staff can better integrate physical, technical, and psychological elements to support athletes when it matters most. John also lifts the lid on working in motorsport, a sport decided by millimetres, milliseconds, and mental control, and reflects on burnout, travel fatigue, and managing performance across relentless global calendars.

This is a thoughtful, experience-led discussion for practitioners working at the top end of elite sport, as well as anyone fascinated by what separates the very best from the rest.

In this episode you will learn

Why elite performance is ultimately a people business, not a programming problem
How working across multiple sports shapes better decision-making as a performance coach
What “uncommon consistency” really looks like in world-class athletes
Why skill execution, not physical capacity, often determines success at the highest level
How performance staff can influence athletes who don’t need to listen to them
Lessons from Formula One on pressure, precision, and decision-making under fatigue
How interdisciplinary teams can improve performance communication in real time
Practical insights into managing burnout, travel, jet lag, and long competitive calendars

About John Noonan
John Noonan is a performance coach and sports scientist with over two decades of experience working across elite sport. His background includes roles in professional football, rugby league and union, Winter Olympic sports, and long-term work within Formula One.

Now the founder of Noonan Performance, John works with elite athletes and teams to improve performance through smarter physical preparation, better communication, and a strong emphasis on skill execution and decision-making under pressure. He is known for his relationship-led approach, his ability to work across disciplines, and his focus on solving the right performance problems.

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302: Creatine and the Evolution of Performance Nutrition

Science for Sport — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Creatine is now one of the most widely used and well-researched supplements in elite sport — but few people know the story of how it first made its way into Olympic performance programmes.

In this episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, Richard Graves sits down with Steven Jennings, one of the key figures behind the early adoption of creatine in elite sport, to unpack a remarkable story that begins long before creatine was common knowledge.

Steven takes us back to the early 1990s — a pre-internet era where sports nutrition research travelled slowly, secrecy mattered, and a single kilogram of creatine played a role in reshaping performance preparation ahead of the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. From working directly with pioneering researchers at the Karolinska Institute to navigating Olympic-level scrutiny, this is a rare, first-hand account of how science moved from the lab to the field.

Beyond performance sport, the conversation also looks forward. Steven shares why he believes we are only just beginning to understand creatine’s wider potential — from cognition and ageing to plant-based diets and long-term health.

This is an essential listen for practitioners who want to understand not just what works in performance nutrition, but how evidence, trust, regulation, and timing shape real-world impact.

In this episode you will learn

What creatine actually is and how it works at a cellular level
How early research in the early 1990s changed elite sport preparation
Steven’s role in bringing creatine into Olympic sport ahead of Barcelona 1992
Why creatine was (and still is) legal, safe, and fundamentally different from banned substances
How creatine became associated with repeated high-intensity performance and recovery
Why creatine research is now expanding beyond sport into cognition, ageing, and health
Why we may still be “scratching the surface” of creatine’s full potential

About Steven Jennings
Steven Jennings is a sports nutrition entrepreneur and former professional cyclist who played a pivotal role in the early commercialisation of creatine for elite sport. In the early 1990s, he worked directly with leading researchers from the Karolinska Institute to help translate groundbreaking creatine research into real-world Olympic performance programmes.

Over the past three decades, Steven has remained closely connected to the evolution of creatine research, from elite performance applications to emerging work in health, cognition, and ageing. Today, he continues to focus on education, innovation, and the future direction of creatine science.

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301: Training for the Unknown: Olympic BMX Freestyle with Brian Roy

Science for Sport — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, Richard Graves is joined by Brian Roy, a strength and conditioning coach who has spent the past decade working at the sharp end of action and lifestyle sports, including Olympic BMX Freestyle.
BMX Freestyle is still a relative newcomer to the Olympic programme, but its physical demands, injury risks and performance challenges are unlike almost any traditional sport. In this episode, Brian shares his unconventional journey into elite sport, from personal training and postgraduate study to travelling the world with BMX athletes on the global stage.
Together, Richard and Brian explore what it really takes to prepare athletes for a sport defined by explosive power, aerial skill, high-impact landings and constant travel. Brian offers a refreshingly honest perspective on athlete buy-in, bespoke programming, and why traditional strength testing and rigid systems don’t always transfer to non-traditional sports.
This is a fascinating conversation for sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and anyone interested in how performance support adapts when the sport doesn’t fit neatly into a textbook.

In this episode you will learn

The unique physiological and biomechanical demands of BMX Freestyle competition
How to prepare athletes for repeated 60-second, maximal-effort runs across a full competition day
Why traditional strength testing and gym-based metrics don’t always translate to action sports
How Brian adapted training around constant travel, limited gym access, and athlete preferences
Practical strategies for building resilience and reducing injury risk in high-impact sports
Why athlete buy-in often comes from listening, adapting, and being present rather than enforcing systems
How emerging video and motion-analysis technology could shape the future of training in BMX Freestyle and similar sports

About Brian Roy
Brian Roy is a strength and conditioning coach with over 10 years’ experience working in action and lifestyle sports. He holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and is currently undertaking further postgraduate study in Applied Sports Science Analytics.
Brian has worked closely with elite BMX Freestyle athletes on the international stage, including those competing at the Olympic Games, and has developed a reputation for adaptable, athlete-centred training approaches. His work focuses on performance, resilience, and real-world transfer rather than rigid adherence to traditional testing models.
Brian regularly shares insights from his work on LinkedIn and Instagram, where he discusses training philosophy, emerging technology, and lessons learned from working in non-traditional sports environments.

300: Training Through Disruption: Managing Load, Time, and Performance in Winter with Michael Fennell

Science for Sport — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes back Michael Fennell for a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood periods of the performance calendar: winter training.
With the competitive season behind us and Christmas disruptions in full swing, Michael shares a practical, experience-led perspective on how elite athletes and practitioners should approach December and the early winter months. From managing training load and avoiding premature peaks, to maintaining performance standards through smart programming, this episode is packed with real-world insight from the track, the runway, and the training ground.
Drawing on his work across elite athletics, football, rugby, and para sport, Michael breaks down how training priorities shift between individual and team sports, why fundamentals still matter in an age of performance technology, and how micro-sessions can be used to maintain progress when time and facilities are limited.
This is an honest, grounded conversation about perspective, planning, and patience, and why doing the basics exceptionally well still underpins elite performance.

In this episode you will learn:

How elite athletes should approach December training without peaking too early
Why maintaining performance is more important than chasing PBs in winter
How to structure micro-sessions when time, facilities, or routine are disrupted
The key differences in winter training for team sports vs athletics
How and when to prioritise plyometrics, speed, strength, and conditioning
Why fundamentals like ground contact time, elasticity, and movement quality still matter
How to balance data, technology, and coaching eye in modern performance environments
The importance of coach collaboration and open-minded learning
What elite preparation looks like heading into major championships and qualification periods

About Michael Fennell
Michael Fennell is an experienced performance coach working across elite athletics, team sports, and para sport. With close to two decades of coaching experience, he has supported athletes at national and international level, including British champions and elite performers progressing toward major championships.
Michael’s coaching philosophy blends technical excellence, physical fundamentals, and athlete-centred planning, with a strong emphasis on sprint mechanics, jumping performance, plyometrics, and long-term development. He is known for his collaborative approach, regularly working alongside other coaches, strength and conditioning practitioners, and support staff to ensure athletes are prepared for the demands of elite competition.

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291: Managing Workload and Performance in the NHL

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

This week, host Richard Graves welcomes Steven Nightingale, Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils (NHL), to explore the realities of managing workload, performance, and recovery in one of the world’s most demanding sporting environments.
From starting out in Peterborough to working in China, Russia, and now in the NHL, Steve shares his fascinating journey through elite sport, and how data, experience, and practical collaboration with coaches all come together to optimise athlete performance.
They dive deep into how workload is managed across an 82-game season, the impact of fixture congestion and travel, and the evolving role of data and AI in shaping the future of sports science.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Steve’s career took him from teaching in England to sports science roles across China, the KHL, and the NHL.
What workload management really means in professional ice hockey, and why it’s misunderstood.
How the Devils balance recovery, readiness, and tactical demands across a relentless schedule.
The challenges of measuring true intensity and how Steve uses Z-scores and T-scores to make data meaningful for coaches.
Why less distance covered can actually correlate with winning more games.
How travel, sleep, and recovery all factor into athlete performance across an 82-game season.
The future of data analysis, including AI’s growing role in sports science.

About Steven Nightingale
Steven Nightingale is a Sports Scientist with the New Jersey Devils in the NHL and is currently completing his Doctorate in Applied Sport and Exercise Science. Originally from Peterborough, England, Steve’s career has taken him from teaching and voluntary roles in UK hockey to international positions with Ice Hockey UK, the Chinese Olympic Committee, and teams in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League).
His research focuses on workload monitoring, return-to-play strategies, and performance optimisation, using technologies such as Catapult to inform evidence-based decision-making. Steven regularly shares insights on LinkedIn and publishes his research on ResearchGate.

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287: Data With Purpose: How the Houston Texans Use Sports Science to Drive Performance

Science for Sport — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Marc Lewis, Director of Applied Sports Science at the Houston Texans.
Marc’s journey is anything but conventional. From a childhood in foster care, to serving as an airborne infantry soldier in the U.S. Army, to becoming one of the leading voices in applied sports science in the NFL. He shares how his military discipline shaped his academic career, how he built his own sports science role from the ground up, and what it’s like to apply evidence-based practice in one of the world’s most demanding sporting environments.
For practitioners working in professional sport, this episode offers practical insights into building effective systems, working collaboratively across disciplines, and making better decisions with data.

*** In this episode, you’ll learn:**

How Marc transitioned from the U.S. Army into academia and ultimately the NFL.
Why strong foundations in research methods, measurement, and statistics are critical for sports scientists.
How to build sports science systems that connect data collection directly to decision-making.
The importance of collaboration across strength & conditioning, athletic training, and coaching.
How subjective monitoring can sometimes outweigh objective data when it comes to understanding athletes.
Why effective communication—and translating data into a language coaches understand—is essential for buy-in.
The role of culture, systems, and people in making technology truly effective.
Where Marc sees the next big leap in sports science, including the impact of artificial intelligence.

About Marc Lewis
Marc Lewis, PhD, is the Director of Applied Sports Science at the Houston Texans. His career spans military service, academia, and professional sport:

Former airborne infantry soldier in the U.S. Army.
Earned a PhD in Exercise Physiology at Virginia Tech, where he pioneered one of the university’s first applied sports science roles.
Held leadership positions at Virginia Tech football and Penn State University in applied health and performance science.
Joined the Houston Texans in 2023, where he leads the sports science department, developing integrated systems to support athlete performance and recovery.
Co-author of The Sports Science Handbook: A Blueprint for Better Decision-Making in Sport, written with Adam Virgil (Los Angeles Clippers). Marc is passionate about connecting research with practice, building systems that enhance decision-making, and pushing the boundaries of sports science in high-performance environments.

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285: Ellie Wilson: Inside the High-Performance World of Women’s Football

Science for Sport — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week, host Richard Graves is joined by Ellie Wilson, a professional footballer who has played for Reading, Bristol City, Sheffield United, Wolves, and most recently Melbourne Victory in Australia’s A-League Women.

Ellie opens up about her journey through elite football, from being rejected by academies as a young player, to representing England U19s, U20s and U23s, battling an ACL injury, and helping Melbourne Victory break club records this season.

This is a powerful conversation for anyone working in or around sports science, performance support, and high-performance teams who wants to understand the real challenges athletes face behind the scenes — and how the right environment can shape success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How the infrastructure and support systems in women’s football are evolving — and where they still need to catch up.
The physical and psychological demands on female athletes during adolescence and how clubs can better support them.
How Ellie navigated a 13-month ACL rehab and what it taught her about athlete wellbeing and return-to-play planning.
Why preparing for life beyond football is vital, and how her sports science degree and S&C studies helped her do that.
What it’s like to be part of a team that breaks records but misses out on silverware, and how to process that experience.
How penalty shootouts are prepared for and the role of psychology in those high-pressure moments.
Practical advice for coaches, practitioners, and parents supporting the next generation of female players.

About Ellie Wilson

Ellie Wilson is a professional footballer currently playing for Melbourne Victory. She has previously played for Reading, Bristol City, Sheffield United, and Wolves, and has represented England at U19, U20 and U23 levels, playing alongside stars like Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo.

Ellie holds a degree in sports science and is studying towards an advanced strength and conditioning qualification, showing her commitment to both performance on the pitch and life beyond it.

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

Science for Sport — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Club Plans & Personal Coaches: Adding An Edge?

In this week’s episode, host Richard Graves sits down with Daniel Booth, a performance coach who’s worked inside elite teams (Watford FC, Ealing Trailfinders), across Olympic sprint programmes, and independently with top athletes, to unpack one of the hottest debates in high performance:
Should athletes stick strictly to club schedules, or can personal trainers/physios/dietitians add an edge without adding risk?

Drawing on experience from football, rugby, and Olympic sport, Daniel explains why tensions flare (mismatched philosophies, poor communication, asset ownership), what great collaboration looks like in the real world, and how high-performing organisations formalise outside support without losing control.

What you’ll learn

The real source of conflict between club performance/medical staff and external coaches, and how cross-sport thinking challenges “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
A practical collaboration model: who shares what, when, and how (weekly data drops, post-match/flight recovery notes, and a single “central coordinator” to integrate inputs).
Risk vs. reward in load management: why living on the “edge” drives adaptation, and how to avoid double-loading athletes after intense sessions.
Contracts done right: how some teams formally write approved externals into player agreements and set clear, shared calendars.
International duty realities: why centralised models in rugby/cricket often outperform football’s fragmented approach, and what football can copy now.
Case studies that translate: lessons from LeBron/Mancias and Mahomes/Stroop—how season-long regen blocks and role clarity reduce noise and improve availability.
Social media pitfalls: why chasing a “brand” erodes trust, and how word-of-mouth and discretion still win in elite environments.

About Daniel Booth
Daniel Booth is a performance coach with 10+ years’ experience across elite football (Watford FC), rugby (including Ealing Trailfinders), and Olympic sprint programmes, as well as work with Warner Bros. Discovery. Now operating independently, he partners with clubs and national teams to deliver athlete-centred programming and is formally written into several Premiership rugby player contracts to act as the central performance coordinator, integrating club, country, and external inputs. Daniel’s approach blends cross-sport best practice, honest communication, and low-ego, data-led decision-making focused on availability and longevity.

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282: AI in the Weight Room: Jacob Rothman on the Future of Velocity-Based Training

Science for Sport — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Jacob Rothman, founder of Perch and now Head of Strength at Catapult, to explore how camera-based, AI-driven technology is changing strength and conditioning, velocity-based training, and athlete monitoring in elite sport.

Jacob shares the journey from an MIT startup to being trusted by pro teams, collegiate programs, and the military, and how the recent Catapult acquisition of Perch is creating a seamless ecosystem that connects weight-room data with on-field performance metrics.

What you’ll learn in this episode

How camera-based velocity-based training (VBT) is revolutionising athlete monitoring.
Why closing the feedback loop in the weight room is a game-changer for S&C coaches and sports scientists.
Real-world insights: how LSU Football leveraged Perch to fuel a national championship season.
What the Catapult–Perch integration means for the future of athlete data and performance analytics.
The challenges and lessons of building a hardware-software platform for elite sport.

About Jacob Rothman
Jacob Rothman co-founded Perch at MIT after a back injury inspired him to find a safer, smarter way for athletes to train. Since 2017, Perch has become a trusted solution for pro teams, collegiate programs, and elite training facilities, capturing over 500 million reps in the weight room. In June 2025, Catapult acquired Perch to bring non-invasive, AI-powered strength analytics into its global athlete performance ecosystem. Today, Jacob leads Strength at Catapult, driving innovation in integrated performance and health solutions.

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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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277: Is Youth Football in Crisis? With Andrew Hyde

Science for Sport — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week, Richard Graves is joined by returning guest Andrew Hyde, a leading strength and conditioning coach and founder of Aesthetic Athletes, who works with elite and youth footballers across the UK.

With professional clubs identifying talent as young as six, and social media raising the stakes for young athletes, is youth football facing a crisis? Or just a complex new challenge?
In this honest and insightful episode, Andrew shares his experiences from working with young athletes and their families, discussing how to support their development without damaging their love for the game.

Key topics you’ll learn about:

The difference between encouragement vs pressure in youth development
Why early specialisation might be doing more harm than good
The critical role of parents as stakeholders in an athlete's journey
How physical maturation affects performance (including issues like Osgood-Schlatter’s)
Why multisport participation isn't just beneficial, it's essential
Managing load, recovery and expectations during growth spurts
The impact of social media and performance comparisons on young athletes
Why long-term success is more about joy and patience than relentless training
Andrew's “Project Mbappe” warning, and why sitting back with a margarita might actually help
The importance of creating a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment around a child athlete

Whether you're a coach, parent, or performance professional, this episode will reshape how you think about talent development in football and beyond.

About Andrew Hyde
Andrew Hyde is a strength and conditioning coach and founder of Aesthetic Athletes, based in Manchester, UK. Specialising in youth athletic development, Andrew works with both elite and aspiring athletes, helping them build physical competence, resilience, and a love for the process.
With a background that includes roles in professional football academies, the NHS, and educational institutions, Andrew takes a holistic and empathetic approach to coaching. His philosophy centres around guiding young players through the challenges of early specialisation, maturation, and performance pressure, all while helping them maintain joy in their sporting journey.
Andrew has previously contributed to Science for Sport and Catapult, and continues to be a respected voice on how to develop athletes in a sustainable and person-first way.

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276: Coaching Through Rehab with Michael Carolan

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

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes back Michael Carolan, a performance coach and subject lead in sport rehabilitation at the University of Salford. With nearly two decades of experience across elite sport, the military, and education, Michael shares a refreshingly honest and deeply practical perspective on what it really means to coach athletes through injury and recovery.

Whether you're a coach, therapist, or performance practitioner, this episode offers a wealth of real-world insights you can apply immediately.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why rehab should be treated as coaching, not just therapy
How communication and trust are at the heart of effective injury recovery
The mental toll of injury, and how to keep athletes feeling connected and valued
Why protocols are useful, but experience and adaptability matter more
How to “train around injury” and keep performance progressing
The role of environment, load tolerance, and coaching cues in recovery
How elite recoveries (like NFL star Aaron Rodgers') can mislead athletes
Why Michael teaches his students to “get miles on the soul” through experience
How to filter hype, stay objective, and build athlete autonomy

Michael’s no-nonsense, athlete-first approach is as insightful as it is relatable, combining science, coaching, and a human touch in every decision he makes.

About Michael Carolan
Michael Carolan is a highly experienced performance coach and academic specialising in sport rehabilitation. He is the Subject Lead and Programme Lead for Sport Rehabilitation at the University of Salford, where he teaches and mentors future practitioners while supporting clinical practice through partnerships with organisations like the PFA and Salford City Council. With a background spanning elite athletics, rugby, professional football, and the British military, Michael brings a unique blend of hands-on coaching, clinical rehab, and academic insight. He continues to work directly with athletes across the world, from youth sprinters to pro footballers, helping them navigate injury and return stronger than before.

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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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273: Creating Complete Athletes

Science for Sport — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Richard Graves is joined by performance specialist Julia Eyre, a sports scientist and psychologist with a rich background in elite sport. From working with U.S. collegiate athletes to roles with German Olympic federations and the TSG Wieseck Football Academy (a partner of Eintracht Frankfurt), Julia brings a multidimensional approach to athlete development.
Founder of Whiteline Performance Group, Julia focuses on creating environments where athletes thrive as humans first, pushing back against the outcome-obsessed culture of high-performance sport.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The real difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and why both matter
How imposter syndrome shows up at every level of sport, and what to do about it
Practical tools for building psychological safety and trust in high-performance settings
How to develop a reflective coaching style that supports long-term development
Why embracing uncomfortable thoughts can unlock consistent, world-class performance
A clear breakdown of self-determination theory and what it means for athletes and coaches This is essential listening for sports scientists, coaches, and practitioners working in elite environments, especially those looking to align peak performance with athlete wellbeing.

About Julia Eyre
Julia Eyre is a sports scientist and psychologist with extensive experience in elite sport across Europe and the U.S. Currently working with TSG Wieseck Football Academy and multiple German Olympic federations, Julia is also the founder of Whiteline Performance Group, which supports clubs, schools, and federations in creating holistic, human-first athlete development systems. With academic training in both sports science and clinical psychology, Julia specialises in motivation, coach education, and psychological safety in high-performance environments, and contributes to the Science for Sport education platform.

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271: Strength First: Why It Underpins Everything

Science for Sport — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this week’s episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Leicester Tigers’ Head of Performance, Matt Parr, a former professional rugby player turned strength and conditioning expert with experience across both rugby union and league.
Matt shares his fascinating journey from the pitch to the performance department, offering valuable insights drawn from his time at Leicester Tigers and Catalan Dragons. With a career that’s spanned both codes of rugby, Matt dives into the key physical demands of each sport and how training must adapt to meet them. He also lifts the lid on what really goes into building strength, power, and robustness across a long and gruelling season.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The real physical differences between rugby union and rugby league – and why it’s not just “the same shaped ball”
How to build meaningful preseason plans that lay the foundation for success
Why strength underpins everything, and how it connects to power and injury prevention
The importance of athlete conversations over just relying on data
How Matt handles return-to-play protocols and balances performance with player wellbeing

Whether you're a coach in pro sport or working at grassroots level, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and thought-provoking reflections on what it really takes to keep athletes performing at their best.

About Matt Parr
Matt Parr is the Head of Athletic Performance at Leicester Tigers and a former professional prop whose rugby career saw him represent clubs such as Sale Sharks, Saracens, London Irish, and Leicester. After transitioning from player to coach, Matt began his performance career at the Tigers in 2015, later becoming Lead S&C coach in 2020. In 2022, he took on the Head of Performance role at Catalan Dragons in rugby league, before returning to Leicester in mid‑2024 to bring his cross-code expertise back to the Tigers setup . With an MSc in strength and conditioning and a reputation for strategic planning, leadership, and performance optimisation. Matt combines top-level playing experience and science-backed coaching to help elite athletes perform and stay on the field.

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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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266: Blending Science, Rehab and Reality in Elite Football

Science for Sport — Mon, 05 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves is joined by Scott Armistead, Athletic Trainer at Seattle Sounders FC, to explore the realities of working at the highest level of football in the US.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Scott’s journey has taken him across continents — from youth football in Auckland to the intensity of Major League Soccer. In this candid conversation, Scott reflects on his early struggles in pro sport, navigating four head coaches in 12 months, and playing a key role in transforming FC Cincinnati from bottom of the table to Supporters’ Shield winners.

You’ll hear Scott’s insights into:

Building trust with players through communication, not just data

Balancing holistic care with performance metrics

Avoiding "paralysis by analysis" in a tech-heavy environment

The power of multidisciplinary collaboration

Why being a generalist can be just as important as being a specialist

Whether you're a practitioner looking for real-world advice or a sports fan curious about what really happens behind the scenes, this episode delivers practical takeaways and thoughtful reflections.

About Scott Armistead
Scott Armistead, MS, LAT, ATC, is an accomplished Athletic Trainer currently serving with Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer. Originating from New Zealand, Scott's career has spanned various roles, including positions with FC Cincinnati, FC Tucson, and the Barça Residency Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from McKendree University and a Master’s degree in Sports Performance from Arizona State University. Scott is renowned for his holistic, athlete-centered approach, seamlessly integrating sports science, rehabilitation, and performance optimisation. His commitment to evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary collaboration has made him a respected figure in elite football circles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottarmistead/

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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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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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249: The Untold Evolution of Sports Medicine

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

In this episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves sits down with Dave Hancock, a sports performance pioneer with a career spanning over three decades in professional sport. From the sidelines of Leeds United to the championship-winning New York Knicks and beyond, Dave shares incredible insights into the evolution of sports science, athlete care, and the role of data and AI in revolutionising performance.

Discover how today’s athletes are transforming their careers with personalised performance teams, the impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI on injury prevention, and the challenges practitioners face in adapting to the ever-increasing demands of elite sport.

Whether you're a sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, or simply a fan fascinated by what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers unparalleled access to the world of elite athlete management and cutting-edge sports science. Don’t miss this conversation filled with practical insights, personal anecdotes, and a look at where the future of sports science is headed.

** About Dave Hancock**
Dave Hancock is a distinguished Performance Director, Chartered Physiotherapist, and Strength Coach with nearly 30 years of experience across professional sports in both Europe and the USA. His career includes pivotal roles such as Head Physiotherapist at Leeds United FC and Chelsea FC, where he contributed to Premier League and FA Cup successes. Notably, Dave became the first British Performance Director in the NBA, serving with the New York Knicks. He has also been part of the English National Team's medical staff during the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. Currently, Dave is the CEO of Apollo V2, a sports software company that aids teams and athletes in performance enhancement and injury prevention.

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240: Goodbye: The End Of An Era

Science for Sport — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

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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237: Optimise Training Transfer For Maximal On-Pitch Performance

Science for Sport — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100

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

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235: Bad Break: How To Recovery Faster Than Ever From Bone Fractures

Science for Sport — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0100

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

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232: Eccentric Training: Don't Leave Gains On The Table

Science for Sport — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0100

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

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226: Implement S&C In Schools For Maximal Athletic Development

Science for Sport — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In episode 226 Tom Green, Head of Athletic Development at St Peters RC High School, joins us.

Specifically Tom will be looking at:

How PE and S&C differ for schools
Barriers to implementing S&C in schools
How to use S&C to complement PE and improve athletic developement

About Tom Green

"Tom Green is currently the Head of Athletic Development at St Peters RC High School in England. Tom has extensive experience in a range of sports at varied levels. He holds a BSc and MSc in Strength and Conditioning, is a qualified teacher, and sits on the UKSCA board for S&C in Schools."

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219: Rocket Your Career With The Perfect Placement

Science for Sport — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0100

In episode 219 Tom Brownlee, Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham, joins us.

Specifically Tom will be looking at:

Placement types for students
How to choose a placement
Optimising your learning experience
How to land a job after your placement

About Tom:

"Tom’s undergraduate degree at Coventry University, included a sandwich year at the University of Bath working as a physiologist with elite athletes. This sparked a passion for the applied world and led him to work for three years at Coventry City FC as a sports scientist while finishing his degree and undertaking his MSc in Exercise Physiology at Loughborough University. Following that Tom worked at Liverpool FC as a sports scientist while investigating youth strength and conditioning practices in the club as part of his PhD. Tom has been an academic for 8 years and is the programme lead for the High-Performance Sport MSc at the University of Birmingham. He specialises in supervising those working in professional sports settings."

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombrownlee/
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/gsspp/about/
https://twitter.com/tombrownlee_
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/taught/sport-exercise/high-performance-sport

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200: Creating South Australia's Best Gym

Science for Sport — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In episode 200, Sean Baker Owner of PEAQ - South Australia's Best Gym, joins us.

Specifically Sean will be looking at:

How he created and financed his gym
How to designed the space
How sessions relate to the design
How he programs for PEAQ performance

About Sean :

"Sean is an ASCA Elite Level 3 Coach, with a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. His journey in the S&C world has primarily been centred around Australian Rules Football and Cricket, however in more recent times has diversified into Lacrosse and Professional Women’s Basketball.

Concurrently while exploring a career in the sporting world, Sean has operated in the private sector, with the aim to manipulate his S&C skillset to be appropriate for all abilities. His work in the private sector has organically grown to having his own facility (recently earning the crown of ‘best gym in South Australia’), with an expansion due to occur in the coming months."

Instagram: @s.c.baker @peaqperformance
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-baker-095532ba
Website: www.peaq.com.au

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192: How To Upskill And Land Your Dream Job In S&C

Science for Sport — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

In episode 192 Darren Chesworth, Deputy Head of the Sport and Nutrition Department at University College Birmingham, joins us.

Specifically Darren will be looking at:

What an S&C Coach does
Skills an S&C Coach needs
How to obtain these skills
How to get a job in S&C

About Darren:

"I am an accredited S&C coach (CSCS & ASCC) and have been lucky enough to work in academy football, tennis and badminton. Growing up playing badminton as my main sport has fueled a particular interest in racket sports and enhancing athletic performance within this domain. Since working in S&C full time, I have transitioned into academia and I currently work as the Deputy Head of the Sport and Nutrition Department at University College Birmingham (UCB). My roles at UCB have afforded me fantastic opportunities to work with athletes across various other sports including golf and basketball, as well as with match officials. I am privileged to teach on both our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in strength and conditioning. This is highly rewarding and I am passionate about ensuring learners acquire the necessary skills for success and develop into well-rounded professionals, whether they choose S&C or opt for alternative career pathways. I am committed to providing an excellent student experience and seeking out opportunities to enhance experiential learning."

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-chesworth-464b6157/
Email: d.chesworth@ucb.ac.uk
UCB Websites: https://www.ucb.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/strength-conditioning-and-sports-nutrition-bsc-hons-fdsc/

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185: Why S&C Must Be Integrated Into Physical Education

Science for Sport — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In episode 185 Giles Potter, Physical Education Teacher at St Peters R.C High School, joins us.

Specifically Giles will be looking at:

The importance of physical activity for children
School performance and physical activity
How to integrate S&C into physical education
What S&C Coaches can learn from Teachers

About Giles:

"My passion for S&C has always been an area I have found exciting, whether to improve my own performance or for the teams and individuals I have been lucky enough to work with. Graduating with a Sport Science Degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, which led to training as Physical Education Teacher and working in St. Peter’s R.C High School, Gloucester. I joined the school that has a legacy for producing top performers, yet not reaching its potential at a national level, so I set about creating a positive culture around S&C with all young athletes. Since then more expertise was employed, until currently where we have an incredible programme led tremendously by our S&C Coach, and consistently performing at a national level. We have developed a curriculum that identifies talent and sets about making them highly literate athletes, whilst giving opportunity to the majority to develop themselves into competent performers. We are serious about education and passionate about unlocking potential where students are not afraid to make mistakes."

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184: How Physios and S&C Coaches Can Learn From Eachother To Accelerate Thier Careers

Science for Sport — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In episode 184 Matthew Ibrahim, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Clinical Coordinator and Instructor of Exercise Science at Endicott College, joins us.

Specifically Matthew will be looking at:

What physios, physical therapists, athletic trainers and strength coaches can learn from eachother
How they can go about skill sharing
How to accelerate your career as a practitioner

About Matthew:

"Matthew Ibrahim, a Strength & Conditioning Coach since 2007, has recently shifted over into higher education in an effort to pay it forward to future coaches as they transition from academia to their professional career. Currently, he serves in multiple roles at Endicott College: Clinical Coordinator of Exercise Science and Instructor of Exercise Science, and Volunteer Strength & Conditioning Coach with their NCAA Division III men's and women's basketball student-athletes. He is also the Founder of Athletic Performance University (APU), which is an 8-Week Online Mentorship Course specifically designed to help Strength & Conditioning Coaches and Exercise Science students improve in career cornerstone skills: coaching, creating and communicating. Academically, he is a Ph.D. Candidate in Human & Sport Performance and M.S. student in Sport Leadership. As a public speaker, Matthew has presented nationally 25+ U.S. states, highlighted by his presentations at the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), Perform Better, EXOS inside Google Headquarters, Sports Academy (formerly Mamba Sports Academy) and the UFC Performance Institute. His work has been featured in Exxentric, Future, HoopStudy, Men’s Journal, NSCA Personal Training Quarterly (PTQ), Science for Sport, Mike Boyle’s StrengthCoach.com, T-Nation, TrainHeroic and TrueCoach. Lastly, Matthew is also in the midst of authoring his first book through Human Kinetics on the topic of training for athletic performance, which is set for publication in late 2023."

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181: Bulletproof Your Shoulders With Elite Level Training

Science for Sport — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In episode 181 Tim Stevenson, Performance Consultant and Shoulder Specialist, joins us.

Specifically Tim will be looking at:

Shoulder structure and function
How to train the shoulder for heath and performance

About Tim:

"Tim is an athletic performance consultant, shoulder strength and conditioning specialist and co-founder of Dynamic Shoulders. He’s worked in elite sport since 2008 coaching athletes to European, Commonwealth, World and Paralympic success. At Dynamic Shoulders, Tim works with performance-minded people to take their upper body training to the next level – reducing pain, instability and overcoming longstanding shoulder issues, whilst delivering performance progression in endurance, strength, speed, and power. He has his own story of shoulder issues having had multiple dislocations and two surgeries. This led him on a personal journey of exploring how to develop shoulders he can trust. Tim is passionate about combining his professional and personal experience with existing and emerging tools to recondition and scale upper body performance by respecting the design of the shoulder."

Instagram: @dynamicshoulders
X: @DynamicShoulder
YouTube: @dynamicshoulders

Website: https://www.dynamicshoulders.com

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161: Is Impulse The New King Of The Gym?

Science for Sport — Mon, 01 May 2023 02:00:00 +0100

In episode 161, Jonathon Weakley, Senior Lecturer at Australian Catholic University, joins us.

Specifically Jonathon will be looking at:

Impulse vs power
The importance of impulse and power in sport
How to train to improve these physical aspects of performance

About Jonathon:

"Dr Jonathon Weakley is a Senior Lecturer at Australian Catholic University and a Research Fellow at Leeds Beckett University (UK). Jonathon completed a PhD and Post-Doctorate position working alongside the Rugby Football Union and currently is a sport science consultant for several rugby union governing bodies and professional teams. His areas of interest include resistance training, the development of strength and power, and long-term athlete development. He has over 100 peer-reviewed publications in sport science and is currently involved in several studies that aim to optimise adaptations in females and professional athletes."

Twitter: jonathonweakle1
Instagram: Jonathon_weakley_phd

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93: Make Data Make Sense: Contextualising Data In The Athlete's Story

Science for Sport — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 02:00:00 +0000

In episode 93 Casper de Wit, Strength & Conditioning Coach & Sport Scientist, joins us.

Specifically you will learn:

The importance of data in elite teams
How to contextualise data for athletes and coaches
What athletes can do to maximise their data use

About Casper

"Cas de Wit is the Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Sport Scientist for the Judo programme at Olympic Training Centre Papendal.

He has a background in rowing. Throughout his studies he participated in Crossfit and Powerlifting. He changed his academic studies from cognitive neuroscience to human movement science as he was more interested in physiology, training, and S&C.

Directly after his masters he undertook an internship at S&C Coach at Sport Centrum Papendal, with the Dutch Olympic Team.

In the Olympic program you get to work with a smaller programmes when starting out, for Casper this included Motocross, Volleyball, and Olymic archery team which he did for 3,5 years.

His work with the Judo program is 60/40% S&C/Sport Science. The hybrid function works because of the good team in the program. Doing both role allows him to be pesent with the athletes a lot and find out where opportunities for improvement are regarding both S&C and science. "

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43: Industry Secrets To Rocket Your Career: Mentoring

Science for Sport — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

In episode 43, Sam Portland, Performance Consultant, joins us.

Specifically Sam will be looking at:

Importance of mentors
Types of mentorship
What you can gain
Finding the perfect mentor

About Sam

"Over the last decade Sam has spent his time working with many elite and grass roots organisations including Wasps, Ealing, Kenya Sevens, Burnley FC and NFL players. Sam now operate as a consultant and provides mentoring and educational programs to coaches. "

Instagram: @coach_sportland
Twitter: @sportland_tnf
Website: www.coachsportland.co.uk

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An entire issue of our sports science eMagazine, including 19 research reviews
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Enhance your knowledge in all areas of sports science including strength & conditioning, recovery, nutrition and more
Learn from trusted industry experts as they translate complex study results into practical methods for you to use today

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40: Developing Match Winning Speed And Power In Football

Science for Sport — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 05:00:00 +0000

In episode 40, Ryan Devlin, Lead Sport Scientist at Sheffield Wednesday u18s, joins us.

Specifically Ryan will be looking at:

Importance of Speed & Power
Use of Olympic lifts
Special strength exercises

About Ryan

"Ryan is the lead sport scientist at Sheffield Wednesday under 18s, his previous experience includes an internship at Ulter Rugby, and work at Crewe Alexandra football club. He has specific intersts in both speed and power development, and rehab in football"

Instagram: @rdperformance_
Twitter: @ryan_devlin_

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38: Leap Of Faith: Elite Sport To Private Sector

Science for Sport — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

In episode 38, John Noonan, Performance Coach Consultant, joins us.

Specifically John will be looking at:

Pros and cons of elite sport
Starting out in the private sector
Building your business

About John

"John is an experienced performance coach with over 15 years’ experience coaching in elite sport and the public domain. To date, John has worked with numerous professional youth, senior and international athletes from over 13 different sports, including work in professional soccer, Rugby Union/League, Olympic snowsports, Golf and Formula racing. In 2019, John founded NoonanPerformance.com and now operates as a performance consultant to various athletes, teams and corporate clients, providing a hybrid of physical preparation, physical therapy and coach mentorship services.

Academically, John has an undergraduate degree in sport science and a postgraduate degree in applied biomechanics from Liverpool John Moores University, researching performance requirements of Olympic freestyle snowsport athletes. Specifically, John’s research examined the kinetic and kinematic demands of snowboard jump landings, the findings which John has presented internationally and nationally at the Australian and UK Strength and Conditioning (ASCA and UKSCA) Conferences. John currently holds professional certifications with the UKSCA, Postural Restoration Institute (PRI).

John’s professional interests continue to revolve around improving movement and athletic performance, as well as helping coaches succeed in both coaching and business based projects through the NoonanPerformance Coach Mentorship Programme."

Website: www.noonanperformance.com
Instagram/Twitter: JohnnoonanCoach

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34: Imperative For Coaches: Fine Tune Your Bullshit-Meter

Science for Sport — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:00:00 +0000

In episode 34, Daniel Kadlec, S&C Coach and PhD researcher at Edith Cowan University, joins us.

Specifically Daniel will be looking at:

Importance of critical analysis
Example of failures to analyse
Questions you need to ask
Applying research to practice

About Daniel

"Daniel Kadlec is currently the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Softball Western Australia. He is also Head of S&C for Claremont WFC in collaboration with Edith Cowen University, while completing a Ph.D. in sport science sponsored by VLAD Performance. He previously served as an S&C coach in a private facility (PlusD Sports) in Solingen, Germany, for seven years. He has worked with various teams, including professional handball, Germany womens rugby 7s, and centralised women's Judo athletes. "

Instagram: coach_dk
Twitter @DanielKadlec

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24: Smashing Through The Language Barrier

Science for Sport — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:00:00 +0100

In episode 23, JD Snyder, Strength & Conditioning Coach at Peak Force International, joins us.

Specifically JD will be looking at:

Importance of communication
Methods of communication
Tips for improving communication

About JD

"John “JD” Snyder
High Performance Coach
Peak Force

Taichung, Taiwan
Currently working with:
• Dajia and Taichung City Track and Road Cycling teams
•Former 2014 Asian Games Champion, Track Cycling, Hsiao Mei Yu
•National High School Champions Yu Ti Tao Rhythmic Gymnastics
•Collegiate Rhythmic Gymnastics, National Taiwan University of Sport
•Former Asian Games Champion Yang Kuei- 50m Freestyle Swimming
•National Taiwan University of Sport Swimming Team
• Chinese-Taipei Paralympic Table Tennis & Swimming
•Former High Performance Coach, Team China Track Cycling
•Former High Performance Coach for Chinese Olympic Committee
Team China Shooting Sports;
2018 Asian Games Champion, Wu Jia Yu- Team Pistol;
Former 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist
Pang Wei- Individual 10m pistol."

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15: Unleash Untapped Potential With Holistic Programming

Science for Sport — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0100

In episode fifteen Fergus Connolly, coach, teacher, mentor, author and speaker, joins us.

Specifically Fergus will be looking at:

Why it is important to program from a holistic perspective
How you can structure holistic training methods
How these methods may differ in small vs large teams

About Fergus:

"Coach, teacher, mentor, author, speaker and student of success and resilience – Dr. Fergus Connolly has worked with some of the world’s leading sports, military, and business teams including Verizon, the San Francisco 49ers, University of Michigan, Liverpool FC and multiple Special Forces units."

Fergus' Services:
https://fergusconnolly.com/

Check out Fergus' latest book here:
The Happiness Handbook for High Achievers
https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B075P1MJT3?_encoding=UTF8&node=283155&offset=0&pageSize=12&searchAlias=stripbooks&sort=author-pages-popularity-rank&page=1&langFilter=default#formatSelectorHeader

Instagram:
@Fergus.connolly

Twitter:
@Fergus_Connolly

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Thank you to our sponsors

We'd like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting this amazing podcast.

FLEX by GymAware

Find out why VBT is such a powerful training method and what separates FLEX from the competition at:

https://bit.ly/FLEX-gymaware

Hawkin Dynamics

To learn more about force plates and Hawkin Dynamics, check out their blog which is full of educational and practical blog posts.

https://bit.ly/hawkin-dynamics

5: 7 Essentials For A University Side Hustle | Andrew Hyde

Science for Sport — Mon, 04 May 2020 05:00:00 +0100

In episode five Andrew Hyde, co-founder at Aesthetic Athletics, S&C coach at Manchester Player Development and Content Manager at Science for Sport, joins us.

Specifically Andrew will be looking at:

Why he started his own business?
How he started it
The biggest challenges he faced at the start
Where the venture has led him

About Andrew:

Andy has a degree in Sport & Exercise Science and a Masters in Strength & Conditioning from Leeds Beckett University. He is a Co-Founder and Strength & Conditioning Coach at Aesthetic Athletes. He has worked as an intern Strength & Conditioning Coach at Leeds United Ladies Regional Talent Club. He currently leads the Strength & Conditioning at Manchester Player Development in partnership with Aesthetic Athletes and is a Research Reviewer & Content Manager at Science for Sport

Aesthetic Athletes

https://aestheticathletes.co.uk/

Downloadable Resources:

Science for Sport Ultimate S&C Networking Guide...

https://app.scienceforsport.com/networking-guide

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Thank you to our sponsors

We'd like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting this amazing podcast.

FLEX by GymAware

Find out why VBT is such a powerful training method and what separates FLEX from the competition at:

https://bit.ly/FLEX-gymaware

Hawkin Dynamics

To learn more about force plates and Hawkin Dynamics, check out their blog which is full of educational and practical blog posts.

https://bit.ly/hawkin-dynamics