Pacey Performance Podcast

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Associate Director for Performance (Football) at Duke University, Aaron Getz. Today's guest has been in the collegiate system at one of the biggest football programmes in the US for a number of years. In this episode we discuss how Aaron and his team build some of the most impressive young athletes in the world. We chat programming, the inclusion of Olympic lifting, his views on velocity based training, training with an eccentric or isometric emphasis and much more. In this episode, we discussed... Who is Aaron Getz (background, experience and current role) Olympic lifting with collegiate athletes Programming Teaching  - progressions and regressions What happens to those that aren't competent?  Programming Cycling of unilateral bilateral work What changed with Covid and athletes returning? Guiding programming around fatigue Inclusion of training with an eccentric or isometric emphasis Coaching philosophy Inclusion of technology

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Head of Performance at Feyenoord Rotterdam, Rick Cost. After speaking to previous podcast guest, Callum Walsh about how much of an influence Rick has been on his practice, it was essential to get him on the podcast. After winning the Olympics with Netherlands field hockey, Rick switched sports, however, he brought a lot of what he had learned with him. He clearly has made a huge impression at Feyenoord and has developed a deep understanding of the demands of the game. In this episode we get a glimpse into the inner workings of 15 times winners of the Eredivisie. In this episode, we discussed... Who is Rick Cost (background, experience and current role)? Periodisation Philosophy Influences Rotation of players Philosophy Objective vs subjective decision making Results and evidence of success Small sided games ...vs full sided games Benchmarks Linking physical and technical outputs Quality, intensity and volume Rick can be

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Head of Sports Data Science at S.L Benfica, Sudarshan Gopaladesikan. Despite me making a hash of saying, Suds' name as we went live, this episode was an incredibly insightful episode with someone who is at the forefront of data science in our industry. Patrick Ward described him at 'one of the best mathematicians' he knows. Coming from Microsoft and consulting with some of the biggest sporting organisations in the world, to working with Benfica, Suds gives a fascinating insight into the inner workings of a data science department in football. In this episode, we discussed... Who is Sudarshan Gopaladesikan (background, experience and current roles)? Data science (what it is and isn't) Working in sport as a data scientist Linking data science with sports science & coaching Most common questions from sports scientists Combination of technical and tactical analysis Decision making (brief and incorporated into the general discussion)

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Head of Physical Performance at Leicester Tigers, Aled Walters. I have only had a handful of World Cup winners on the podcast but this episode features one of them. Aled won the Rugby World Cup in 2019 with the Springboks and it is this monumental achievement that frames this episode. South Africa were far from the best resourced team and certainly weren't favourites. So what did they do differently? What made them so successful as a group? Aled answers both those questions in this episode. In this episode we discussed... Who is Aled Walters? (background, education and current role) Your physical preparation philosophy  Conditioning the players to meet the demands of the sport AND the playing style Wrestling for rugby  Winning the world cup Challenges you overcame during that tournament Getting the players ready for that tournament and what came before it What made you different from other teams Recovery at the world cup Aled

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Fitness Coach at the Swedish national football team, Paul Balsom. Paul has almost 40 years experience working in our industry and is a true pioneer. He is heading up the UEFA fitness advisory board and is also a consultant for King Power (the owners of Leicester City and Leuven). This episode is framed around what UEFA is doing to provide a fitness framework for technical coaches through their qualifications. However, we also get an insight into what is coming down the track from UEFA as they plan to build qualifications for fitness staff which would sit on the same framework. So for anyone working in football, this is definitely something to keep an eye on. I should also give a huge shout-out to Chris Barnes who introduced me to Paul. In this episode, we discussed... Who is Paul Balsom (background, experience and current roles)? UEFA Coach education (Grassroots to Pro) – Integrated approach What are UEFA doing to support this at all levels

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Chief Performance Engineer at Statspace, Taylor Johnson. Taylor came on the podcast 18 months ago to talk about esports. Esports has never related to performance and performance coaching, however, part 1 with Taylor completely changed my mind on that. It's an incredibly interesting space and one that is growing exponentially. The opportunity for performance coaches to have an impact on a population that is hungry, passionate, and has great earning potential is huge. If you think that you view performance differently from other coaches, I would urge you to listen to this podcast. In this episode we discussed... Who is Taylor Johnson? (background, education and current role[s]) Esports performance market What is expected of a performance coach in e-sports Is this S&C as people know it?   Performance coach > esports performance coach Pivoting into this area What coaches can bring What skills need to be developed Performance coach >

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Industrial Professorial Fellow at the University of Birmingham, Barry Drust. Barry has been on the hit list for some time but I didn't realise that he would take the title for the best job title ever in one fell swoop. Barry has an incredible amount of experience, both in the applied and academic world. He was one of the first sports scientists in football here in the UK alongside Chris Barnes and a number of others. To chat with Barry again was a pleasure and we dived into some really interesting topics which are outlined below. In this episode, we discussed... Who is Barry Drust (background, experience and current roles)? Sports science Where is sports science research at? Gaps in education Evidenced based practice What is grossly overhyped in sports science Doctoral training Why pursue a PhD? Is it becoming the new MSc Various ways you can get one? Practice-based research/evidence-based practice – is it important? How do you

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Sports Performance Scientist, Robin Thorpe. This is part 2 of my chat with Robin so if you haven't checked out part 1, you can do so HERE. In this episode, we move away from his time at Manchester United and focus on his time working with Olympic sprinters and the topic that Robin has become world-renowned for, performance recovery. The discussion around speed training for team sports may ruffle a few feathers but it's all in the aid of creating better discussion. In this episode we discussed... Who is Robin Thorpe (background, education, and current role) Where the industry is at Specialist generalist Are we losing sight of good science? Speed training in team sports Is it becoming an obsession? Performance recovery Why leave Man United to work in Olympic sport? Robin can be found on Twitter @DrRobinThorpe and on Instagram @dr.robinthorpe   This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast is sponsored by Perch. Engineered at MIT

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Sports Performance Scientist, Robin Thorpe. Robin spent the best part of a decade at the biggest football club in the world. Whilst there he worked under one of, if not the most decorated managers of all time. He also worked with some of the most recognisable players in the world. How could this not be an incredible episode, and it absolutely was. So good that we had to split it over two episodes, this being the first one. As well as talking about his time at Manchester United, we also talked about what he has become world-renowned for and that's recovery and regeneration. Give yourself an hour and sit back and enjoy! In this episode, we discussed... Who is Robin Thorpe (background, experience and current roles)? Time at Manchester United Interview with Sir Alex Ferguson His first role Leadership under some of the biggest managers in the world Athlete recovery Enhancing recovery in a congested fixture list Integrating player monitori

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport, Chris Gaviglio. As well as his regular job, Chris is the creator of the Sports Rehab Tornequay and also the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Queensland state of origin team. Clearly, Chris is an incredibly busy man so it was a pleasure to sit down with him and talk blood flow restriction (BFR) training. With more BFR devices on the market and its application spanning wider than just an arm pump and rehabilitation, I thought it was time to get an expert on, and Chris is definitely that. If you enjoyed this episode, you may like this episode on the same topic with Stephen Patterson. In this episode we discussed... Who is Chris Gaviglio (background, education, and current role) Blood flow restriction training What is BFR? BFR pre-implementation checklist Strength development Pressure recommendations Position & exercises Isometrics & BFR Low load B

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Head of Strength & Conditioning at the Singapore Sport Institute, Danny Lum. There has been a distinct lack of information on isometric training, despite its reemergence in the literature and in practice. That's about to change as this episode with Danny dives deep into his research and practice in this area. Alex Natera has been a big proponent of isometric training and it was Alex that introduced me to Danny and I am so glad he did. In this episode, we discussed... Who is Danny Lum (background, experience and current roles)? Isometric testing Why use isometric tests? What testing options do we have? Links to dynamic performance Isometric training Why programme isometric exercises? Creating overload in sport-specific positions Your checklist when trying to get 'specific' Programming for different outcomes (strength, hypertrophy etc) Manipulating variables and how this alters outcomes Intensity Duration and rate of contra

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Head Performance Coach at the Golden State Warriors, Carl Bergstrom. I have been wanting to get Carl on the podcast for some time. I have wanted to chat to him about his transition into the NBA having played and worked in soccer. There is so much to chat about, especially as I know very little about basketball but am fascinated by the sport. I have had a number of practitioners on who in the NBA (Ramsey Nijem Bill Burgos) and each has given a unique perspective on what it's like to work in the environment. In this episode we discussed... Who is Carl Bergstrom (background, education, and current role) The environment - what it's really like? Pressure on players Players as brands Shift the perception of 'ideal' Shift in mindset How practice changes Adaptability Roadblocks NBA Schedule 'Load management' Maximising potential Programming Eccentrics & isometrics Regular stimulus Peripheral players Carl can be found

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Physical Performance Coaches at the Football Association, Ben Rosenblatt and Martin Evans. This is the final part of the unofficial FA three-part series. Two weeks ago we had Bryce Cavanagh and last week we welcomed Pete Tierney and Chris Rosimus to the Pacey Performance Podcast. This episode was absolutely superb and gave us an incredible insight into the inner workings of the Football Association. These guys have worked across various different environments and pull on all of that experience to give nearly 90 minutes of gold! In this episode, we discussed... Who are Ben Rosenblatt and Martin Evans (background, experience and current roles)? What were your initial observations when walking into international football? Does a gap exist between the demand of competition and the capability of the players? What’s your perception of the need for physical capability within international football? How does this align with the coaching model?

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Physical Performance Coach at The FA, Pete Tierney,  Lead Performance Nutritionist at The FA, Chris Rosimus. The theme of this episode was teased last week by Bryce Cavanagh in part 1 of the unofficial Football Association three-part series, and it's 'the other 22 hours'. The other 22 hours framework focuses mainly on sleep, recovery, and nutrition and it is these three topics that we dive into during this episode. In this episode we discussed... Who are Pete Tierney and Chris Rosimus (background, education, and current role) The other 22 hours The purpose and vision The framework The 4R's Recovery Sleep Nutrition Philosophy Planning around competition Building a curriculum Getting ownership to specialist staff Pete can be found on Twitter @petertierney93 and Chris can be found on LinkedIn   This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast is sponsored by Perch. Engineered at MIT, Perch uses small and mobile cameras to mo

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Head of Physical Performance, Medicine and Nutrition at the Football Association, Bryce Cavanagh. I am absolutely delighted to get Bryce onto this episode to chat about the inner workings at The FA. This is an in-depth look into how Bryce has structured the performance team to look after numerous age groups and hundreds of the most talented football players in the country. We can a look under the bonnet of what Bryce looks for in a performance coach and how they use generalists with a specialism as a way of providing his players with the best possible care. In this episode, we discussed... The FA performance team structure Recruiting the right staff Generalists with a specialism Staffing structure within the department Specialisms within the group Who has each specialism? Pick, train, play philosophy Bryce can be found on LinkedIn at Bryce Cavangh. This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast is sponsored by Output Sports – a

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Performance Coach Consultant, Shayne Murphy. This episode is absolutely incredible! Case studies, reflections, challenging his own thoughts and beliefs, it had the lot. Shayne has a really interesting story, coming over from Ireland to go onto work at one of the biggest clubs in the world and then leaving just 18 months ago to be a full-time consultant. We cover developing quality movement in footballers, the transition from full-time employee to consultant as well as changing the way he think about rehab, and much more.    In this episode we discussed... Who is Shayne Murphy (background, education, and current role) Consultancy v full-time Lessons and reflections Advice for others thinking about it Human movement How an S&C coach views 'good movement' vs a coach Being guided by the style of play Injuries Energy leaks Identifying where they are from profiling? Hamstring rehabilitation case study Identifying the problem, n

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast I am speaking to Head of Physical Performance at FC Copenhagen, David Cosgrave. I am absolutely delighted to get Dave on this episode of the podcast. He has been studying the Master of Sporting Directorship at Manchester Metropolitan University and its because of this we focused a lot of this episode on how Dave manages and leads staff over in Denmark at FC Copenhagen. In this episode, we discussed... Who is David Cosgrave (background, education and current role) Leadership & management Philosophy on management of people Building a team Cultural fit Molding a team Followership Players as stakeholders Building & changing a culture What does this actually look like day to day Managing up as well as down Performance role transitions Practitioner to leader Working at home to working abroad David can be found on Twitter @davecosgrave This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast is sponsored by Output Sports – a Swiss Army Knife

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Associate Director at the University of Minnesota, Cal Dietz. Cal is someone that has influenced thousands of coaches all over the world through his book Triphasic Training. Not only that but Cal has created an incredible amount of resources in the form of videos, articles and tutorials which continue help coaches. It was an absolute honour to speak to Cal as he's been on my list of people I have wanted to get on the podcast for some time. In this episode we discussed... Who is Cal Dietz (experience, background and current role) Triphasic training The methodology Importance of eccentric focused training Speeding up periodisation (2 ecc, 2 iso, 2 con) Where does isometric training fit? French contrast training Importance of sequencing at different stages of a cycle Performance pattern cycling Training the foot and ankle Assessing the need Why so important More important for some sports over others? Ways to train  Breat

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast I am speaking to Director of Performance at Melbourne Storm, Lachlan Penfold. Lachlan has tasted a lot of success across an incredible career. That can of course can be put down to many different factors but in my opinion, success leaves clues. It isn't by chance that he has won the NRL final with Sydney Roosters in 2013, lost in the final of the NBA playoffs with Golden State Warriors, and has won two out of the last three NRL finals with Melbourne Storm. This podcast is a reflection of what has been a fantastic career spanning rugby union, water polo, AFL, NBA and rugby league. In this episode, we discussed... Winning environments Creating a culture of winning Differences across sports How did you change? Influence of a head coach Where you go for inspiration Influence from your time in other sports What did you learn that you still come back to now? How have players changed over your career? How have you had to adapt? Lachlan ca

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, I am speaking to Performance Nutritionist, James Morehen. It's been a while since I had a nutritionist on the podcast and it was an absolute pleasure to get James on the podcast. This episode is titled, 'nutrition for the S&C coach' because there are still so many S&C coaches out there who are acting nutritionists. In smaller organisations, nutrition support often gets put onto the S&C coach or sports scientist so this episode dives into some key concepts that non-nutritionists need to know. In this episode we discussed... Who is James Morehen (background, education and current role[s])? Working within academia The realities of publishing The link between S&C and nutrition The basics for S&C's covering both roles Focusing on behaviour change Assessing needs and monitoring progress Recovery Injury risk Body composition Pre-season vs in-season Fuelling for such high loads in pre-season Approaching those that need body compo