Performance Strategies & Stumbles

Ep11 - Simon Harries Strategy - Revolutionise your Rehab with Running Frameworks

In this episode I am joined by Simon Harries, Head of Strength & Conditioning at NSWIS, and Founding Director of Performance Compass, a business focused on mentorship and consultancy for rehab-related matters.
We discuss the concept of a rehab running framework and its importance in safely and effectively returning athletes to play. Simon explains the evolution of rehab approaches and the need for flexibility and creativity in building a framework. Simon emphasises the importance of specificity in different sports and the consideration of injury profiles. We discuss common key performance indicators and criteria in rehab and categorising running drills. Simon also shares insights on structuring rehab phases, progressing intensity, using data in rehab, and determining return to play. He concludes by highlighting the importance of communication with coaching staff.
 
Some specific areas we delve into are:
Definition of a Framework
Evolution of Rehab Approaches
Building a Rehab Running Framework
Considering Injury Profiles
Common KPIs and Criteria in Rehab
Categorising Running Drills
Progressing Intensity in Rehab
Creating an Exercise Library
Structuring Weekly Sessions
Layering Volume and Intensity
....and so much more!
You can find out more about Simon via his LinkedIn profile here and he has permitted any listener wanting to reach out to do so via email:  simon@performancecompass.com.au
If you are interested in the Rehab Simplified Group Mentorship, you can access the programme details here and register your interest via this form to express interest in joining the next cohort in July!
If you'd like to read the article written by Simon for Sportsmith, you can access that here also!

Ep10 - Jack Oaten Stumbles - "Overcoming Word Vomit!"

Listen Time: 27mins
In part 2 we discuss stumbles in his career, where Jack reflects on his take on planning sessions down to a T to try and cover all potential bases, hindering long-term development. Jack also talks about the lack of clarity in program design and how he now anchors principles to guide his session design. 
He emphasises the importance of utilising the interdisciplinary team and collaborating with tactical coaches. Jack shares his experience of over-communicating with athletes and how he has learned to say more with less, overcoming “word vomit” that we all experience!
He also reflects on the mistake of changing programs too frequently and the importance of consistency. 
Lastly, Jack discusses dealing uncertainty, the narrow focus on making it in elite sport, and making good decisions with confidence based on his needs and wants. 
 
 
Takeaways:
Avoid microwaving the learning process by allowing athletes to explore and learn from failure.
Anchor program design to principles and prioritise clarity in objectives and outcomes.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and align goals for optimal athlete development.
Focus on effective communication by saying more with less and using external cues.
Emphasise consistency in training programs and avoid changing them too frequently.
Manage panic and uncertainty by having a clear list of needs and wants.
Consider opportunities outside of elite sports and prioritise personal and professional fulfilment.
I hope you enjoy the listen! If you want to be part of the group mentorships this year, as mentioned in the podcast, follow this link to register your email to receive all the information as it is released! https://collaboratesports.com/2024mentorship
Tune in next week to hear Simon Harries discuss his approach to rehab running.
Dan

Ep9 -Jack Oaten Strategy - NFL Academy Combine Prep

Listen Time: 30mins.
In this episode, Jack Oaten discusses his role as a strength and conditioning coach working with the NFL Academy Programme. He explains the importance of preparing athletes for the combine, which is a series of tests used to assess their physical abilities. Jack shares his programming approach, including the use of accumulation, intensification, and realisation phases. He also discusses the focus on movement competency and the importance of clarifying and closing the loop with athletes. Overall, Jack emphasises the need for individualised programming and the importance of technical development alongside combine preparation.
Jack is a UKSCA and NSCA-accredited strength and conditioning coach who holds a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. He is currently studying for a MSc in strength and conditioning and has over 4 years of experience in the field. Jack has contributed his expertise at esteemed institutions such as Millfield School, Bath Rugby, Leicester Tigers and the University of Bath supporting the physical preparation and performance of elite national/international athletes. Jack joined the NFL Academy in August 2022 where he continues to provide holistic strength and conditioning support to talented youth American football players aspiring to reach the NFL.
Main discussions centre on:
Jacks Current Role and Purpose
Preparing for the Combine
Balancing Technical and Combine Preparation
Programming for Intensification and Realisation
Programming for Movement Competency
Intensification and Realisation in the Gym
Frequency and Focus of Training
I hope you enjoy the episode, I certainly did. Jack can be contacted using the below details:
Instagram - @joaten_coach
Twitter/X - @jack_oatenn
Work email - j.oaten@lboro.ac.uk
 
Let me know what you think of the pod by sharing across Instagram and tagging in @collaborate_sports - also, don't forget the competition to win over £600 worth of mentorship by entering using this link: https://collaboratesports.com/giveaway
Enjoy!
Dan

Ep8 - Dr Steven Thompson Stumbles - "I was too rigid in program design..."

Listen time - 28mins (and a chance to win £600 worth of mentorship)
In part two of the series with Steve, we dig into his reflections on his mistakes and what he learned from them.
He discusses the importance of considering the athlete in the overall programming and training solutions decision, rather than relying solely on research and needs analysis.
 
Steve also shares his experience of being too rigid in program design and lacking flexibility and the importance of experiential learning. He emphasises the need for coaches to create an authentic coaching identity and adapt their coaching style to different environments.
 
Steve also discusses the benefits of reflective meetings and the challenges of managing relationships and leadership.
 
Takeaways from the episode:
Consider the athlete in the overall programming and training solutions decision, rather than relying solely on research and needs analyses.
Be flexible in program design and willing to adapt in the moment based on the athlete's needs and circumstances.
Learning experientially and getting reps under the bar is crucial for coaches to develop their skills and understanding.
Create an authentic coaching identity that aligns with your values and allows you to build strong relationships with athletes.
Reflective meetings and discussions with other practitioners can provide valuable insights and help improve coaching practices.
Managing relationships and adapting coaching styles are important challenges for coaches to navigate.
Technology should assist coaches, but coaches should not rely on it entirely and should remain present in the coaching environment.
I hope you enjoy this episode.
If you want to win over £600 worth of mentorship courtesy of Collaborate Sports and TeamBuildr, simply head to this link to enter! Good luck!

Ep7 - Dr Steven Thompson Strategy - A VBT Masterclass in under 30minutes!

Listen Time: 29minutes
This week Dr Steven Thompson joins me where we discuss velocity-based training (VBT) and its applications in strength and conditioning. VBT is a flexible programming strategy that allows coaches to auto-regulate and adapt their training based on the individual needs of athletes. Three key strategies within VBT are highlighted: monitoring and adjusting based on velocity, using feedback and communication to enhance performance, and understanding and implementing velocity loss. These strategies provide coaches with valuable tools for optimising training and improving athlete performance.
The main areas we cover in the episode are:
The Importance of Velocity-Based Training (VBT)
Using VBT Without Profiling an Athlete
Monitoring and Adjusting Based on Velocity
Feedback and Communication with VBT
Understanding Velocity Loss
Practical Application of Velocity Loss
Using Velocity Loss for Power Training
To help you learn more about Steve, he is an accredited S&C coach with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA), course leader of the MSc in Strength and Conditioning Coaching at Sheffield Hallam University, and recently completed his PhD investigating “the efficacy of the load-velocity profile to predict one repetition maximum”.
Steve specialises in velocity-based training (VBT), researching and presenting his concepts and applied practices to top organisations such as the UKSCA, English Institute of Sport, and British Swimming. Steve is an active researcher, with multiple publications in high-impact journals such as Sports Medicine, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, and International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. Additionally, Steve holds multiple S&C coaching roles, including Physical Performance Coach for The Football Association of Wales, regional S&C coach for British Diving, and was recently lead foundation and youth development phase S&C coach at Barnsley Football Club. Steve has worked in elite sport for many years, supporting high-level athletes such as GB Commonwealth medallists and Olympic competitors in Diving and Women's Volleyball, and other professional athletes in Para-Fencing, Table Tennis, Golf, Rugby League, and Football.
With permission, you can contact Steve via Twitter @steve381 and I would recommend visiting his Researchgate page by clicking here
Enjoy the episode!

Ep6 - Phil Scott Stumbles - "You have to own it"

Listen Time 26mins
In this part 2 episode, Phil Scott returns to share his performance stumbles and the lessons he has learned throughout his career as a coach. He emphasises the importance of variety and stimulation in warm-ups, acknowledging that it doesn't always go to plan!
 
Phil shares his experiences of dealing with these situations, highlighting the need to be open, honest, and willing to learn from mistakes. He also discusses the importance of proactive reflection and collaboration in team meetings. Phil concludes by emphasising the value of owning mistakes, reflecting on them, and finding a mentor for support and guidance being critical to taking positive steps forward from any stumble!
 
A summary of what we discuss is below:
The Importance of Variety and Stimulation in Warm-ups
Dealing with Warm-ups and Games That Don't Work
Learning from Warm-up Mistakes
Considering External Factors in Warm-ups
Coping with Mistakes in the Moment
Gaining Respect from Adversity
Moving Away from Mediocrity
Lessons from Working in a Team Sport
Transitioning from Reflective to Proactive
Improving Collaboration and Contribution in Meetings
Shifting from Delayed to Proactive Reflection
Understanding Individual Responses to Training Volume
Learning from Mistakes in Training Volume
Owning Mistakes in Injury Management
Key Takeaways: Name It, Own It, Reflect, Find a Mentor
 
If you want to receive more real-world advice to help you optimise your effectiveness, consider signing up for the Collaborate Sports Newsletter here for weekly updates and tips. https://collaboratesports.ac-page.com/newsletter-subscriber
 

Ep5 - Phil Scott Strategy- Programme Design for Batters in Cricket

(listen time - 28mins)
 
Phil Scott joins me for this episode! Many listeners should know of Phil, but his experiences include 8 years working with the England National Cricket Team as their Strength and Conditioning Coach and is currently the Pathways Lead for Physical Preparation at the ECB.
 
I first met Phil whilst collaborating with him on using a specific recovery tool. I was taken aback by his thoughtful approach to physical preparation, so I had to ask him to join the podcast to share his insights.
 
In this episode, Phil discusses program design for cricket players, specifically focusing on batters and hitters. He places a premium on understanding the athlete's perspective and working closely with coaches. He explains that program design in the gym should include a combination of strength, power, and coordination exercises. Phil shares his approach to managing gym sessions, including the need to consider pre-game and post-game workouts.
 
In full, we delve into these topics:
Starting Point of Program Design
Understanding the Athlete and Coach Perspective
Fundamentals of Cricket Program Design
Importance of Strength and Power in Cricket
Managing Gym Sessions with Athletes
Where the opportunities are for Gym Work in a test series
Program Structure and Sets/Reps
Incorporating Contrast Sets
Relevance of Grip Strength Work
There is a lot packed into this one so do enjoy it - and come back next week as Phil takes it up a level with his stumbles episode!
 

Ep4 - John Noonan Stumbles - "I was too focused on knowledge..."

John Noonan joins me for this part 2 of his episode where he shares some stumbles across his career.
He reflects on how he focused too much on the overemphasis on program details as he thought this would be a defining factor of success and career progression, which led to a lack of adaptability in his programming.
John also shares his struggles with leadership, particularly in trying to lead by example without considering the needs and context of the athletes and staff he worked with. He emphasises the importance of collaboration, communication, and flexibility in planning, as well as the value of reflecting on mistakes and seeking mentorship.
We also discuss throughout the episode: 
Being Blinded to Real-World Solutions
Lack of Adaptability in Programming
Lack of Collaboration and Communication
Importance of Flexibility in Planning
Reflecting on Mistakes and Seeking Mentorship
I hope you enjoy the episode. John's a practitioner who has had a fantastic career and his ability to reflect, iterate on what he does, and improve himself shines through in this episode!
If you havent checked out the previous Episode you should, its absolute gold!
Listen Time: 21mins
 

Ep3 - John Noonan Strategy- Raceday Prep in Motorsports

In this episode, I interview John Noonan, a performance coach, about his role in supporting motorsport athletes and performance strategies for race day. Johns's background is extensive, with him working in pro rugby, football, winter sports and now motorsport to highlight just a few career steps!
 
In this episode, we discuss the importance of a holistic approach to performance, including physical, mental, and logistical aspects. John explains the process of preparing athletes for race day, including warm-up and cooling strategies. He also highlights the significance of vestibular work and mental preparation. 
 
We focus on discussions towards:
The Role of a Performance Coach
 
Performance Strategies for Race Day
 
Importance of Warm-up and Cooling Strategies
 
Vestibular Work and Mental Preparation
 
Race Day Timeline and Strategies
 
Observing and Supporting During the Race
 
Reflective Practice and Learning from Performance
Principles for Practitioners wanting to work in Motorsport
I hope you enjoy this one, and don't forget to tune in to part 2 with John next week, discussing his stumbles and what he's learned from them!
 
Listen Time: 28mins
 
Dan

Ep2 - Spencer Goggin Stumbles - ”...it’s not me versus you!”

In the first "stumbles" version of this podcast, we hear Spencer open up about honest mistakes, and what it has taught him in his career.
In another episode focused on being direct and to the point, we delve into Spencer's perspective on:
Why its important to know what professionalism is
His bad hair cut choices at work
Programming things we have never tried ourselves!
His battles with "me versus you" and how it never got him anywhere
Being guilty of being too conservative
Copying exercises without context
Mistakes made within injury management
This was another jam-packed episode in under 30 minutes, so enjoy the listen, and please share with your channels if you enjoyed it! Thanks to Spencer for being the man to step up to the plate to do this first!
If you haven't listened to Spencer's content in the Strategy Ep1, then please do, and check out his bio, and where to contact him!
Cheers
Dan