GAINcast with Vern Gambetta

All throwing events are different. But more importantly all athletes are different. When we devise training we have to remember we're coaching people, not machines. This is central to the philosophy of throws coach Debbie Strange. On this week's GAINcast she joins us to discuss her coaching philosophy, the unique demands of the javelin throw, training plan design, and more.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/02/gaincast-episode-237-coach-the-person-with-debbie-strange/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• GAIN 2022 will take place from June 14 to 18 in Houston Texas. You can learn more about GAIN 2022 and send in your application on the GAIN website.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. A HMMR membership is also included with GAIN 2022 registration.
• More content about throwing technique and training can be found on the HMMR Media throws archive page.
• For a bit more about Strange's current activities, you can read this recent article from Locker Room.
• We've had New Zealand coaches featured on this site, including head New Zealand throws coach Dale Stevenson on HMMR Podcast 61 and HMMR Podcast 121, as well as Angus Ross who supports the throwers on GAINcast 83.
• We've also had javelin coach Mike Barber on GAINcast 175, European javelin champion Steve Backley on GAINcast 156 and Olympic medalist Goldie Sayers on GAINcast 106.

The world of motor learning is often populated by complex jargon and impenetrable concepts. But at its root it is about something simple: learning to move. Professor Rob Gray is one of the world's best in translating these concepts into terms we all can use. On this week's podcast he joins us to help coaches understand non-linear pedagogy, constraints-led approach, repetition in training, feedback, and more.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/02/gaincast-episode-236-learning-to-move-with-rob-gray/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• GAIN 2022 will take place from June 14 to 18 in Houston Texas. You can learn more about GAIN 2022 and send in your application on the GAIN website.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. A HMMR membership is also included with GAIN 2022 registration.
• Check out all of HMMR Media's motor learning resources, including an interview with Rob Gray on approaches to motor learning, as well as in depth materials on applied motor learning.
• You can pick up a copy of Gray's book How We Learn to Move: A Revolution in the Way We Coach & Practice Sports Skills on Amazon. We highly recommend it and it was listed as one of Vern's top books of 2021.
• You can learn more from Gray on his podcast, website, and on Twitter (@ShakeyWaits).

It's been almost 3 years since GAIN last took place in person. But in 2022 that will change. GAIN is back! On this episode of the GAINcast we're happy to formally announce the full details of GAIN 2022 and open up applications for participants. We hope to see you there.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/01/gaincast-episode-235-its-gain-time/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• GAIN 2022 will take place from June 14 to 18 in Houston Texas. You can learn more about GAIN 2022 and send in your application on the GAIN website.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. A HMMR membership is also included with GAIN 2022 registration.
• Nearly all GAIN faculty members have previously been on GAINcast. Check out our GAINcast Archives for those episode.

We’re kicking off the year with our annual combined episode of the GAINcast and HMMR Podcast to discuss the state of training for sports. A lot has changed over the past year, so we sit down to discuss some of the biggest issues facing sports, the hot topics on our mind, and what we’re looking forward to in 2022.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/01/gaincast-episode-234-new-years-special/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• Our monthly GAIN Master Class Series features speakers from all aspects of performance. Sign up and learn more here.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more.
• We recorded similar episodes to kick off 2021 (GAINcast 206), 2019 (GAINcast 150), 2018 (GAINcast 98), and 2017 (GAINcast 46).
• You can learn more about leg circuits in the HMMR Classroom Video Lesson 13: Leg circuits. The upcoming GAIN Master Class event on January 27th will also focus on the topic.
• We discussed Nick's progressions and the 1x20 method in more detail on GAINcast 209.
• The aerodynamics of throwing were also discussed on GAINcast 229 with Kevin McGill.

Vern is a notorious reader and he's only gaining steam with age. This year he had 151 books on this week's podcast he shares some key takeaways from his 17 favorite books of the year.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/01/gaincast-episode-233-top-books-of-2021-gain/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• Our monthly GAIN Master Class Series features speakers from all aspects of performance. Sign up and learn more here.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more.
• Read more about Vern's 2021 reading recommendations . You can also see Vern's list from 2020 and from 2019. Craig Pickering also writes about his favorite books each year. His latest list for 2021 was posted last week.

The best sports scientists bridge the gap between theory and practice. They bring coaching experience to the table and help help solve the real problems athletes are facing. This describes Esa Peltola. His diverse experiences in coaching, physiology, talent identification, and sports science helped him drive athletes to the next level, including coaching the first Australian to break 10 seconds in the 100 meters. On this week's GAINcast he shares his journey.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2021/12/gaincast-episode-232-science-at-the-track-with-esa-peltola/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• Our monthly GAIN Master Class Series features speakers from all aspects of performance. Sign up and learn more here.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more.
• Craig Pickering has written a great series to help coaches understand and evaluate sports science: understanding science for coaches, what makes for good research, critical elements for effective sports science, and becoming an better consumer of sports science. 
• In our HMMR Classroom, members can learn form Professor Peter Weyand about sorting sports science in a digital era.
• For more on the golden era of Australian Institute of Sport, GAINcast 219 with David Martin provides a great look at the work done during that time. GAINcast 227 also had on guest Dean Benton, who took a lot of influence from Peltola.

As we enter the final month in the year, it's a good time to look back and share some of our recent thoughts about training and coaching. On this week's GAINcast we cover a wide variety of topics including coaching and athlete specialization, finding a process, tips on organization, athleticism, sprint technique, and more.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2021/12/gaincast-episode-231-training-talk/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• Our monthly GAIN Master Class Series features speakers from all aspects of performance. Sign up and learn more here.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more.
• For a bit more on the specialist vs generalist debate, listen to GAINcast Episode 161 with David Epstein, author of the book Range. Another book discussed on this episode was The Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer.

Over three decades of coaching at the University of Washington, coach Ken Shannon quietly developed one of the most successful and diverse stable of field event athletes in the country and was a key influence on Vern's own approach to training and weight lifting. On this week's episode coach Shannon joins us to discuss his own development as a coach, throwing technique, and advice for young coaches.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2021/11/gaincast-episode-230-the-dawgfather-with-ken-shannon/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• Our monthly GAIN Master Class Series features speakers from all aspects of performance. Sign up and learn more here.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more.
• You can read a bit more about Shannon's background on the UW webpage. The Seattle Times also wrote about his retirement back in 2000.
• Two of Shannon's former athletes have been guests on the HMMR Podcast: Episode 105 with Justin St. Claire and Episode 166 with Aretha (Hill) Thurmond. There are also some great videos of his throwers on YouTube such as this one of Rod Ewaliko.
• You can learn more from Shannon in his classic book Track: The Field Events.

Behind every coach are their influences. When it comes to the throwing events, one quiet coach behind the scenes has been one of the most influential voices in closing the gap between America and the rest of the world in the hammer throw and other throwing events. Kevin McGill has been on a lifelong quest to learn about the throwing events and share his knowledge with others. On this week's GAINcast he shares some stories and lessons from his journey.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2021/11/gaincast-episode-229-the-coachs-coach-with-kevin-mcgill/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• Our monthly GAIN Master Class Series features speakers from all aspects of performance. Sign up and learn more here.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. he October/November site theme is team speed and developing speed in sport-specific contexts.
• You can learn more about Kevin McGill in Vern's written interview with him from 2006.
• McGill started to revolutionize training amongst American hammer throwers by launching the Hammer Notes periodical in the 1980s. All of the issues are available online. McGill worked closely with Harold Connolly to develop the American hammer throwing scene. We've written about Connolly previously in several articles.
• One of McGill's historic articles referenced in this episode: In search of Seppo.

Too often we have a concept of how to train for a sport or event and use that as the starting point for the plan. We fit the athlete to the event. That works in some cases, but other times you need to fit the event to the athlete. In no event is that more important than the 800 meters, where athletes come from a wide variety of training and physiological backgrounds. On this week's episode coach Trevor Painter and former elite 800 meter runner Jenny Meadows join us to share some examples of fitting the event to an athlete, 800 meters training, and more.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2021/10/gaincast-episode-228-fitting-the-event-with-trevor-painter-and-jenny-meadows/

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• Our monthly GAIN Master Class Series features speakers from all aspects of performance. Sign up and learn more here.
• The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. he October/November site theme is team speed and developing speed in sport-specific contexts.
• You can follow Painter on Twitter (@Faster_feet) and Instagram (@faster_feet). Meadows is also on Twitter (@JennyMeadows800).
• This interview with Athletics Weekly also gives a look at Painter's training and coaching philosophy.
• For a bit more on the 800 meters, listen to GAINcast 203 where Gareth Sandford explained his research on the 800 meters and the role of speed reserve.
• HMMR Podcast 85 also interviewed middle distance coach Danny Mackey and his wife, elite runner Katie Mackey. Mackey also wrote about tips on coaching your spouse in an article for the site.
• We also had a 4-part series looking at endurance training including: GAINcast 91 looked at endurance methods and concepts, GAINcast 92 looked at athletic development for endurance athletes, GAINcast 95 looked at endurance planning, and GAINcast 99 looked at fitness and endurance training for team sports.
• Stephen Seiler joined us on GAINcast 104 to share insights on polarized training and other endurance training concepts.
• Carrie Lane has also contributed a lot about strength and speed training for runners. She has written in detail about why runners need to lift, lifting methods for runners, creating a strength plan, and sprint training for endurance athletes. We also interviewed Lane on HMMR Podcast 51 to discuss lifting for endurance athletes.