Pacey Performance Podcast

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Professor at the University of Saint-Étienne, JB Morin joins Rob to chat about navigating scientific research and how we can use research intelligently to inform practice.

 In the first half of this episode we delve into how to read a research paper properly. How can we systematically go through a paper, understand the content and pick the potential red flags which may highlight as to why you may question the conclusions drawn by the author. The publication process is definitely not flawless and without its faults and readers need to be aware of this. JB talks through these flaws and how readers can fully understand them and improve the critique of research.

In the second half of the episode, JB gives his opinion on the "publish or perish" bias that leads to poor and sometimes not very original research. We finish off the episode with a discussion around using research in practice and how coaches and sports scientists should (or shouldn't) use research to inform practice.

Reading, understanding and deciphering research is one of the most important tools within our profession. JB, a researcher for over 20 years can help you develop that skill. Give it a listen!

Main talking points - 

• How to read a research paper

Robin featured on episode #334 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What it was like working alongside José

Check out the full episode with Nathan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-334-robin-thorpe/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees Rob speaking to Manager of Sport Sciences at the New South Wales Institute of Sport, Alex Natera, Head of Strength and Conditioning at the Singapore Sport Institute, Danny Lum and now Head of Academy Physical Performance at Manchester City FC, Matt Taberner. 

These three guys are true experts in this area, not only from a applied perspective but also an academic one. In the first part of this episode we discuss the process of creating isometric strength training exercises that overload a particular position that is specific to a sport. We then transition into a discussion around quasi-isometrics, what they are and how we can use them from a performance perspective but also a rehabilitation one. We then finish off the first part of this episode discussing the use of isometric testing and training with and without technology. Within this, Matt discusses how he would programme isometrics and keep a track on intensity without the use of force plates.

In the second half of the episode we kick off with Danny who takes us through some of his applied work and research, delving into some of the improvements he has seen using isometric strength training. We then tap into Alex's experience of working with youth athletes to discuss the use of isometrics in this population. Matt then gives his opinion on use isometrics with female athletes and how it could be part of the antidote to injury prevention. We then finish off with some discussion around fitting isometric testing into a testing and monitoring system.

This episode is one of a kind. Three experts in one area all on a call at the same time. If you're into isometrics, this is for you!

Main talking points - 

• How to create sport specific isometric exercises

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast features Head of Athletic Performance at the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby, Nick Lumley. This episode is all about maximising training transfer and understanding what best transfers based on an intelligent use of testing and a good understanding of data.

In the first half of the episode we chat through Nick's philosophy when it comes to building strong, powerful rugby players capable of performing at the highest level. He talks about his use of non-technically demanding exercises like the leg press over the squat and how he has changed the way he programmes. Nick also details how he makes alterations to his programme for the bigger guys in the squad.

In the second half of the episode we dive into training transfer. Nick explains what data he collects on a regular basis and how he manipulates that data to understand which exercises do and don't transfer to the qualities he and the coaches want to see on the field. Performance in which exercises predict speed?

If you want to understand what maximises training transfer and how to use data to do that, check out this excellent episode with Nick Lumley.

Main talking points:

• Nick's philosophy and how he builds beasts

Athol featured on episode #448 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What footwear features may increase the risk of injury and why?

Check out the full episode with Nathan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/understanding-the-impact-of-athlete-footwear-selection-on-performance-and-injury-risk/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Former Head of Performance at Aston Villa and Rangers FC, Jordan Milsom. Jordan comes on and gives one of the most candid interviews we have had on the podcast. As Fitness Coach at Liverpool and two Head of Performance roles in the Premier League and Scottish Premier League, Jordan has a wealth of experience that he brings to this episode.

In the first half of the episode we discuss his time at Liverpook at a Strength and Rehab Fitness Coach and he he developed the knoweldge required to rehab some of the most valuable assets in sport. We then went onto discuss his interactions with staff that were brought in by the manager and how he dealt with that as a club member of staff.

In the second half of the episode he describes the role reversal as he became the "manager's guy" as he stepped up to a Head of Performance role at Rangers FC. Was he prepared to make that jump? How did he deal with club staff now that he was a "manager's guy"? And did he deskill in certain areas given that he was managing a department versus being on the ground with player's 24/7.

In the final part of the podcast we talk about Jordan's time at Aston Villa and the experience of being losing his job. He describes what he could have done differently during his time at Aston Villa as well as what he and others can do to protect themselves should they get relieved of their duty by a club.

If you want an open and honest look at what its like being a Head of Performance at a Premier League club, this is for you. And its not all rosy!

Main talking points -

• S&C coach > rehab coach

Nathan featured on episode #418 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What is it about the split squat that means it gets so much hype in this philosophy?

Check out the full episode with Nathan here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/a-critique-of-the-knees-over-toes-phenomenon-and-maximising-cross-training-prescription/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Leigh Egger and Stijn Vandenbroucke. Stijn is Head of Medical and Performance amd Leigh is Head of Performance, both at Feryenoord Rotterdam.

Main talking points -

• Innovative ways to structure a performance department

Feyenoord had an incredible season being crowned Champions of the Eredivisie, the top league in the Netherlands. So this episode is all about what makes a performance department successful and how they go about contributing to success on the pitch.

In the first part of this episode we discuss the structure of the department that Stijn and the hierachy at Feyenoord have put in place. We then talk about how that structure has led to the streamlining of processes and increased clarity in how things run day to day. Leigh gives his thoughts on how this structure has allowed him to do his job effectively alongside his fellow Head of Performance.

In the second half of this episode we get into the detail of how the club has kept muscle injuries to a minumum this season. Stijn then describes how they dealt with the "mini- pre-season" because of the World Cup.

If you're looking for an in-depth look into how a league-winning performance department operates, this episode is for you.

This week on the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Professor of Biomechanics, Tony Blazevich. Today it's all about topics that have generated a lot of discussion in recent years and putting them through a scientific and objective lens.

The first half of the episode is all about activation sessions. We have all watched Premier League games on the TV and seen the players walking around with elastic bands around their knees or ankles, or them lying on the floor doing single leg bridges. So what does "activation" or sometimes called "pre-activation" actually do? Does it doing anything? Does it do what we think it does? We dive deep into this topic with Tony.

In the second half of the episode we chat about asymmetries. We chat about the magic 10% rule where if an athlete is 10% and its a problem. Where did that 10% rule actually come from and do we need to be worried about asymmetries? We also chat about how these are actually measured and interchangeability of data from different methods.

Then we finish off with a fun chat about sprint mechanics as this was Tony's area when doing his PhD.

If you wanted a no holds barred look at some popular methods in pro sport, this one is for you.

Main talking points -

• Warm-ups - do we really need them?

Patrick featured on episode #305 of the Pacey Performance Podcast. This #bitesize episode takes a great clip from that episode where he discussed -

• What GPS companies can do to help their users

Check out the full episode with Patrick here - https://www.sportsmith.co/listen/pacey-performance-podcast-305-patrick-ward/

This episode is supported by RockDaisy, the only FREE AMS on the market. AMS Lite features reporting capabilities, questionnaires and forms, alerts and communication, data sharing, data visualisation and calendar views.