Pacey Performance Podcast

In this episode of the Pace Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Tim Roberts, the sports medicine manager at the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City, shares his extensive background in sports physiotherapy and the importance of multi-sport experience in developing as a clinician. He discusses the significance of strength profiling in MMA, the tiered diagnostic approach used at the UFCPI, and the technology and tools employed for athlete assessment. Tim emphasizes the need for tailored injury prevention programs that cater to the diverse backgrounds of athletes at the institute. In this conversation, Tim discusses the intricacies of performance analysis, injury prevention, and rehabilitation strategies in MMA. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing data for accurate performance insights, creating a culture of injury prevention among fighters, and the challenges faced in managing their rehabilitation. Tim shares insights on how to effectively communicate with athletes, the significance of maintaining their fighter spirit, and the structured approach to return-to-play progressions. He highlights the need for a balance between athlete safety and performance demands, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for fighters.

Main talking points:

Tiered diagnostics to help immediate programming and prevention

Brain health assessments

Finding a balance between care and toughness for fighter mentality

Maintaining athlete involvement during recovery

Building trust and connection with fighters

Leveraging technology for athlete assessment

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Tim McGrath discusses the complexities of ACL injuries, emphasizing the importance of blending art and science in rehabilitation. He shares insights on assessing athletes' risk factors, the significance of biomechanical evaluations, and the necessity of effective communication in sports settings. Tim also highlights the role of biases in training and assessment, advocating for a structured approach to skill acquisition and injury prevention. In this conversation, Tim discusses the common mistakes made in ACL rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of understanding both biological and functional components. He highlights the significance of objective assessments in the later stages of rehabilitation and challenges the traditional six-month return timeline, advocating for a more individualized approach based on the athlete's readiness rather than a strict timeline.

ACL injuries require a blend of art and science in rehab

Biomechanical assessments are crucial for identifying risk factors

Rehabilitation must address both physical and cognitive aspects

Common mistakes in ACL rehab include ignoring structural issues

The ‘six-month return’ timeline for ACL injuries

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Kyle Sammons shares his journey from being a college athlete to becoming a sports science coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals. He discusses his experiences in sports technology and how they shaped his approach to athlete rehabilitation and performance enhancement. Central to the conversation is the Beast Factory Framework, a methodology developed to aid in the recovery of injured athletes, emphasizing a neuro-mechanical approach to training. Kyle explains the importance of single joint training and how it contrasts with traditional multi-joint exercises, providing insights into the physiological benefits and the rationale behind this innovative approach.

In this conversation, Kyle discusses the intricacies of tissue mechanics, the importance of both single and multi-joint training, and the evolving role of rehabilitation in sports. He emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach between strength coaches and medical professionals to enhance athlete recovery and performance. The discussion also covers the evolution of sports science, mechanisms of Achilles injuries, and the significance of benchmarking recovery and performance metrics. Kyle shares insights from his experiences and highlights the importance of understanding movement and injury mechanisms in optimizing athletic performance.

Single joint training can be more effective than traditional multi-joint training

Biomechanics should be simplified to understand movement better

The Beast Factory Framework

The neuro-mechanical framework focuses on tissue-level training

The importance of internal load versus external load in training

In this conversation, Chris Chase, Director of Performance at the Memphis Grizzlies, discusses the significance of deceleration in athletic performance, particularly in basketball. He emphasizes the need for strength coaches to adapt to technological advancements and the importance of understanding multi-directional speed. The conversation also touches on the evolution of training methods and the necessity of effective testing for deceleration and acceleration.

In this conversation, Chris Chase discusses innovative measurement techniques in sports training, focusing on the use of technology like VueMotion and force plates. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both kinematics and kinetics in athlete training, particularly in basketball. The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of force measurement technology and the potential for new tools to replace traditional methods.

Additionally, Chase shares insights on deceleration training, highlighting the need for progressive overload and the role of functional training, including the use of machines, in athlete development.

Main talking points:

• Acceleration elements should not be overlooked in training

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Luke Sewell discusses his aggressive yet structured approach to hamstring injury rehabilitation, emphasizing early loading, objective monitoring, and collaboration, that can accelerate recovery and minimize reinjury risk while maintaining player confidence and performance. His approach emphasizes a collaborative, aggressive rehabilitation strategy developed over several years, aiming to accelerate recovery while minimizing reinjury risk.

A key component of this approach is early loading, neuromuscular control, and gradual exposure to high-speed movements. Understanding injury severity is crucial, as less severe tendon injuries can be treated more aggressively, whereas complete avulsions require surgery and a conservative approach. Progression is guided by clear rehabilitation goals, objective markers, and emotional support to ensure player confidence.

Luke highlights the importance of using maximal aerobic speed and match output data to tailor rehab intensity, progressing players through sprint work, change of direction drills, and controlled overload. The approach prioritizes communication between medical staff, coaches, and athletes to align rehab strategies with team performance needs.

Strength-building activities, monitored performance markers, and training logs ensure players safely return to full match fitness. The podcast emphasizes that aggressive rehab doesn’t mean reckless; it means structured, progressive, and well-communicated rehabilitation that gets players back faster and stronger.

Key Points:

• Early loading and neuromuscular control are essential.

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob speaks to Anthony Donskov about reflexive eccentrics. Reflexive eccentric training is gaining recognition for its role in improving athletic performance and reducing injury risk. In this episode, Anthony  breaks down the principles, programming, and practical applications of this training method, emphasizing the importance of stiffness, speed, and strategic progressions in athlete development.

Anthony discusses how reflexive eccentrics involve rapid eccentric contractions that enhance force absorption and control. This method is especially relevant for high-level athletes, as it trains deceleration, stability, and explosive reacceleration—all key for sports like hockey. He highlights the importance of clear external cues, such as “grabbing the floor” or “being stiff,” to help athletes optimize landing mechanics and movement efficiency.

The conversation also covers programming considerations, including off-season vs. in-season adaptations, how to balance heavy lifting with reflexive movements, and reducing muscle soreness while maximizing explosiveness. Anthony outlines a three-day cycle of training that incorporates heavy lifts, submaximal speed work, and strategic plyometrics. He stresses the need for individualized assessments, using player cards and radar graphs to track progress and adjust training accordingly.

Despite the challenges in measuring reflexive eccentric adaptations, improvements in jump height, net impulse, and rate of force development suggest their effectiveness. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of structured strength, recovery, and flexibility in athlete programming, advocating for tissue remodeling and long-duration isometrics to reduce stiffness and chronic injury risk.

This episode is packed with practical insights for coaches and practitioners looking to integrate reflexive eccentrics into their performance programs.

Main talking points:

• Reflexive eccentrics enhance speed, stiffness, and reacceleration

On this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Jake Tuura shares his journey into tendon training after personal struggles with jumper’s knee. He highlights the critical role tendons play in sports performance, acting as energy-storing structures that absorb and release force during high-intensity movements. Proper tendon stiffness minimizes excessive strain, reducing the risk of tendon injuries such as tendinopathy and ruptures.

Jake explains that developing tendon stiffness takes time and is best achieved through long-term heavy lifting and isometric exercises rather than relying solely on plyometrics. Research indicates that short-duration heavy isometric contractions stimulate collagen production and improve tendon resilience, whereas plyometrics alone may not provide sufficient loading for tendon adaptation. Effective training should apply 4-20% strain to optimize tendon health while maintaining overall strength and conditioning.

Jake spends time on explaining that early engagement in diverse physical activities (ages 0-17) helps build robust tendons, while poor training practices and high blood sugar levels can negatively affect tendon stiffness. Both male and female athletes should follow structured tendon training approaches, as biological differences do not necessitate separate programs.

After being asked about the Achilles rupture epidemic in NFL, Jake explains that proper offseason conditioning and tendon monitoring are crucial. Regular assessments, high-load training, and structured progressions can prevent degenerative issues, helping athletes maintain high performance while minimizing injury risks.

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In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Steph Mock Grubbs and Ryan Grubbs discuss their experiences transitioning across different sports, levels, and job roles within elite performance environments. Their journey from college athletics to professional sports highlights the evolution of roles in strength & conditioning, rehab, and sports science.

Steph, now with the Houston Astros, and Ryan, working with the Houston Texans, explain how reconditioning bridges the gap between rehab and performance training, ensuring athletes return to play at optimal levels. They emphasize the importance of adapting training methodologies, particularly in baseball, where athlete workload and season length pose unique challenges.

A key theme of their discussion is the shift from being generalists to specialists, requiring continuous upskilling in rehab, load management, and performance programming. The integration of strength, rehab, and reconditioning teams in professional sports enables collaboration and efficiency in managing injury risk and athlete development.

The episode also covers balancing athlete health with team needs, using objective performance data to inform return-to-play decisions, and navigating career transitions in elite sport. They stress the importance of mentorship, research, and relationship-building in making successful career moves.

Finally, they discuss challenges in balancing professional careers with personal relationships, emphasizing adaptability, teamwork, and continuous learning in both career growth and life. Their insights provide valuable lessons for practitioners looking to evolve within high-performance environments while maintaining long-term career sustainability.

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In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Molly Binetti, Director of Women’s Basketball Performance at the University of South Carolina, discusses the transformation of the women’s basketball program under Coach Dawn Staley. With two national championships and record-breaking attendance, the program exemplifies success through holistic athlete development, individualized training, and strong relationships.

Molly emphasizes the importance of blending skill development with athleticism, focusing on movement quality and creating engaging training environments. By fostering autonomy and incorporating athlete feedback, the program builds trust and enhances player engagement. Individualized training allows athletes to choose exercises that suit their preferences while targeting specific performance outcomes.

Prioritizing athlete health has been crucial to the program’s success, with a player availability rate exceeding 98% over seven years. Flexibility in training and open communication among staff ensures that recovery and performance are balanced without overtraining. Informal assessments, including sprint testing and jump evaluations, are used to tailor programs and address individual needs.

Molly highlights the value of variation in training to prepare athletes for the unpredictability of competition. Machines like the leg press are used to strengthen lower bodies safely while preserving skill development. Distinct positional needs, such as conditioning for guards and strength for post players, are addressed to optimize on-court performance.

By combining holistic athlete development, data-driven insights, and a collaborative approach, South Carolina’s program continues to set a benchmark for excellence in women’s basketball.

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In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Nick Court, Johan Lahti, and Matthew Bourne discuss strategies for reducing hamstring injury risk in elite football players, emphasizing the importance of individualized training, eccentric conditioning, and movement mechanics.

Despite advancements, hamstring injuries remain prevalent due to the increasing demands of high-speed running and eccentric contractions in sports. Eccentric training, particularly the Nordic hamstring exercise, has proven effective but remains underutilized due to compliance challenges and limited preseason time. Incorporating exercises like single-leg RDLs, hip extensions, and inertial training can further strengthen hamstrings and reduce injury risk.

Proper sprint mechanics and balanced strength between the iliopsoas and hamstrings are critical. Faulty mechanics, such as excessive backward thigh movement, can increase strain on the hamstrings. A multifactorial approach, combining practical assessments, running kinematics, and targeted exercises, is essential for addressing individual risk factors and improving movement efficiency.

Injury prevention also requires tailoring rehabilitation to each athlete’s needs, using tools like handheld dynamometers and pulley systems to assess hamstring strength and endurance. Movement constraints, joint torque, and muscle-tendon junction adaptations should be considered in rehabilitation plans. Training programs must balance high-speed running exposure, eccentric conditioning, and varied running techniques to enhance stiffness and reduce fatigue-related risks.

The podcast concludes that effective hamstring injury prevention relies on individualized strategies, incorporating both scientific evidence and practical tools, to address the unique demands and risks faced by elite athletes. These approaches ensure improved performance and reduced recurrence rates.

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