This week I sat down with Niamh Kelly of the Adelaide Crows, to talk about her experiences over the off-season, travelling home to Ireland and back Oz, before she’s expected back for pre-season.

Niamh shares how she aims to achieve balance between taking a mental break and staying in top shape for the upcoming season.

We speak in-depth about all that Niamh has learned over the last 4 years in Australia playing in the AFLW. We also cover her relationships with other AFLW players, such as her sister Grace and former podcast guests, Paris McCarthy & Julie O’Sullivan.

Niamh touches on the mentorship that players receive smooths the transition into the league, the evolution of her game, and the focus areas that are critical to her ongoing success.

We delve into how Niamh stays grounded and the importance of a strong support network in coming back from serious injuries through the trials of rehabilitation.

We go into the added spice that comes with playing against her sister and former Mayo teammates in a new professional sport, and the 'banter' that often comes as part and parcel of the game.

Niamh’s positive attitude and clear passion for her athletic endeavours make it apparent why she has been successful, both on and off the field.

Join us for an episode that makes it clear just what it takes to succeed as a professional athlete in a country away from home!

*Time-Stamps*

0:00 - Niamh’s Off-season Training and Adventures

3:57 - Learning and Growing in the AFLW

9:58 - Niamh’s Journey Towards AFL Success so far

21:59 - AFLW from an Irish Perspective

29:28 - Australian vs Irish Culture and Self-Belief

41:54 - Ideas to Grow Both AFLW & Ladies Gaelic Football

49:39 - Balancing Work and Life in Sport

This week I speak on a couple of topics that I and others have probably been reluctant to speak about in the past.

However, authenticity is really important to me and I’ve made a conscious decision to be open and honest on this podcast about the wins that I have, as well as the struggles that I’ve been dealing with.

Some of these struggles will be familiar to fellow coaches, podcasters & business owners, and maybe even those not in this space as well.

I speak about the struggles of booking guests and how I frame this barrier in my mind.

I touch on the resistance faced on a daily basis by content creators, the dedication it takes to polish interviewing skills and the self-criticism and commitment that sometimes is necessary to be a standout in your own field.

This episode peels away the glamour to expose the persistence and personal growth required to steer the ship of self-employment. Join me as I reflect on the lessons learned from both the triumphs and the setbacks, and how leading a team adds weight to every decision I make.

Online coaching is often thought about as an incredibly lucrative career path and even though it comes with its perks, there are many unspoken problems that coaches face when moving into the online space. I make an attempt to touch on a couple of them today.

Speaking on the self-criticism and doubt that comes with clients departing and the therapeutic challenge of knowing you're enough, I do my best to be as candid as possible with the hope that it will help someone else in a similar position.

And as well as that, I speak about the balancing act of fostering deep connections and managing social anxiety while holding space for others.

Life as an entrepreneur is a journey of continuous learning, and I speak again about the importance of self-improvement in accelerating your career development and practice.

I finally touch on my attempt to add value to the industry in laying out the blueprint of my online mentorship program, designed to guide others in mastering their craft, be it speed development or effective team communication.

If I can help a few people that were in the position I was in a few years ago, then it’ll be more than worthwhile to choose optimism, creation and putting my process out into the world, rather than choosing to stay pessimistic, cynical and closed-off.

Drop me a message with the word “Mentorship” if you’re interested in hearing more about what I’ve put together!

Time-Stamps

0:00 - Struggles of Being an Entrepreneur

13:02 - Navigating Personal Growth and Social Anxiety

26:13 - Importance of Learning and Personal Development

32:51 - Optimism in Creating Mentorship Programs

39:11 - Performance Mentoring and Rehab Opportunities

My decision to move down under to Australia was made with long-term personal and professional growth in mind.

My recent experiences in Oz have been incredibly valuable and I thought it appropriate to give the listeners a little life update in relation to everything that’s been happening in both my professional and private life.

With a conscious effort being made to grow the online business of Petey Performance, I have a number of  online client victories and personal milestones to share with you guys.

I'm thrilled to unpack these narratives, from the gutsy rehabs to the thrilling triumphs of athletes preparing for county trials and new opportunities.

Each step and each story only fuels my desire to continue helping more people and providing new and informative content for my clients, followers and listeners.

Navigating the complexities of competition, I've realised that self-awareness is undoubtedly one of the most valuable qualities in a coaches arsenal.

I touch on that, but I also dive into detail around my own process for goal-setting and feedback, diving into the art of self-assessment and the importance of recognising the thin line between self-perception and reality.

I speak again about how a relevant needs analysis can unmask your potential and the transformative impact of consistent practice and new behaviour implementation.

Finally, I give you guys insights into the many valuable shadowing opportunities that I’ve had so far in Oz. I provide insights into my trips to NRL club, Wests Tigers, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and my experience in Melbourne with AFL club, Collingwood FC and two private gym facilities as well.

These insights cut through the noise, painting a picture of what it takes to nurture a growth mindset within the bustling ecosystem of a performance team.

Join me as I share what lessons I’ve learned on my travels so far, with many more to come I’m sure!

Time-stamps

0:00 Update and Success Stories in Australia

6:29 Goal Setting and Seeking Feedback

9:46 Personal Growth and Sporting Experiences

22:36 Coaching, Culture, and Performance Staff Importance

31:22 Coaching and Gym Observations and Experiences

44:17 March Membership Availability and Mentorship Introduction

Join us on episode 135 of the podcast as we are joined for a conversation on athletic mastery by Shane Lehane, esteemed athletic development coach for the Sydney Swans. 

From the rugged fields of Leicester Tigers to the exhilarating pitches of the Melbourne Rebels, Shane shares his 18-year journey through the world of S&C, blending physical prowess with tactical understanding of game-demands.

Discover the cultural fabric and communication styles that Irish coaches like Shane weave into the Australian sports tapestry, enhancing team dynamics and coaching effectiveness in ways that textbook strategies never could.

Shane recounts his transition from elite rugby union to his current role Australian rules football. His candid reflections on self-discovery and the challenges of mastering a new sport provide valuable lessons for any young coaches entering the industry.

Discover how his Irish heritage shapes his coaching philosophy and fuels his courage to share innovative methodologies with peers and players alike.

Shane recounts insightful reflections on strength and conditioning, and his invaluable advice for aspiring athletes and coaches navigating the competitive landscape.

Each chapter of our conversation unveils philosophical insights that embrace fluidity over rigidity, respecting the nuanced artistry of training.

Join us for an enlightening episode that transcends physical training, delving into the essence of coaching and how we can effectively combine game models, physical preparation and psychological conditioning to develop well-rounded athletes that are capable of playing the game at the highest level possible.

Time-Stamps

0:00 Exploring Systems Thinking in Team Sports

11:54 The Evolution of Athletic Development Coaching

19:59 Team Performance in a New Environment

28:52 Tactical Periodization and Evaluating Athletic Role

36:57 Coaching Skills and Overcoming Presentation Reluctance

40:15 Multiple Perspectives in Strength Conditioning

52:56 Understanding Context and Nuance in Training

1:06:22 Advice for Breaking Into the Industry

Joining the conversation this week is Graeme Morris. Graeme is an Athletic Development Coach & leads the Rehab program at NRL powerhouse, Wests Tigers.

This is Graeme’s second appearance on the podcast, so we had a lot to talk about, as we sat down in the Tigers’ facility for a conversation about all things to do with his role, the coaching team and the amazing culture at the Tigers!

With the competitive season on the horizon, we spoke about what excites Graeme the most about waking up for work every morning and his aspirations for the season ahead.

Graeme also leads the speed and agility portion of the Tigers’ program, so we spent some time conversing about what he’s been interested by and has been observing of late.

We delve into the art of tailoring training to the individual, while never losing sight of the team's overarching game plan.

It's a delicate dance of precision and adaptability, and we offer a peek behind the curtain of what it takes to keep an elite rugby league squad at its peak, both physically and psychologically.

But beyond the field, we chart Graeme’s personal journey over the last couple of years as he’s transitioned from working for himself, to landing his dream job in team-sport.

If you’re a coach or athlete involved in team-sport, then this episode should have some nuggets of wisdom within the incredibly real conversation we had!

What a way to kick off season 4!

Time-Stamps

0:07 Authenticity, Rehab, Speed, and Excitement

13:56 Professional Athlete Training and Team Culture

23:19 Speed and Agility Coaching in Rugby

35:17 Coaching Approach and Authenticity

39:11 Authenticity and Purpose in Coaching

51:02 Lessons Learned in Coaching and Life

1:00:13 Advice for Younger Self Lessons Learned

Get ready to be transported from the rolling green fields of Kerry to the dynamic, fast-paced world of Australian Rules Football.

We have two former Kerry footballers, Paris McCarty and Julie O'Sullivan, who now don the red and white of Sydney Swans, sharing their incredible journey on this podcast.

They offer a sneak peek into their training regime, their Irish origins, and the stark reality of limited professional sports opportunities in Kerry that spurred their move Down Under. 

Drawing parallels between Gaelic football, Australian Rules Football, and basketball. 

This isn't a mere chatter about their transition from Gaelic football to AFL, but a profound conversation on pre-season training, recuperation from injuries, and the relentless pursuit to stay on top.

It's about the grit, the sweat, and the sheer willpower, wrapped in motivational anecdotes. 

The episode doesn't stop there. We also delve into the nuances of different coaching styles across continents.

Our guests open up about the transparency, personal connection, and relentless drive their Australian coach brings to the game while highlighting the stark contrast with the US coaching style experienced by Paris during her D1 collegiate basketball career.

The conversation eventually navigates to their strengths, weaknesses, unforgettable moments, and their aspirations.

So, tune in and immerse yourself in the world of women's AFL, the life of professional athletes, and their indomitable spirit.

Time-Stamps

0:07 - AFLW and Kerry Football Journey

10:21 - Athletes' Experience in New York

15:52 - Skills in AFL and Gaelic Football

25:25 - Pre-Season Challenges and Game Importance

30:25 - Management and Coaching Styles

34:41 - Women's Australian Rules Football Strategies

47:54 - Irish Athletes on AFLW and Journeys

1:01:03 - Take Opportunities, Never Settle

With my impending move to Australia on the horizon, today’s solo episode covers my plans for the immediate future as transition the bulk of my business online. 

I'll share the ups, downs, and all the in-betweens of this huge life shift, including potential opportunities this move might bring and the importance of prioritising mental health amidst change.

You'll also hear about my exciting plans to launch a virtual course/ mentorship program this coming January.

I cover athletic development and coaching eye in detail and outline how you can create a comprehensive and time-efficient process for improving speed and change of direction.

I'll share my experiences, insights, and some practical tips on topics like understanding biomechanics, effective communication with athletes, goal setting, and the gap that often exists in the middle to late stages of rehab and return to performance.

We'll also discuss the different archetypes of athletes and how to tailor their training to individualise their process and thus improve their performance. 

I also go through the infrasternal angles and how knowing what to look for  in relation to athlete characteristics has influenced my thought-process for development of speed and change of direction abilities.

We'll talk about how wide ISAs have a natural advantage in change of direction tasks due to their wider stance and ability to generate high forces, but we'll also discuss the potential strain and risks that come along as a result of their poorer reactivity.

I'll also reveal some common injuries seen in these athletes and discuss the impact of incorporating reactive and plyometric work into their training.

If you're currently perplexed by athlete archetypes and don’t know where to start when it comes to coaching eye for speed development, you definitely don't want to miss this.

Join Petey Performance: peteyperformance.com 

Time-Stamps

0:07 - Moving to Australia and Future Ventures

12:45 - Designing a Comprehensive Athlete Training Program

20:19 - Wide ISAs and Running Mechanics Effects

24:41 - Gaelic Games Sprinting Techniques Analysis

35:37 - Identifying Overrotators and Underrotators

39:24 - Frontside and Backside Mechanics in Athletic

46:16 - Connections and Coaching in Australia

Get ready to lace up your football boots and step onto the pitch as Rory and I take you through his recent Monaghan Senior County Championship win.

We invite you into the team huddle as we speak about Scotstown's championship journey, revealing how he handled the post-game press, safeguarded team strategies, and navigated the recovery period.

As he reveals the highs and lows of their victory, you'll gain insight into the intense competitiveness of Monaghan Senior club football, the importance of a deep and diverse panel, and Scotstown's secrets to in-team harmony.

But the football talk doesn't stop at the club championships. We discuss how they've been preparing for the upcoming Ulster club championship, revealing the unique strategies for maintaining focus and keeping intensity high.

We also delve into the evolving goalkeeping role, with Rory sharing his thoughts on shot stopping, kicking, and high balling techniques that feature prominently in modern games. 

As we wrap up, Rory and I take a break from the game to share some of the life lessons he's gleaned from his career on the pitch so far.

He underscores the importance of life beyond football, and discusses how to strike the balance between being a competitive athlete and maintaining his mental health.

This conversation is a testament to the complexities of football and life, revealing how to navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories in both.

So, strap on your shin guards, press play, and join us for an engaging, in-depth conversation on the beautiful game.

Join the GAA Gamespeed Blueprint: peteyperformance.com 

Time-Stamps 

0:02 - Post-Championship Victory and Recovery Discussion

5:38 - Challenges and Depth in Club Championships

14:31 - Achievements, Leadership, and Future Goals

22:17 - Challenges and Expectations in Ulster Championship

26:57 - Friendship and Leadership in Gaelic Football

33:36 - The Evolution of Goalkeeper Role

44:57 - Shot Stopping and Kick Outs in Gaelic Football

52:50 - Penalty Shootouts and the Desire to Win 

1:01:58 - Achievements, Athletes, and Life Lessons

1:10:05 - Scotstown's Club Championship Victory

This episode is from a guest appearance on The DGR Podcast with David Grey.

We speak about my approach to coaching and my focus on late-stage rehab, running mechanics, and return to performance.

I share my personal experiences as both an athlete and a coach and I go into detail on how coaches' words and actions can greatly influence our athletes and clients.

We speak a lot about business, exploring the hybrid model of in-person and online coaching.

We delve into why movement matters in training and why some may be oblivious to the value of external feedback through the use of video, despite it's importance.

On the same note, we talk about how to systemise late-stage rehab for maximal efficiency.

I share my insights on how to assess and improve an athlete's technique, emphasising the importance of coach-athlete relationships and how they can be used to enhance performance.

Finally, we turn the spotlight on some recent tough decisions that I've made including why I turned down an head inter-county job. 

We discuss how saying “no” can open doors for personal and professional growth and how building a solid brand can influence your career trajectory.

Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or just intrigued by the business of sports performance, this episode promises to be an enlightening journey.

Join the GAA Gamespeed Blueprint: peteyperformance.com 

Time Stamps

0:02 - Sports Performance Coaching and Business Insights

8:15 - The Impact of Mindset on Performance

19:43 - Impact of Online Coaching and Movement

34:30 - Improve Coaching and Systemize Rehab Programs

42:39 - Coaching and Influencing in Athletic Training

47:57 - Job Decision

59:21 - Collaboration and Equipment in Performance Training

1:04:04 - Sports Injury, Future Plans in Australia

Join us for a candid and insightful discussion with a player who I've coached for the last couple of years and a good friend/teammate, Siobhán McGrath, as we walk down memory lane, reminiscing about our past seasons and her recent retirement from senior club football.

Siobhan opens up about the mounting mental pressures her team faced after unexpected triumphs, and how they've navigated the highs and lows of the game.

As we delve deeper into our conversation, Siobhan shares riveting anecdotes from her time with the Dublin senior ladies, painting a vivid picture of the adrenaline, nerves, and pressure that colour every game.

We pivot towards the subject of mental awareness in sports, shining a spotlight on player roles and the essentiality of a warrior mentality.

We also dive into how communication influences a team's performance and how Siobhan developed her football skills over time.

Finally, we engage in an enlightening discussion about Siobhan’s decision to retire, the expectations of the Dublin panel, and her dreams of winning a senior title with Thomas Davis.

We explore the importance of goal setting, the spirit of community in Thomas Davis, and the challenges of striking a balance between work and play.

Rounding up, we emphasise the significance of embracing enjoyment in life, learning from feedback, and cherishing the people and moments around us.

Don't miss out on this comprehensive exploration of Gaelic Football, retirement reflections, and the pursuit of balance and joy in life.

Purchase the GAA Gamespeed Blueprint Here!

Time-Stamps

0:07 - Club Season and Retirement Reflections

12:28 - Pressure and Performance in Sports

17:52 - Mental Awareness in Sports

23:27 - Communication in Football Development

28:07 - Player Management in Gaelic Football Evolution

41:01 - Retirement and Reflecting on Achievements

48:41 - Goal Setting and Community Spirit

1:02:33 - Finding Balance and Enjoyment in Life