The Athletic Evolution Podcast

By Rob AndersonSports

The Athletic Evolution Podcast episodes

April 01, 2021Jamie Bowie (Scottish Gymnastics): Is physical ability overrated?
Jamie Bowie is a former 400m GB and Team Scotland athlete, Jamie was part of the team that won silver at the World Indoor Championships in the 4x400m relay. Now turning his hand to coaching, the former internationalist has worked with athletes at pathway level in both athletics and rugby and now works for Scottish Gymnastics as a Performance Manager for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 and towards the Birmingham 2022 Games. Continuing, to progress his coaching he currently coaches Double World Champion and Paralympic sprinter Maria Lyle ahead of the postponed Tokyo Paralympic Games.

In this episode Jamie discusses:
Not being a "talented" youngster and how the 400m found him.
Not getting carried away by physical abilities in adolescence.
The personal characteristics he looks for in athletes.
The challenge of selecting athletes for development vs performance at youth level.
The similarities between the 4x400m relay and Artistic Gymnastics.
The importance of investing in both coaches and athletes.
Long term coach-athlete relationships.

You can keep up to date with Jamie via his Instagram account: @jkb400 and @coach.bowie as well as via his Twitter account: @Bowie2Bowie .

As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
54 min
March 26, 2021Dan Jefferson (Sports Authority of India): Boxing from Bannockburn to Bangalore.
Dan Jefferson is currently working with the Sports Authority of India as the Head of Strength and Conditioning with the boxing federation, specifically supporting the Male and Female Olympic teams for Tokyo 2021. Prior to this Dan was the Senior Strength & Conditioning coach at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), India, where he led the IIS Boxing programme. Prior to making the international move, Dan worked as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Sport Scotland Institute of Sport where he was the national lead for their boxing & badminton programmes, alongside multi-sport delivery in a variety of sports including golf, cricket, swimming, snowboarding & freestyle skiing. Dan is an accredited coach with the United Kingdom Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and a graduate of Sport & Exercise Science from Abertay University Dundee, Scotland.

In this episode Dan discusses:
How starting as a boxing coach helped him develop his coaching skills.
The transferable lessons he learnt from working on a building site into a multidisciplinary support department.
The culture shock he experienced moving from Scotland to India and his initial doubts.
How coaching in a different language challenges your coaching skills.
The importance and significance of trying to learn the language.
The similarities and differences between coaching in India vs Scotland.
Tokyo Olympics and beyond.

You can keep up to date with Dan via Instagram: @jeffersonperformance and LinkedIn .

As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
1 hr 15 min
March 19, 2021Jason Avelar (Prescott Junior High School): The Motivation Factor Legacy
Jason Avelar has been a PE teacher for the last 8 years at Prescott Junior High School, considered one of the best physical education schools in America. Prescott was featured in the popular documentary “The Motivation Factor” which stresses the importance of being physically active and explores the unique PE program founded at La Sierra High School in the 1960's. Jason holds Bachelor's in Science in Physical Education from the University of Mary, as well as a Masters in Best Practices from National University. He has been a Physical Education Teacher for 12 years, High School Football Coach for 12 years, as well a Junior High School Basketball and Track coach 8 years. He is also a Blue Belt in Jiu Jitsu.

In this episode Jason discusses:
How he found his own escape in sport and exercise in his youth.
The Fitness based model of PE Curriculum delivered at Prescott.
The unique system of coloured shorts or "trunks" to identify physical achievements.
How the program was altered for younger age groups and those who don't "level up"
How recording personal records and progress across 20 fitness tests is motivating for adolescents.
How this personal improvement translates into other academic areas.

You can keep up to date with Jason via Instagram: @coach_ave34 and Prescott Pride via @prescottpride . You can read Jason's article on Strong First here and learn more about the Motivation Factor Documentary here.

As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
59 min
March 12, 2021Oliver Morgan (Celtic FC Academy): Creating autonomy in a professional football academy.
Oliver Morgan holds a BSc Sport & Exercise Sciences from University of Birmingham, an MRes in Talent Identification from Coventry University and is currently completing a Professional Doctorate at Liverpool John Moores investigating CODs match demands. He spent 8 seasons at Liverpool FC holding a variety of roles across a variety of squads. From U12s-16s squads and from General Sports Scientist to Rehabilitation Fitness Coach. In January 2019 he moved onto to take the role of Head of Academy Sport Science at Celtic FC.

In this episode Oliver discusses:
The difference between philosophy and strategy.
His process of Diagnosis, Guiding Policy and Coherent Action.
Keeping the best interests of the player at the centre of decision making.
Celtic's aim of creating Champions League standard players and the extreme demands required.
The 4 component parts of a Champions League player.
Giving athletes choice and why autonomy plays such a large part at the academy.

You can keep up to date with Oliver via Twitter: @oliverjohnm .

As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
52 min
March 05, 2021Dan Lonsdale: What can gymnastics and S&C learn from each other?
Dan Lonsdale is an S&C coach from the UK with 9 years' experience working at university level preparing some of the country's top student performance sport athletes. In 2018 Dan Lonsdale Gymnastics Strength & Conditioning was founded with the vision of creating an encouraging environment in which young gymnasts can thrive in, whilst applying the latest research in the simplest manner in order to enhance performance and protect them from injury. Since then, Dan is now the go to S&C consultant for gymnastics clubs across the UK.

In this episode Dan discusses:
How a rugby lad ended up working in gymnastics.
His concept of "layering" for differentiation in sessions.
Why this can take years to accumulate the experience to know what progressions/regressions work best.
The difference between working in a traditional environment like gymnastics vs teamsports.
The importance of proper landing mechanics in gymnastics.
What S&C could bring to Gymnastics.
What gymnastics can bring to S&C programs of other sports.

You can keep up to date with Dan via his website www.danlonsdale.com or via Instagram: @danlonsdalesc .

As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
45 min
February 26, 2021Dr Andrew Pichardo (Tyler Legacy High School): Bringing Strength training into Secondary School.
Dr Andrew Pichardo is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Tyler Legacy High School, located in East Texas. After coaching stops with the University of Florida, IMG Academy, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Olympic Training Center, Andrew obtained his PhD from Auckland University of Technology, where he worked to implement and research the effects of a resistance training program into secondary school curriculum.

In this episode Andrew discusses:
How his coaching is driven by a wider desire to help others.
His role at Tyler Legacy High School, coaching sessions for up to 80 athletes at a time.
How a PhD opportunity with AUT Millenium lead to him moving across the world to New Zealand.
An overview of his PhD research.
How he tried to ensure his research articles gave practical applications for youth S&C Coaches.

You can learn more about Andrew's work by visiting his Research Gate profile or by following him on Instagram: @andrew.pichardo and Twitter: @andrewpichardo6 .

As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
57 min
February 19, 2021Gordon MacLelland (Working with Parents in Sport): Navigating the Parent & Coach Relationship.
Gordon MacLelland set up ‘Working with Parents in Sport’ after 20 years as a teacher and as a coach to all age levels from 7 year olds to adults. He has a BA/Hons degree in Sports Science from University College Chester and a PGCE from Lancaster University. He is a qualified teacher and has been Director of Sport at an independent prep school in the UK for the last 13 years. He has worked in schools in both the UK and New Zealand for the last 16 years. He is the author of three books, ‘Two Hats’ – a book for parent coaches who are coaching or thinking of coaching their own children, ‘Great Sports Parenting’ – A pocket guide for parents of children in sport and ‘Engage’ – A coaches guide to building positive relationships with parents. In recent times he has become a parent to two children and the early sporting experiences of his own children prompted him to set up the company as well as write the three books above. As a speaker he brings a wealth of experience to working with organisations, coaches and parents gathered through 20 years as a teacher and coach as well as a parent currently involved in children’s sport.

In this episode Gordon discusses:
His own conflicting emotions as a sport parent early in his son's life.
Making information accessible and applicable for sport parents.
No one trains coaches to engage with parents.
Why parents should inform themselves on child development.
Parental doubts and the fear of missing out (FOMO).
The dual roles of a Parent who is also Coaching.
Managing the Coach/Parent relationship.

You can learn more about the Gordon's work by visiting www.parentsinsport.co.uk or by following Working with Parents in Sport on Facebook and Twitter via @wwpis .

As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
47 min
February 12, 2021Dr Jeff Cullen (Scottish Rugby): Taking the confusion out of Concussion
Dr Jeff Cullen has been heavily involved in providing medical support in rugby for many years, both at club and international level. He recently contributed to an article on Concussion management on the British Journal of Sports Medicine Blog. I was privileged to work alongside him in this previous Scotland U16 and U17 Age grade programs.

In this episode Jeff discusses:
How we should view concussion as a traumatic brain injury.
The Symptoms and Signs of concussion to look out for.
How concussions can develop over minutes, hours or even days.
Why scrum caps and helmets don't necessarily reduce concussion risk.
How concussed athletes become susceptible to future concussions.
Why the Graded Return to Play (GRTP) is dependant on symptoms and not just time elapsed.
The importance of knowing the correct guidelines and "If in doubt, sit them out."

You can access the Sport Scotland Concussion guidelines here: https://sportscotland.org.uk/media/3382/concussionreport2018.pdf .
You can keep up to date with Jeff by following him on Twitter: @jeffcullen0 .
As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
44 min
February 05, 2021Ruben Nieves (Positive Coaching Alliance): What is a Positive Coach?
Ruben Nieves is the Director of Training for Positive Coaching Alliance, responsible for overseeing the training and support of PCA trainers around the US. Ruben earned his Masters Degree in Education from Stanford University in 1982. He coached collegiate volleyball for 18 years including stints as the Head Men's Coach at Stanford and the Head Women's Coach at Fresno State. Ruben was twice named NCAA Men's Volleyball Coach of the Year, in 1992 and 1997. He guided Stanford to the Cardinal's first men's volleyball NCAA championship in 1997. Ruben also has extensive experience and success in international volleyball. He spent the summer of 2001 as Head Coach of the USA Men's Volleyball World University Games Team which captured the Gold Medal in Beijing, China, thus becoming the first and only American squad in history to accomplish this feat.
In addition, Ruben has seven years of physical education teaching experience at all levels K-12. As a parent, coach or official, he has been involved in many youth sports including track and field, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, swimming, water polo, football, tennis and cross-country.
Ruben has worked with Positive Coaching Alliance since 2001 and has presented over 500 PCA workshops.

In this episode Ruben discusses:
His fortunate opportunity to break into coaching at Stanford as an interim Head Coach.
Winning NCAA coach of the year and taking the reigns at the World University Games in Beijing.
How he got involved with the PCA
How the PCA focusses on coaches, administrators, parents and athletes to change the culture of youth sport.
The importance of Double Goal Coaches and Triple Impact Competitors.
Some of the guiding principles including ELM, E-tank and ROOTS.
How positive coaching isn't just for recreational or youth sports.
The role of legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson as a spokesperson for PCA.

You can learn more about the Positive Coaching Alliance work by visiting www.positivecoach.org as well as access resources at www.pcadevzone.org or by following Positive Coaching Alliance on Instagram: @positivecoachus .

As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
48 min
January 29, 2021Stephen Sommerville (Movement Park): A unique environment for Physical Literacy development.
For the past 40 years, the sport of Judo has consumed Stephen's life in one way or another; as a successful competitive player, infamous national development coach and for a number of years a key member of the Education Development Team for the Scottish Governing Body of Judo, JudoScotland. Stephen is very proud of his reputation as one of Scotland’s most innovative program developers which he developed during his time at JudoScotland.

Now on a journey of leadership and conscious social understanding, Stephen is determined to make a difference to society with the charity Movement Park. The SCIO formed in April 2015 and the vision is to create a culture where the wealth of the community is judged on the health of the community.

With a passion for Long Term People Development and Movement Competencies, Stephen is seeking to bring this to a community within Glasgow helping individuals understand and realise the importance of staying active for life and moving well. With his experience and knowledge, Stephen has no doubt that this can be achieved and is determined to do so in his own rather unconventional and quirky way.

In this episode Stephen discusses:
How an engaging and inspiring role model helped him fall in love with Judo.
His career as a Performance and Development coach.
How his interest in Physical Literacy and Fundamental movements grew over time.
Stepping off the Mat as a fulltime Judo Coach.
The catalyst for starting "Movement Park".
The importance of building competence and confidence in young children.
Giving children the opportunities to experience different movements and sports at the same venue.
The daily schedule at Movement Park as well as the groups and coaches involved.

You can learn more about Movement Park work by visiting www.movementpark.org or by following Movement Park on Instagram: @movement_park .
As always you can keep up to date with Athletic Evolution via our website, Instagram and Twitter.
55 min

About The Athletic Evolution Podcast

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A podcast for Parents, Sports Coaches, PE Teachers, Support staff and anyone else interested in Youth Athletic Development! Our mission is to support grassroots coaches in the development of youth athletes.

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The Athletic Evolution Podcast

The Athletic Evolution Podcast episodes

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