Description:

Join hosts Jason Weber and Darren Burgess as they delve into the intense world of elite sports. From the passion of local rivalries to the harsh realities of contract renewals, they share personal insights and advice for aspiring professionals. Discover how to handle career transitions, the importance of maintaining a strong network, and the value of humility in high-pressure environments.

Key Topics:

The intensity of local sports rivalries Navigating contract renewals and career transitions The importance of emotional resilience and networking Tips for crafting a standout resume and acing interviews

00:00 Introduction and Rivalry in AFL

08:12 Emotional Connection to Jobs and Identity

20:21 Interview Tips and Building Confidence

Summary

In this conversation, Jason Weber and Darren discuss the current state of the AFL, focusing on the scrutiny faced by high performance staff during injury crises. They explore the dynamics of job security in the sports industry, the importance of monitoring and injury prevention, and the pressures from external narratives. The discussion emphasizes the need for practitioners to stick to their processes while navigating challenges in a complex environment.

Takeaways

Chapters
02:32 High Performance Staff and Injury Scrutiny
05:12 Industry Dynamics and Job Security
07:48 Crisis Management in Sports
10:10 Monitoring and Injury Prevention
12:49 Navigating External Pressures
15:15 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

Summary

In this episode, Jason Weber discusses the significance of personal philosophy in coaching, the importance of building relationships and trust with athletes, and the need for coaches to develop their skills over time. He emphasizes that coaching is not just about imparting knowledge but also about understanding and connecting with athletes on a personal level. The conversation highlights the journey of self-discovery and the continuous learning process that comes with being a coach.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Creating for Yourself: The True Essence of Art

09:51 The Dangers of Imitation in Pursuit of Success

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For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

The book I mentioned in the Podcast was "Steal like and artist" which is an easy read but packs a great message.

Summary

In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', hosts Jason Weber and Darren discuss the evolving landscape of coaching, the importance of side hustles in the sports community, and the rising trends in sports injuries, particularly focusing on tendon health. They are joined by guest Alec Buttfield, who shares insights on load management in baseball and the challenges of quantifying hidden loads in AFL. The conversation delves into the impact of fatigue on performance and the necessity of embracing chaos in training to better prepare athletes for the unpredictable nature of sports.

 Takeaways

 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Coaching Dynamics

02:33 The Rise of Side Hustles in Coaching

05:18 Injury Trends in Sports: A Focus on Tendons

07:45 Guest Introduction: Insights from Alec Buttfield

10:42 Load Management in Baseball vs. AFL

13:04 Hidden Loads and Injury Prevention

15:53 Fatigue and Performance: The Hidden Risks

18:41 Embracing Chaos in Training

21:28 Conclusion and Future Discussions

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For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

Summary

In this podcast, Jason Weber discusses the intricacies of athletic performance and the importance of individualized training programs. He emphasizes the need for coaches to understand the unique characteristics of each athlete and how technology, like SpeedSig, can aid in this understanding. Insights from renowned coach Stu McMillan are highlighted, showcasing a coaching philosophy that prioritizes athlete individuality over a one-size-fits-all approach. The discussion also touches on the balance of variability in training and the ultimate goal of improving athlete performance while preventing injuries.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Individual Movement Patterns

12:27 The Role of Coaches in Movement Optimization

12:38 Understanding the Athlete's Needs

15:16 Philosophical Approaches to Coaching

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For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

Summary

In this conversation, Jason Weber discusses the complexities of asymmetry in athletic recovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding an athlete's unique signature and the role of technology in measuring performance. He critiques traditional methods of assessing recovery and advocates for a data-driven approach to rehabilitation, particularly through his company, SpeedSig. The discussion highlights the need for accurate measurements to inform recovery strategies and improve athletic performance.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Asymmetry in Return to Play

09:59 The Role of Pre-Injury Symmetry

10:13 Understanding Asymmetry in Athletes

15:36 Rehabilitation Insights and Speed Measurement

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For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

Summary

In this episode of 'Two Coaches and a Coffee', Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss various aspects of sports coaching, focusing on themes of humility, team dynamics, mental resilience, and the importance of training volume versus intensity. They share insights from their experiences in the AFL and with the Socceroos, emphasizing the challenges athletes face, including travel and performance pressure. The conversation highlights the significance of mental toughness and resilience in achieving success in professional sports.

Takeaways

• Humility is essential in coaching and personal growth.

• Team dynamics can be affected by significant losses.

• Physical training alone may not address mental challenges.

• Mental resilience is crucial for athletes after defeats.

• Training volume should not be overlooked in favour of intensity.

• Professional athletes often face immense travel challenges.

• The Socceroos displayed professionalism in their training.

• Building resilience can come from enduring hardship.

• Athletes need to be aware of their mental state during training.

• Coaching requires a balance of physical and mental preparation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Humility Discussion

05:58 Mental Resilience in Sports

11:53 Socceroos Preparation and Professionalism

18:00 Conclusion and Reflections on Resilience

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For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

Summary

In this episode, Jason Weber discusses the critical role of humility in leadership within high-performance sports. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, communication, and mentorship among professionals in the field. Jason shares insights on how to effectively work with others, the significance of sharing knowledge, and the need for humility in leadership roles. He encourages listeners to bring their intellect and experience while also being open to learning from others, ultimately fostering a more cohesive and effective working environment.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Humility in Leadership

09:11 Bridging the Gap Between Professions

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For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

Professional coaches face immense pressure from above, with owners and board members often questioning decisions without understanding the complex factors involved. We explore strategies for managing these challenging relationships and discuss new approaches to measuring athletic workload across different competitive environments.

• Building a strong career in sports coaching requires significant work and sacrifice
• Owners can create inappropriate pressure, as seen when Nottingham Forest's owner berated their coach publicly
• Presenting to boards is challenging when they lack the technical understanding to grasp complex performance data
• Establishing clear processes and KPIs from day one creates a foundation for communication
• "Drip feeding" education to leadership during non-crisis periods builds understanding
• Not all game minutes are equal - 60 minutes in a top-tier match is physically different than in a lower-stakes game
• Future load management may combine linear measurements with analysis of body positioning and mechanical stress
• Developing metrics for contested efforts helps distinguish between different types of physical demands

Check Out

For more on leadership and technical development check out OLDBULL PERFORMANCE.

Drop us a message and let us know what you'd like us to discuss!

Every sports season has a rhythm—the excitement of early games, the midseason grind, and the intensity of the final stretch. In this candid conversation, two veteran coaches unpack the challenges of navigating that critical middle phase when, as they perfectly describe it, you're "in the back straight, already full of acid" like a 400-meter runner realizing there's still a long way to go.

Drawing from decades of experience working with elite athletes across multiple sports, our coaches share practical wisdom on player management during this demanding period. They explore the critical distinction between reducing training volume while maintaining intensity—a strategy that has kept stars like Patrick Dangerfield performing at their peak despite advancing years. Rather than prescribing universal approaches, they emphasize understanding each athlete's unique physical profile: "The key to managing players through these tough periods is knowing what they're like at a deep level. Are they speed-oriented? Are they distance guys?"

The conversation takes a refreshingly honest turn when the coaches discuss their own strategies for maintaining mental and physical wellbeing during grueling seasons. From Transcendental Meditation to personalized recovery routines, they share what works while cautioning against blindly following trending wellness practices. Most poignantly, they address the challenge of protecting family life amid professional demands: "Don't leave your best at work," one coach urges, acknowledging that balancing elite sport with personal life requires intentionality.

Whether you're a coach, athlete, or professional navigating your own version of the midseason grind, this episode offers valuable perspective on sustaining performance while preserving what matters most. How do you maintain intensity when fatigue sets in? What personal practices keep you centered during demanding periods? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

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