#Bitesize - How to programme isometric training with athletes with Alex Natera

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob and Yoeri Pegel discuss the unique challenges and demands faced by goalkeepers in modern football, particularly in the context of Yoeri's transition from Ajax to San Diego FC. They explore the specialized training required for goalkeepers, the evolving role of goalkeepers in the game, and the importance of tailored strength and conditioning programs. The discussion also touches on the testing and monitoring of goalkeeper performance, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of their physical demands and the future of goalkeeper training. In this conversation, Yoeri discusses the intricacies of training and testing for goalkeepers, focusing on lateral movement, physical capacities, and the differences in training compared to outfield players. He emphasizes the importance of profiling athletes to tailor training programs effectively, the significance of frontal plane strength, and the role of plyometrics in goalkeeper performance. Yoeri also shares his future aspirations for developing assessment methods and training techniques for goalkeepers. Main talking points: Goalkeeper training is often less specialized in strength and conditioning compared to outfield players. Plyometrics should be integrated into goalkeeper training. Assessing upper extremity strength is important for goalkeepers. Training should be periodized based on practice demands. Deep tier plyometrics can enhance force production at speed. Lateral jump capacity is crucial for goalkeepers' performance.

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Loren Landow discusses his extensive experience in the performance field, including his transition from business ownership to his current role at Notre Dame. He emphasizes the importance of a team approach in rehabilitation, the integration of various disciplines, and the balance between art and science in the rehabilitation process. Loren shares insights on the industry's evolution regarding return to play protocols, the significance of maintaining engagement during rehabilitation, and the criteria for progression in recovery. In this conversation, Loren Landow discusses the intricacies of rehabilitation, focusing on movement patterns, the significance of the foot and ankle, and the mechanics of deceleration. He emphasizes the importance of investigating movement, restoring ankle dorsiflexion, and building intensity in training. The dialogue also covers the integration of reactivity in rehabilitation, the assessment of asymmetry, and the collaboration required for effective return to play processes. Landow highlights the need for ongoing communication and involvement even after athletes reintegrate into practice. Main talking points: There is an art to rehabilitation that goes beyond numerical models. Good collaborative teams yield the best outcomes in return to play. Experienced coaches should lead return to play situations. Restoring rhythm and stability is crucial in the initial stages of rehab. Deceleration mechanics are essential for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Intensity in training should be based on the athlete's needs, not just external loads. Reactivity should be introduced early in the rehabilitation process.

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Tyler Lesher, head athletic trainer for UCLA men's basketball, discusses the current state of athletic training in the US, the importance of gut health in recovery, and the challenges faced by athletic trainers. He emphasizes the need for a balance between research and clinical practice, the gut-brain connection, and practical interventions for improving gut health. Tyler also shares insights on assessing gut health and the significance of testing for athletes. Main talking points: • Athletic training jobs are declining due to various factors. • Gut health is crucial for overall recovery and performance. • Research can often be biased and not applicable to real-world scenarios. • Chronic inflammation can hinder recovery processes. • Fasting and cold water immersion can improve gut health. • The gut-brain axis significantly affects mental health. • Personalized testing is essential for understanding individual gut health. • Athletes should keep a food and symptom journal to identify triggers. • Interventions for gut health should be tailored to the individual. • Communication with athletes about nutrition is vital for their performance.

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob welcomes back Enda King to discuss the complexities of athletic hip and groin pain. He explores the upcoming conference where Enda will present on leading hip and groin issues, delve into the challenges of diagnosing and managing these injuries, and discuss the importance of understanding the underlying causes of pain. Enda shares insights from his role in Doha at Aspetar, focusing on clinical pathways and the evolution of rehabilitation practices. The conversation highlights the significance of a comprehensive assessment and the need for tailored rehabilitation strategies to effectively address groin pain in athletes. In this conversation, Enda discusses the complexities of managing groin pain in athletes, emphasizing the importance of understanding movement patterns and asymmetries. He outlines strategies for assessing and monitoring recovery, as well as injury prevention techniques. The discussion also touches on the evolution of rehabilitation practices and the trends observed in the field over the past five years. Main talking points: Diagnosis of groin pain is complicated due to variability in symptoms and anatomy Hip and groin pain involves a combination of load, biomechanics, and anatomy Surgical options for groin pain are limited and often unnecessary Failed rehab often results from a narrow focus on pain rather than underlying issues Effective rehabilitation requires identifying all contributing factors to pain Assessment should include both strength and motor control evaluations Asymmetry in movement is crucial for injury assessment Pain provocation tests are key indicators of RTP progress Rotational abdominal work is vital for injury prevention Understanding human movement as a skill is essential

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob interviews David Clancy, who shares insights into the recruitment landscape within high-performance sports. David discusses his background in sports medicine and physiotherapy, his role at Next Level Group, and the intricacies of building relationships in recruitment. He elaborates on the recruitment process, the importance of understanding client needs, and the significance of ongoing support for placed candidates. The conversation also touches on the evolving expectations around education in the field and how candidates can stand out in a competitive job market. In this conversation, David Clancy discusses the importance of defining one's unique proposition in career development, the value of accreditations, essential character traits for success in high-pressure environments, the role of references in recruitment, and the evolving landscape of salary expectations in performance roles. Clancy emphasizes the need for professionals to articulate their unique contributions and to be aware of industry standards regarding qualifications and compensation. Main talking points: The recruitment landscape in high-performance sports is competitive and relationship-driven. The recruitment process involves co-creating job specifications with clients. Post-placement support is important for ensuring candidate success. Standing out in a competitive job market requires more than just education. Understanding your unique proposition is crucial for career advancement. Accreditations are essential, especially early in your career. Professionals should actively seek to understand their market value.

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob speaks to Romain Tourillon who discusses the misconceptions around general understanding, testing and training of the foot and ankle sports performance and rehabilitation. Romain shares insights from his PhD research, emphasizing the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, the significance of holistic evaluation methods, and the need for dynamic training protocols. He highlights that although isometric training has a big place in the training of the foot and ankle, its not the only tool in the toolbox. He dives into the different testing protocols which target the various different areas of the foot based on its function. Romain goes into detail on soleus, tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior testing, citing his work with the Royal Ballet as an example of how these protocols can improve an organisations testing battery. Main talking points: Intrinsic muscles are often overemphasized in training Extrinsic muscles play a larger role in force production Dynamic contractions, not just isometrics are necessary for building calf strength Isometric training alone is insufficient for optimal performance The foot and ankle are frequently underloaded in training regimens How to assess the soleus, tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob interviews Josh Nelson, the Director of Performance Science for the Atlanta Falcons. Josh shares his journey from a coaching family to his current role, discussing the key qualities he prioritizes when training quarterbacks. He delves into the differences between in-season and off-season training, the importance of upper body strength, and how he assesses movement quality. The importance of a multifaceted testing regime is highlighted, with reference to implementing training strategies guided by testing data. Josh also talks about managing backup quarterbacks, innovations in training such as blood flow restriction (BFR), and the significance of transferring training to the field. Quarterbacks should be treated as athletes rather than just specialists. In-season training focuses on maintaining practice availability and reducing injury risk. Isometrics play a crucial role in strength training for quarterbacks. Movement quality assessment is vital for quarterback performance. Backup quarterbacks need tailored training to prepare for unexpected opportunities. BFR has been a game changer in training efficiency and recovery. Creating benchmarks for performance metrics is essential for quarterback development. Transfer of training to on-field performance is a key focus.

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob speaks to Alex Wolf who delves into the adaptation-led approach to strength training, contrasting it with traditional methods. Alex shares his extensive background in strength conditioning and discusses the importance of defining outcomes before selecting training methods. He emphasizes the need for specificity in training and provides examples of how to effectively target adaptations. The discussion also highlights the challenges and misconceptions surrounding traditional strength training practices, advocating for a shift in perspective towards outcome-driven training methodologies. In this conversation, Alex discusses the importance of shifting from traditional exercise advocacy to an outcome-led approach in strength and conditioning. He emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of physiological principles and the importance of clear objectives in training. The discussion also covers the training intention framework, the balance between technical skills and needs analysis, and the necessity of understanding muscle architecture for effective coaching. Main talking points: • Adaptation-led approach focuses on outcomes rather than just exercise • Specificity in training is crucial for effective performance enhancement • Understanding the intended outcome is essential before selecting training methods • Unexplained performance improvements are not sustainable or reliable • Machine-based training can be more effective than traditional barbell exercises in some scenarios • Understanding the physiology behind exercise selection is essential

In this episode of the Pace Performance Podcast, Rob speaks to Pete Burridge who delves into the complexities of energy system development in rugby, exploring how it intertwines with tactical and technical execution under physical and mental strain. They discuss the importance of energy system development tailored to the game model, the role of testing in performance, and the strategies employed during pre-season conditioning. Pete shares insights from his experiences at various rugby clubs, emphasizing the need for effective communication between coaches and performance staff to optimize player readiness and performance. In this conversation, Pete discusses various aspects of training methodologies, focusing on progressive overload, heart rate monitoring, and the psychological impacts of training on athletes. He shares insights on the importance of volume in training, the use of heart rate as a performance metric, and the challenges of maintaining athlete engagement. Additionally, he expresses skepticism about Zone 2 training in team sports and explores innovative ways to gamify training sessions to enhance motivation and performance. The conversation culminates in a discussion about high-intensity training protocols and their necessity for athlete development. Main talking points: A high-low training format allows for optimal recovery and intensity management Energy system development should align with the team's game model and coaching strategies Off-feet conditioning is crucial for managing player fatigue and ensuring readiness Gradual integration of new players into conditioning is essential for their adaptation Volume is a key driver for central adaptations like cardiac output Training monotony can be mitigated with engaging strategies Zone 2 training has limited applicability in team sports Gamifying training can enhance athlete engagement and performance

This conversation delves into the critical aspects of growth and maturation in youth football with staff from the Brentford FC academy and industry experts, focusing on biological maturation, assessment methods, injury prevention, and talent identification. Our guests discuss their experiences and insights on how to effectively monitor and support young footballers through their developmental stages, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and education. This conversation delves into the innovative practices at Brentford FC regarding youth player development, focusing on bio-banding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the holistic approach to nurturing young athletes. The panel discusses the importance of understanding growth and maturation, the challenges faced during player trials, and the significance of creating a supportive environment that prioritizes player experiences and well-being. They emphasize the need for tailored training loads and the integration of various developmental strategies to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. Main talking points: Genetics play a significant role in determining maturity Regular assessments are crucial for understanding growth patterns Strength training can positively impact bone density in young athletes Talent identification should consider biological age and maturity Bio-banding allows for tailored training based on physical maturity