Pacey Performance Podcast

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 hi

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 requir

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 sympt

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 practice

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 uni

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 produc

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 f

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 s

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 abo

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 developmenta

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 maintaini

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. Main talking points: ACL injuries require a blend of art and science in rehab Biomechanica

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 recov

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 o

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,

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 he

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 phy

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 efficien

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 ens

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 targete