Pacey Performance Podcast

• Lessons learnt from transitioning across sports, levels and job roles with Steph Mock Grubbs and Ryan Grubbs

  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 efficiency in managing injury risk and athlete development. The episode also covers balancing athlete health with team needs, using objective performance data to inform return-to-play decisions, and navigating career transitions in elite sport. They stress the importance of mentorship, research, and relationship-building in making successful career moves. Finally, they discuss challenges in balancing professional careers with personal relationships, emphasizing adaptability, teamwork, and continuous learning in both career growth and life. Their insights provide valuable lessons for practitioners looking to evolve within high-performance environments while maintaining long-term career sustainability. Main talking points: Reconditioning bridges rehab and performance training. Transitioning from college to pro sports requires adaptation. Balancing athlete health with team performance needs. Eccentric training is key in injury prevention. Collaboration between strength, rehab, and reconditioning teams. Athlete workload management is crucial in long seasons. Individualized return-to-play plans improve performance outcomes. Generalist to specialist career shifts require upskilling. Mentorship and networking help career transitions. Objective performance data informs return-to-play decisions. Professional careers impact personal relationships significantly. Continuous learning and adaptability drive career growth.

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• Diving deep into a National Championship winning programme with Molly Binetti

  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 ensures that recovery and performance are balanced without overtraining. Informal assessments, including sprint testing and jump evaluations, are used to tailor programs and address individual needs. Molly highlights the value of variation in training to prepare athletes for the unpredictability of competition. Machines like the leg press are used to strengthen lower bodies safely while preserving skill development. Distinct positional needs, such as conditioning for guards and strength for post players, are addressed to optimize on-court performance. By combining holistic athlete development, data-driven insights, and a collaborative approach, South Carolina’s program continues to set a benchmark for excellence in women’s basketball. Main talking points: Holistic development for athlete performance and growth Blending skill development with athleticism Athlete autonomy through feedback and engagement Informal assessments to tailor individual training programs Variation in training for adaptability and resilience Using adaptation as the driver for exercise selection Positional needs for guards and post players Movement quality over just strength and power Setting benchmarks for excellence in women’s basketball programs

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• How to reduce hamstring injury risk with Matthew Bourne, Nick Court and Johan Lahti

  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 targeted exercises, is essential for addressing individual risk factors and improving movement efficiency. Injury prevention also requires tailoring rehabilitation to each athlete’s needs, using tools like handheld dynamometers and pulley systems to assess hamstring strength and endurance. Movement constraints, joint torque, and muscle-tendon junction adaptations should be considered in rehabilitation plans. Training programs must balance high-speed running exposure, eccentric conditioning, and varied running techniques to enhance stiffness and reduce fatigue-related risks. The podcast concludes that effective hamstring injury prevention relies on individualized strategies, incorporating both scientific evidence and practical tools, to address the unique demands and risks faced by elite athletes. These approaches ensure improved performance and reduced recurrence rates. Main talking points: Integrate eccentric conditioning Tailor injury prevention to individual athlete needs Focus on proper sprint mechanics to reduce strain Strengthen iliopsoas and hamstring balance for stability Use single-leg RDLs and hip extensions for strength Assess running mechanics to identify risk factors Incorporate varied running techniques to enhance movement Monitor high-speed running exposure in training programs Improve stiffness and control during fatigued states Use tools like dynamometers to assess hamstring strength Develop structured rehab plans with clear progression Address movement efficiency and biomechanics in prevention.  

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• Testing and training deceleration and change of direction qualities with Charlie Faulkner

  In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Charlie Faulkner discusses the critical importance of deceleration and change of direction (COD) in sports performance, emphasizing tailored training approaches and practical experience. Charlie highlights his journey in coaching, where understanding the demands of each game and the specific movement qualities required has been central to his philosophy. Deceleration and COD are essential biomotor qualities that influence high-intensity actions in sports like football and tennis. Effective COD relies on mechanics such as a strong penultimate step and ankle elasticity. Charlie explains how profiling athletes through tools like the modified 505 test, opto jump, and Sprint 1080 provides valuable insights into their movement capabilities and limitations. Video analysis and scoring systems, such as the CMAS scoring system, are used to assess movement mechanics and identify potential injury risks. Charlie emphasizes the importance of evaluating asymmetries, knee abduction moments, and early braking to better understand and address performance issues. Training strategies should focus on targeted muscle adaptations and movement mechanics, using drills that replicate match conditions. Strengthening specific muscles, like the vastus lateralis and calf, and employing exercises such as kettlebell swings and targeted hopping drills can improve deceleration and COD efficiency. Charlie advocates for individualized programs that consider the demands of each sport and athlete. High-force training, reactive hops, and tailored rehab strategies are vital for enhancing performance while preventing injuries. His approach underscores the value of continuous assessment and reflection to refine training outcomes. Main talking points: How to assess deceleration Using video analysis to evaluate movement mechanics Addressing asymmetries in athlete movement profiles Training the penultimate step for better braking efficiency Incorporating reactive drills to improve COD efficiency Monitor knee abduction moments to prevent injuries

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  54:40
• Optimising eccentric focused training to run faster and jump higher with Angus Ross

  In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is joined by Angus Ross who explores the significance of eccentric training in sports performance and injury prevention, offering insights into its application and benefits. With a background in speed and power sports, Angus shares his journey from an athlete and physiologist to an elite strength coach, emphasizing the importance of hard work and innovative methods in training. Eccentric training, which combines high velocity and force, is highlighted as a critical tool for athletic development. Angus discusses its unique ability to promote muscle fiber adaptations, specifically a shift towards type 2b fibers, which enhance power and speed. However, he cautions that improper management of eccentric training can lead to muscle damage and hinder performance, stressing the need for carefully structured regimens. Innovative devices like flywheel systems are increasingly used to facilitate controlled eccentric loading, particularly in sports requiring speed and explosive power. Angus advocates for tailored approaches to eccentric training, recognizing individual differences in athlete needs, strengths, and recovery capacities. He also highlights the importance of avoiding over-reliance on advanced techniques with younger athletes, instead focusing on foundational strength and technique. Angus emphasizes that eccentric training is not a standalone solution but an integral part of a holistic approach to athletic development. By balancing eccentric work with other modalities and carefully managing load during competition periods, coaches can optimize performance while minimizing injury risks. Angus encourages critical thinking in training methodologies and fostering discussions for mutual growth and learning. Key talking points: How to integrate eccentric training to enhance power and speed. Tailor eccentric regimens to individual athlete needs. Using flywheel systems for controlled eccentric loading. Managing eccentric load to prevent muscle damage. Balancing eccentric work with other training modalities. Incorporating high-velocity, high-force exercises for adaptation. How to address athlete recovery during competition periods. Optimize power-to-weight ratio in acceleration training. Include rotational movements for team sport athletes.

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