Listen time - 29mins In this episode, Alan shares his stumbles and mistakes as a strength and conditioning coach. He discusses a hamstring strain injury and the lessons he learned from it. He reflects on the importance of preparing the nervous system and understanding that not all speed is equal. He also talks about programming mistakes, including a focus on linear periodization and force generation rather than force application. Alan shares his experience of trying to influence a program and the importance of choosing the right battles. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of continuous learning and adapting in the field of strength and conditioning. Lessons from the episode: Prepare the nervous system for high exertion and high-intensity running to prevent injuries. Not all speed is equal; consider the positions and movements that can lead to injury. Avoid focusing solely on force generation in the gym; prioritize force application in specific movement tasks. Choose your battles wisely when trying to influence a program; consider the relationships and dynamics within the team. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in the field of strength and conditioning. If you are enjoying ht podcast, and want to benefit from additional weekly insights from Collaborate Sports, consider subscribing to our newsletter. Click the link HERE to find out how it will help you! Dan

Listen Time: 33mins In this conversation, I welcome Andrew Usher to discuss the importance of understanding oxygen utilization in sports performance. We challenge the traditional focus on VO2 max as a measure of aerobic capacity and highlight the significance of muscle extraction and utilisation of oxygen. We dig into the benefits of extracting oxygen quickly and efficiently and it being more important than the volume of oxygen consumed. Andrew shares his research findings on the impact of supermaximal training on mitochondrial function and oxygen utilization. We also discuss the implications of these findings for injury recovery and team sports performance. Takeaways VO2 max is not the sole determinant of aerobic capacity; muscle extraction and utilization of oxygen are equally important. The ability to extract oxygen quickly and efficiently is crucial for sports performance. Supermaximal training can significantly improve mitochondrial function and oxygen utilization. Understanding oxygen utilization can have implications for injury recovery and team sports performance. If this episode challenged you to rethink conditioning work in any way, consider checking out the "Clarity in Conditioning" mentorship we have just launched. Visit www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships As always, don't hesitate to reach out and hope you are enjoying the show! Dan  

Listen Time 28mins Richard Husseiny shares his journey from the UK Sports Institute to working with Chinese diving teams in this Performance Strategies and Stumbles podcast episode. He reflects on the cultural differences, initial mistakes, and the importance of building relationships over making immediate impacts. Richard discusses the pressures of performance, the challenges of communication in a new environment, and the significance of self-awareness and personal fulfilment in coaching. He emphasises the need to overcome imposter syndrome and the importance of work-life balance, ultimately advocating for a collaborative coaching and career development approach. Some key talking points we cover: Transitioning to a new environment can reveal unexpected challenges. Cultural differences can significantly impact communication and collaboration. Building relationships is more important than making immediate impacts. Self-imposed pressure can hinder performance and decision-making. Imposter syndrome is common among coaches and practitioners. It's important to ask questions and seek clarity in your role. If you enjoyed the podcast, do like and share on your networks, and if you'd like to see more about the Group Mentorship work we do at Collaborate Sports, please visit www.collaboratesports.com Tune in again next week! Dan

Listen Time - 30mins In this episode, I interview Paul Talty about strength and power development for swimming. Paul was Head of Performance for Swim Ireland leading into Paris 2024 where they delivered medal-winning performances. We discuss Strength & Power development in swimmers and Paul emphasises that swimming is different from other sports due to the unique environment it takes place in.  Throughout this interesting episode you will experience the following takeaways from Pauls insight:  Swimming is different from other sports due to the unique environment it takes place in. Increasing mass and force production in swimming requires careful consideration, as excessive mass can hinder performance in the water.Identify specific areas for improvement, such as starts, turns, or free swimming speed, and tailor the training program accordingly. Focus on basic strength and conditioning principles and use a tier system to structure sessions. Consider the trade-off between emphasizing weaknesses and emphasizing strengths in the training program. Use swim-specific isometric strength training and exercises that mimic block starts to enhance transfer to the pool. Be mindful of the limited energy available to swimmers and avoid excessive fatigue from the strength and conditioning program. As mentioned in the episode, please take a look at both the group mentorships we are now enrolling practitioners for, on a first come first serve basis (www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships) and the great block article from Jordan Welsh (www.collaboratesports.com/blog/jordanwelsh) If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like and share with those in your network! Dan  

Listen Time - 27mins In this episode, I welcome Liam Connor to the podcast. Liam has a background in S&C and professional football, as well as his most recent roles at the UK Sports Institute.  Liam shares his experience of letting his ego get in the way and clashing with others, leading to conflicts and disputes. We also discuss the importance of respect, listening, and learning in resolving conflicts. Liam explores the relationship between strength and conditioning coaches and technical coaches, highlighting the need for mutual understanding and collaboration. We reflect on the importance of seeking external feedback and support in your personal development too! As mentioned in the outro, if you'd like to learn more about the Collaborate Sports Group Mentorship programmes, now open for enrollment please visit https://collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships to find out more I hope you enjoy the show! Dan

Listen time 29mins I welcome Alan Murdoch to the podcast to discuss his strategies towards rehab called Fast to Fit, which focuses on the underpinning physical qualities and coordination required for high-intensity actions in team sports. I have been a huge advocate of Alan's work for some time so it was great to finally get some time to hone in on his core principles! Some key takeaways from the show are: Takeaways Fast to Fit is a rehab approach that focuses on the physical qualities and coordination required for high-intensity actions in team sports. The development and tolerance of speed are prioritized in the rehab process.The 10-30 protocol is used to gradually build speed through upright running drills. Non-negotiables, such as no pain, no response, technical threshold of exectution, and physical outputs all guide decision-making in the rehab process. Game simulation is used to create conditioning sessions tailored to the athlete's strengths and weaknesses. Take a listen and do let us know what you think across social media! Alans online course "Fast to Fit" built in conjunction with Sportsmith can be found here: https://www.sportsmith.co/courses/fast-fit-a-speed-based-approach-to-lower-limb-rehab-and-training/ I hope you enjoy the show Dan  

Listen time 54mins Welcome back to another episode of the podcast. A huge thanks to Gemini Sports who have sponsored this episode. Please check out www.geminisports.ai to see more about how they can help your organisation. In this conversation, Paul shares his journey from athlete to academic and coach, discussing the importance of individualisation in training and the lessons learned from his coaching mistakes. He emphasises the significance of understanding the physiological responses to high-intensity training and the concept of lactate spillover. The discussion also covers the evolution of HIIT Science and the introduction of Athletica, a tool designed to help athletes and coaches optimize training through data analysis and feedback. We cover:  Takeaways Individualization is crucial in coaching to avoid injuries. Understanding the athlete's background is essential for effective training. High-intensity training can lead to significant performance improvements if applied correctly. Mistakes in coaching can lead to valuable lessons and growth. Lactate spillover is linked to central nervous system stress and recovery needs. Technology can enhance coaching but should not replace the human element. Effective coaching requires a balance of prescription and communication. Please check out www.hiitscience.com and www.athletica.ai to see more of what we discuss in the pod. I hope you enjoy the episode and let me know what you think! Dan  

This week we welcome back Shaun McLaren for his episode reflecting on mistakes and lessons learned in his career! In this conversation, Shaun shares two pivotal coaching mistakes. The first mistake was testing a player on day one of preseason with a repeated sprint test, which resulted in a severe hamstring injury. The second mistake was using high-speed running and sprinting exposure as risk factors for injury without considering the limitations of the data. Both mistakes taught Shaun the importance of being flexible and reactive in coaching, as well as the need to prioritise skill development and performance problem-solving over data-driven approaches. I hope you enjoy the episode, please share to your networks if you do! Dan  

This week we welcome back Ivi for her strategy segment of the podcast. Our conversation discusses the importance of high-performance reflection processes for practitioners. Ivi shares her experience of using journaling and reflection to enhance her coaching effectiveness. She emphasises the need for practitioners to be present and aware of what is happening in their environment. She explains how she uses journal logs and Excel sheets to capture insights, player feedback, and common trends. Ivi also highlights the value of collaboration and communication among the coaching staff to connect the dots and take action based on reflections. She acknowledges the challenges of implementing reflection processes and the need for leaders to create a supportive environment for practitioners. We hope you enjoy the listen - and don't forget to check out our mentorships starting in under a month: www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships Dan  

In this conversation, Ivi shares her experiences and lessons learned in her career as a strength and conditioning coach. She discusses the mistakes she made and the challenges she faced, including perfectionism, lack of confidence, and overanalysing everything. Ivi emphasises the importance of being authentic, listening to players, and finding a balance between meeting their needs and asserting what needs to be done. She also highlights the need for collaboration and communication among different departments in a performance environment. Overall, Ivi's journey showcases the importance of self-reflection, growth, and adaptability in the field of sports performance. A big thank you to FKpro for sponsoring this episode! FKpro is a versatile suspension training kit and is a training tool I have used for over 10 years. The company have forged great partnerships with several professional clubs and has become renowned for being the most versatile suspension training equipment out there, because of their unique attachments that can be used with the equipment. Please do check out their website here (www.fkpro.co.uk) to see the equipment. You can purchase using the collaborate sports discount 'CS20' to receive 20% off your purchase! Please don't forget our mentorship programmes are only on sale till the end of this week - check them out here - www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships  I hope you enjoy the listen! Dan

Listen Time -31mins In this episode, Sponsored by Gemini Sports Analytics, Dr Shaun McLaren joins us to talk about data skills. Shaun is an S&C coach and sports scientist at Newcastle Falcons, and mentors on the Collaborate Sports Data Skills Group Mentorships! Knowing how phenomenal he is with this work, I had to get him on the pod! Shaun emphasises the importance of data in measuring and improving performance, but also highlights the need for coaches to rely on their intuition and experiential knowledge. We discuss the challenges of collecting and analysing data, and the importance of effective communication in conveying insights to coaches and athletes. Shaun also provides an overview of different data analysis tools, from spreadsheets to code-based solutions. A big thanks to Gemini Sports Analytics for sponsoring today's episode. Gemini is a sports-specific AI Cloud and automated machine learning application that is already being used by professional and collegiate sports teams and organisations across the NFL, European football, the NCAA, and more, Gemini allows you to transform data and insights to optimize squad management, tactics and player performance.  If you'd like to see more, visit geminisports.ai If you enjoyed our talk on data, you may be interested in our Data Skills Group Mentorships – check out the pathway content here: www.collabortaesports.com/data We hope you enjoy the listen!  

Listen Time: 29mins In this episode, we welcome back Craig Turner to share two key reflections on mistakes made in his career and how they helped him to develop. The first lesson is about the importance of authentic communication, honesty, and punctuality. Craig recalls a time when he was late for practice and didn't communicate properly with his coach....listen to the outcome of that event! The second lesson is about the dangers of collecting too much data without a clear purpose. Craig discusses how his team at Nike Academy had access to various sports performance monitoring technologies but struggled to make sense of the data. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of effective communication and purposeful data collection in the field of sports science. A big thanks to LTAD network for their sponsorship of the episode AND their generous discount code for listeners to use to book tickets to their fantastic conference on June 1st and 2nd. Book here using the discount code 'collabpodcast' for 15% off tickets! Do also visit www.collaboratesports.com to see our free "Data Decoded" webinar next week and what our other personal development opportunities involve! Enjoy the listen! Dan

Listen Time: 30mins - Sponsored by FK Pro (www.fkpro.co.uk) This week's episode features Dr Craig Turner who is the current Head of Basketball Performance at the University of Pennsylvania. Before this, he worked with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers as a Sports Science/Strength & Conditioning Associate. Craig has also held additional roles as the Director of Sport Science and Associate Strength & Conditioning Coach at N.C. State University, Sport Science Researcher in conjunction with the Nike Sports Research Laboratory, a Sport Science Consultant with NK Istra 1961 Football Club in Croatia, and an Applied Sports Scientist/Strength & Conditioning Coach with The Nike Academy.  Craig shares with me, his insights on performance hacks. He discusses enhancing warm-up and session flow using the 1x20 principle, standardising testing processes, and training male and female athletes differently. Craig emphasises the importance of streamlining processes without cutting corners and highlights the use of AMRAP sets for females to optimise training intensity. He also suggests integrating testing into training sessions to get a true performance outcome. Craig can be found via: Instagram @ctsportscience Twitter / X @ctsportsci LinkedIn @ctsportsci Website www.ctsportscience.com Today's episode is sponsored by FK Pro, the most versatile suspension training equipment I have ever used. They enable several exercise set up hacks and the independent strap system means they can be used in unison or isolation, and as a result of their success, they have partnered with World Rugby on several Education Projects. As a product, they fly under the radar in my opinion and should be looked at as one of the simplest, but most effective additions to your traditional equipment and resistance methods. Visit their website at www.fkpro.co.uk and use the exclusive discount code CS20 for 20% off at checkout! Reach out if you'd like to know more about how I have used FK Pro too. Enjoy the episode! Dan

Listen Time: 30mins Andrew Lockwood rejoins me this week for his stumbles episode and how his mistakes have helped him in his work. Check back to last weeks episode to hear more about Andy's background in the military. In this episode, one of his major mistakes was believing that leaders needed to maintain a certain distance from their team, which he later realised was not authentic to him. Another mistake he made was not showing empathy towards a team member who was going through a personal issue, which affected their performance. Andrew emphasises the importance of authenticity and empathy in leadership and suggests that everyone has the potential to be a leader with the right training and development. He also discusses the significance of shared experiences and the need for leaders to create a space for open communication and understanding within their teams. We hope you enjoy the episode. Andrew can be reached on via social media (@greywolfteams or @sandcvacancies) or email (andy@greywolfteams.com) if you'd like to ask him some questions. Please do check out the group mentorships that start in July too with Collaborate Sports via this link: www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships - the early bird prices go up at the end of today!  

Listen Time: 30mins This week I welcome Andrew Lockwood to the Podcast. With 20 years of experience in the British Army, Andy has Leadership development experience within the military and with civilian organisations (Sacramento Kings, Inter Miami, professional coaches). Andrew also runs a rugby/S&C-related charity delivering to teams around the world from international to grassroots. He is also the man behind S&C Vacancies and Grey Wolf Teams. In this episode, Andrew discusses the three pillars of effective leadership in elite environments: shared experience, mutual understanding, and empathy. He explains that high levels of these three elements lead to effective leadership and culture. Andrew emphasises the importance of developing these pillars organically and continuously throughout the year. Takeaways Effective leadership in elite environments is built on three pillars: shared experience, mutual understanding, and empathy. Shared experience involves the micro and macro events that people in a team share, fostering trust and cohesion. Mutual understanding includes understanding individual roles, expectations, and standards within the team. Empathy is the ability to connect with others, understand their perspectives, and create a supportive environment. Developing these pillars organically and continuously throughout the year is crucial for effective leadership and culture. You can reach Andrew via social media (@greywolfteams or @sandcvacancies) or email (andy@greywolfteams.com) Enjoy the Listen! Collaborate Sports is also providing a number of unique personal development opportunities currently. Visit www.collaboratesports.com to see more!

Listen Time: 29mins Ben joins us this week for part 2 of his Strategies and Stumbles appearance on the podcast! In this conversation, Ben shares some of the stumbles, mistakes, and lessons he has learned in his career. He discusses his willingness to make mistakes and take risks, as well as the importance of taking ownership and learning from negative impacts on others. Ben reflects on his experience as the Head of Sport Science at Birmingham City Football Club, where he made mistakes in understanding the physical training needs of the players. He also shares a significant stumble with the hockey team, where he realised the importance of motivation, connection to goals, and mastery in the training program. Ben emphasises the need for building support, galvanizing allies, and adapting to different contexts.   Key aspects you'll take from this listen are: Takeaways Don't be afraid to make mistakes and take risks in your career. Take ownership and learn from negative impacts on others. Understand the context and environment you are stepping into. Build support and galvanize allies to achieve shared objectives. Consider motivation, connection to goals, and mastery in training programs. Adapt and flex your approach based on individual needs and contexts. Thanks again to Ben, and if you haven't do check out his website www.292performance.com - if you liked this episode, please share to your networks! Lastly - don't forget all the opportunities Collaborate Sports provides in addition to this podcast. We have a great webinar with Paul Laursen coming up on High-Intensity Interval Training. Check out the options at www.collaboratesports.com See you next week Dan      

Listen Time 30mins - Sponsored by Remaker (www.remaker.co.uk) This week we welcome Dr Ben Rosenblatt to the podcast. Bens career spans time spent in the English Institute of Sport, Birmingham City FC, the Intensive Rehab Unit, a Gold Medal with GB Womens Hockey and multiple European and World Cups with the England Football Team!!   Ben now focuses his time on elite support services to professional athletes through the company he founded and is now director of, called 292 Performance (www.292performance.com)   In this episode, we delve into the concept of performance planning. Ben shares his experience of working with high-performing athletes and the importance of understanding their goals, limitations, and enabling factors. Ben emphasises the need for clarity in the desired outcome and the importance of open communication and collaboration within the team.   He also refers to the critical need of being a master craftsman, having self-awareness, and practising empathy. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the performance planning process and the skills required to optimise it.   Thanks again to Remaker for sponsoring this episode. Remaker is a versatile and highly portable technology that can provide strength diagnostics in several unique ways  Please check out their website - www.remaker.co.uk and instagram: @remaker.uk Lastly - enrolment is now OPEN for the next group mentorships with Collaborate Sports, in LTAD, Rehab, S&C Principles or Data Skills, starting in July. Check out www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships for more info!  

Listen time 27mins In this episode, we welcome back Rob for part 2 of his series, where he delves into his various mistakes in his career path and how they have brought the best out of him. Rob shares his interesting career path which has exposed him to a wide array of different populations, from personal training to youth coaching, to gen pop and teaching in schools, before specialising in elite sport. He refers to how this has been the catalyst for his growth. Overall, we discuss: Finding his voice and speaking up Leaving his coaching on the table by not saying what he thought Observing and learning from others at every opportunity Respecting his personality and knowing when he needed to adapt his style The notion of not wasting any opportunity and recognising there is an experience to be gained in more places than we think! As mentioned in the show, our group mentorships go live next week. You can see all that Collaborate Sports has to offer here: http://www.collaboratesports.com/thegroupmentorships Dont forget to express interest if you want to have the information as its released over the weekend. Fill out the form on the site! We hope you enjoy the episode! Dan   -

Listen Time 29mins - Sponsored by Remaker (www.remaker.co.uk) In this conversation, Rob Fowkes, the lead strength and conditioning coach at the Western Force Super Rugby team, discusses his strategy for developing physical performance in rugby players. He shares a unique approach of linking 2 key metrics in a quadrant manner, to make athletes understand their strengths and weaknesses in a simple and meaningful manner. He emphasises the importance of creating a shared journey with the players and providing context for their physical development. Rob explains his model of physical performance, which focuses on impact, repeatability, and robustness. He also discusses the process of intervention, player involvement, and program design.  Robs previous experience is impressive. As a coach who has worked in rugby union at all levels from grassroots junior teams to professional and international levels as well as completing extensive work within schools, academies and other establishments within the long term athlete development space, Rob flies relatively under the radar, so I was pleased to have him join me for this discssion. You can reach Rob at rob.fowkes@westernforce.rugby if you have any questions! Thanks again to Remaker for sponsoring this episode.  The Remaker tech unlocks S&C performance insights through the portable and versatile Remaker Link, a smart carabiner, connected via Bluetooth to the Remaker App on any smart phone or tablet. The live, user-friendly display of metrics, which can be analysed in session or monitored over time via the App & remotely via the Remaker Portal, enables coaches, physios and athletes alike to test, train, track and transform performance.   With Remaker, give exercise meaning by evidencing the impact of every rep and motivating athlete buy-in to every session. Find more details here: www.remaker.co.uk @remaker.uk on instagram LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/remakerltd    

In this episode, Simon reflects on his early career mistakes, rehab mistakes, program design and testing mistakes, and soft skills and communication mistakes. He emphasises the importance of clear principles, understanding the end goal, and being rigorous in assessments. Simon also highlights the need for effective communication owning up to mistakes and how considering the specific ways you communicate to deal with adversity in a performance team. If you haven't listened to Simons's excellent strategy episode from last week, track back and listen, and check out the information in the show notes for more about Simon and where to follow him! If you are enjoying the series so far, consider a few other personal development opportunities Collaborate Sports can provide you. In July we launch the next cohorts for a range of group mentorships, which you can register your interest for here. All information on these pathways is released in the first week of April. Alternatively, you can join us for some interactive discussions on advancing your career in these free webinars with me and several elite coaches. Register your FREE spot here.  Please share the pod across your socials and I welcome any feedback on the content so far, so reach out if you've got any ideas on upgrading the content so far! All the best Dan