Summary:

In this conversation, Kevin Carr shares his extensive experience as a strength and conditioning coach, focusing on the development of young athletes. He discusses the importance of general physical development, setting standards for training, and the need for effective communication with both athletes and their parents. Kevin emphasizes the significance of plyometric progressions, managing training volume, and the long-term benefits of instilling a love for exercise in young athletes.

Chapters

Training Young Athletes: Goals and Approaches

Managing Overconfident Young Athletes

Movement Screens and Exercise Selection

Strength Training Progression for Youth

Bilateral vs. Unilateral Training: Finding Balance

Adapting Training During Growth Spurts

Plyometric Training: From Landing to Elasticity

Advanced Techniques: Incorporating Depth Drops

Managing Training Volume for In-Season Athletes

Conditioning: Timing and Implementation

The Benefits of Low Volume Training

Evolution of Training Practices at MBSC

Underrated Exercises for Young Athletes

Links:

IG: @kev_in_carr

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

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In this episode of the Athletic Edge podcast, I speak with Joe Pedulla, a strength coach at the University of Oklahoma, about his journey from working as a physical therapy aide to coaching collegiate athletes. Joe shares insights on balancing strength training with skill development, understanding an athlete's training age, and the misconceptions about strength’s impact on performance. We dive into topics like rotational power in softball, shoulder health, and innovative testing methods like the Ash test. Packed with practical advice for coaches, athletes, and parents, this episode offers valuable takeaways to elevate athletic performance.

00:00:18 - Guest Introduction: Joe Pedulla

00:01:27 - Joe's Background and Journey to Strength Coaching

00:02:44 - Experiences at NJ FAST and Kansas City Royals

00:04:50 - Differences in Training Ages Among Athletes

00:06:18 - Baseball and Early Specialization

00:08:08 - In-Season Training and Athlete Development

00:10:36 - Criteria for Assessing New Athletes

00:12:42 - Understanding Motor Preferences

00:13:42 - Force Plate Testing and Its Application

00:17:03 - Speed and Power Development in Softball

00:19:32 - Maximal Strength as a Foundation

00:22:09 - Rotational Power and Its Importance

00:25:55 - Shoulder Health and Injury Prevention

00:31:51 - Misconceptions About Strength and Conditioning

00:40:13 - The Role of Strength Coaches in Athlete Success

00:42:45 - Advice for Young Athletes and Coaches

Links:

IG: @pedullaperformance

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

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Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode of the Athletic Edge podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with strength coach Ray Zingler, who shared his insights on youth athletic development and the importance of prioritizing the holistic growth of young athletes. Ray emphasized that the happiest and most successful athletes often have supportive parents who allow them to enjoy the game without pressure. He advocates for a generalized training approach over sports specialization, focusing on building a strong foundation of skills that will serve athletes well in their chosen sports.

Ray also discussed the significance of humanizing athletes, helping them understand that their worth is not solely defined by their performance. He shared his unique assessment methods, which prioritize observation and trust-building over overwhelming corrections. Throughout the episode, Ray debunked myths about strength training for young athletes, highlighting its crucial role in improving overall performance and fostering a lifelong love for movement. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and parents alike.

Chapters

00:00:00 - The Emotional Landscape of Sports

00:01:44 - Introduction to the Athletic Edge Podcast

00:02:21 - Meet Ray Zingler: A Unique Journey

00:03:56 - Training Schedule and Structure

00:04:48 - Building a Coaching Team

00:05:49 - The Zingler Strength Experience

00:08:00 - General vs. Specific Training for Youth Athletes

00:10:20 - The Importance of Identity Beyond Sports

00:12:25 - Preparing Athletes for Life Beyond Sports

00:14:06 - The Dangers of Sports Specialization

00:16:04 - Communicating the Value of General Training

00:20:04 - Understanding the Consumer Perspective

00:22:10 - The Role of Strength in Athletic Development

00:24:01 - Addressing Parents' Concerns About Running Form

00:27:35 - The Importance of Movement Diversity

00:30:41 - Evaluating New Athletes: A Unique Approach

00:34:42 - Building Trust and Confidence in Young Athletes

00:36:45 - The Balance Between Theory and Practice in Training

Links:

IG: @zinglerstrength

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

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Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, Stephanie Mock Grubbs, assistant AD for sports performance at the University of Pittsburgh, shares her expertise in strength and conditioning, focusing on volleyball. She discusses athlete experiences at different universities, daily routines, and the importance of wellness check-ins. Stephanie covers initial assessments for incoming athletes, foundational training, and the significance of jump training.

She highlights the need for adaptability in coaching strategies, especially with NCAA roster caps. Stephanie introduces her innovative approach to strength training through microdosing, emphasizing its integration into daily routines and the benefits of a structured preseason. Additionally, she addresses shoulder care for overhead athletes, the role of testing and assessment, and offers advice for aspiring collegiate athletes on maximizing their opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Stephanie Mock Grubbs
05:59 Daily Life of a Volleyball Player at Pitt
12:07 Initial Assessments for Incoming Athletes
18:07 Jump Training and Performance Peaks
24:23 Understanding Microdosing: Benefits and Techniques
30:02 Movement Mastery: Balancing Coaching and Efficiency
39:58 Advice for Aspiring Collegiate Athletes

Links
IG: @coachstephmock
Email: smock@athletics.pitt.edu

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this podcast, dietitian Dan Richardson discusses nutrition for youth and adult athletes. Dan highlights the importance of education in establishing lifelong healthy habits. He addresses the challenges of under-fueling and the need for proper hydration, offering practical macronutrient recommendations and insights into sports drinks and electrolytes. Dan also covers pre- and post-match nutrition for optimal performance and recovery, emphasizing food timing and variety over strict meal plans. He mentions supplements like vitamin D, creatine, and protein powder, and advocates for the 80-20 rule in diets, encouraging athletes and parents to listen to their bodies and adjust as needed.

Chapters

• The Importance of Nutrition Education for Youth Athletes
• Addressing Under-Fueling in Youth Athletes
• The Role of Hydration in Youth Athlete Performance
• Understanding Macronutrient Intake for Athletes
• Sports Drinks and Electrolytes: When and How to Use Them
• Optimizing Pre-Match and Post-Match Nutrition
• Optimizing Nutrition: Timing and Types of Foods
• Post-Game Fueling: Importance of Carb and Protein Intake
• The Role of Supplements in Youth Athlete Nutrition
• Protein Powder: A Byproduct of Cheese Making
• The 80-20 Rule: Balancing Nutrient-Dense and Fun Foods
• Listening to Your Body: Individualizing Nutrition for Performance

Links:

IG: @drnnutrition

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, host Liam Evans interviews Coach Mike Boyle, a renowned strength and conditioning coach with over 40 years of experience in the field. Coach Boyle shares insights into his approach to athletic development, focusing on youth athletes and the importance of starting training at a young age. He discusses his philosophy on strength training, performance enhancement, and long-term athletic development strategies.

Key Points

• Coach Boyle emphasizes the significance of the "learn to train" phase in youth athletic development, highlighting the importance of fundamental movement skills.
• He shares his experiences working with athletes across various sports, including hockey, baseball, and Olympic ice hockey.
• The discussion touches on the role of parents in the training process and the importance of creating a positive training environment for young athletes.
• Coach Boyle delves into the integration of strength training, plyometrics, and speed training in athletic development programs, emphasizing the need for proper progression and individualized training.

Chapters

• Introduction to Coach Mike Boyle and his Background
• Philosophy of Youth Athletic Development
• Training Approach for Different Athletes (Middle School, High School, College)
• Importance of Strength Training and Plyometrics
• Utilization of Technology in Training
• Addressing Parental Involvement and Expectations
• Progression in Training and Monitoring Performance
• Insights on Injury Prevention and Management
• Integration of Speed Training and Power Development
• Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Links:

IG: @michael_boyle1959 @mbscofficial

Mike’s youth training program: https://completeyouthtraining.com/

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, host Liam Evans interviews Rob Anderson, owner of The Athlete Academy, a strength and conditioning business in Scotland focused on youth athletic development. Rob shares his extensive experience working with youth athletes and emphasizes the importance of starting training at a young age to build a solid foundation of movement skills. He discusses the significance of individual improvement, the balance between competitiveness and skill development, and the integration of strength and conditioning into sports training. Rob also highlights the need for a holistic approach to training, focusing on movement competency and gradual progression in complexity. The episode delves into injury prevention, age-appropriate training, and the importance of tying strength and conditioning back to specific actions in the sport.

Chapters

• Introduction to Youth Athletic Development
• Early Specialization in Strength and Conditioning
• Balancing Competition and Individual Progress in Training
• Baseline Testing and Progress Monitoring
• Phases of Athletic Development Program
• Addressing Injury Prevention and Management
• Determining the Appropriate Age for Strength and Conditioning
• Integrating Strength and Conditioning into Sport-Specific Training
• Data Collection and Progress Reporting to Parents

Links:

IG: @_theathleteacademy

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, Nikki Garcia, a physiotherapist with the Toronto Raptors, discusses keeping athletes active during rehab by modifying activities. She emphasizes assessing risk with patients. Nikki covers common basketball injuries, explains various tendon problems, and offers injury risk and management tips. She highlights working with strength coaches, baseline tests, and knowing athletes' injury histories. Other topics include ACL rehab, core strengthening for back injuries, mind-muscle connection, and myths about the IT band.

Chapters

• Introduction and Background
• Modifying and Adapting Activities
• Injury Prevention Strategies
• Return-to-Play Process
• Isometric Exercises for Pain Management
• Collaboration Between Physiotherapists and Strength Coaches
• Baseline Testing and Injury History
• Mitigating the Risk of Injury: Addressing Asymmetries
• Individualized Approach to ACL Rehab
• Managing Lumbopelvic Injuries: The Role of Core Strengthening
• The Importance of the Mind-Muscle Connection in Training
• Clarifying Misconceptions: The IT Band and Stretching

Links:

IG: @nikkig.pt

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.