• #23 | The Metrics That Matter In Athlete Development & Pro Sport with Tanner Care
    Aug 25 2025

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/

    Summary

    In this conversation, Tanner Care, the director of performance for the BC Lions and Vancouver Bandits, shares his extensive journey in strength and conditioning. He discusses the importance of maximizing athletic potential, the transition from U Sports to NCAA, and the differences in training models. Tanner emphasizes the significance of individualization in training, long-term athletic development, and the evaluation processes for athlete readiness. He also highlights the importance of speed development, deceleration training, and the use of metrics to guide athlete development. Tanner concludes with insights on balancing professional and personal life as a coach.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Tanner Care and His Journey
    03:56 Transitioning from U Sports to NCAA: A Strength Coach's Perspective
    11:10 Long-Term Athletic Development Philosophy
    18:24 The Importance of Speed Development in Non-Track Athletes
    24:00 Integrating Deceleration and Change of Direction Training
    26:38 The Harmony of Skill and Physical Qualities
    29:56 Metrics That Matter in Athletic Performance
    34:42 Understanding Athlete Trends and Ecosystems
    36:24 Navigating Athlete Buy-In and Health
    39:34 Implementing Health-Focused Training
    42:19 Game Day Preparation and Performance
    45:34 Underappreciated Training Qualities in Experienced Athletes
    47:45 Finding Balance in Professional Coaching

    Links:

    IG: @coach.care

    Connect with me:

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

    Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) 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.

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    53 mins
  • #22 | Building Stronger, Faster, Healthier Soccer Players with Malorie Henderlong
    Aug 4 2025

    Join the team!
    Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/

    Summary

    In this conversation, Malorie Henderlong, the women's soccer strength and conditioning coach at Auburn University, shares her journey into strength coaching, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with athletes and educating them about their training. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding strength and conditioning in soccer, the significance of individualized fitness programs, and the need for speed and acceleration training. Mallory also addresses the challenges of in-season training, the rising concern of ACL injuries in women's soccer, and the importance of preparing athletes for life after college. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the role of mental health and support in athlete development.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Strength and Conditioning Coaching
    06:39 Navigating Strength and Conditioning Misconceptions
    12:12 Preseason Testing and Conditioning Strategies
    18:18 Individualizing Fitness and Conditioning Programs
    25:24 The Importance of Speed and Acceleration Training
    30:28 Managing Athlete Load and Fatigue
    36:17 Strength Training and Injury/ACL Prevention
    47:04 Life After College Sports
    57:15 Building Relationships with Athletes

    Links:

    IG: @malorie_henderlong

    Connect with me:

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

    Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) 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.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #21 | Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses in Athlete Development with Josh Bray
    Jul 28 2025

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/

    Summary

    In this conversation, Coach Josh Bray shares his journey in the coaching profession, detailing his experiences and insights into athlete development. He discusses the importance of off-season programming, evaluating athlete qualities, and balancing strengths and weaknesses. Josh emphasizes the significance of play in sports, the need for adaptability in coaching, and the lessons learned from elite athletes. The conversation highlights the fluid nature of coaching and the importance of creating an enjoyable environment for young athletes.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Coach Josh Bray
    01:19 Josh Bray's Journey in Sports and Coaching
    04:47 Day-to-Day Life as a Strength and Conditioning Coach
    06:30 Key Considerations for Off-Season Programs
    09:33 Understanding Athlete Qualities: Bucketing and Archetyping
    15:37 Differentiating Between Muscular and Elastic Athletes
    18:35 Programming for Different Sports and Athletes
    21:46 Training Structure and Consistency
    24:15 In-Season Programming and Adaptability
    30:55 The Importance of Play and Movement Quality
    36:40 The Role of Early Specialization in Youth Sports

    Links:

    IG: @jbraythecoach

    Connect with me:

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

    Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) 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.

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    41 mins
  • #20 | The Truth About Strength Training for Swimmers (And Why You Should Rethink It) With Jack Brown
    Jul 20 2025

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/

    Summary

    In this conversation, Jack Brown, owner of AquaStrength Performance, shares his journey into strength and conditioning, particularly focusing on training young athletes, especially swimmers. He discusses the growth of his business, the importance of communication with athletes and parents, and the challenges of balancing training with other commitments. Jack emphasizes the significance of enjoyment in training, dispels common myths about strength training for swimmers, and outlines his training philosophy, including the use of isometric exercises and sprinting. The conversation highlights the need for a tailored approach to training that prioritizes athlete well-being and consistent effort over rigid periodization.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Jack Brown and AquaStrength Performance
    02:49 Jack's Journey into Strength and Conditioning
    05:40 The Growth of AquaStrength Performance
    08:33 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth
    11:28 Daily Operations and Training Structure
    14:22 Balancing Training and Athlete Well-being
    17:03 Adapting Training Models for Aquatic Athletes
    20:16 The Importance of Enjoyment in Training
    23:07 Volume vs. Quality in Swim Training
    25:42 The Power of Enjoyment in Training
    29:18 Understanding Athlete Fatigue and Recovery
    33:38 Rethinking Periodization in Youth Swimmers
    45:57 Debunking Misconceptions in Strength Training for Swimmers


    Links:

    IG: @aquastrengthperformance

    Connect with me:

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

    Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) 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.

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    54 mins
  • #19 | Foundational Exercises, Tissue Remodelling, and Smart Programming with Joe Aratari
    Jul 6 2025

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/


    Summary
    In this conversation, strength coach Joe Aratari shares his extensive experience in coaching athletes of all levels, from youth to professional. He discusses the differences and similarities in training approaches, the importance of practical coaching in high school settings, and the integration of technology in strength training. Joe emphasizes the significance of monitoring athlete performance, the high-low training model, and essential exercises for young athletes. He also delves into the importance of recovery strategies, his philosophy on social media, and the structure of his online coaching programs.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Background
    02:44 Training Youth vs. College and Pro Athletes
    05:10 Practical Coaching in High School Settings
    07:52 Utilizing Technology in Training
    11:45 Monitoring Athlete Performance
    13:39 High-Low Training Model Explained
    17:17 Concurrent Training for High School Athletes
    20:56 Essential Exercises for Young Athletes
    26:11 Building a Strong Foundation in Youth Training
    27:28 The Importance of Tissue Remodeling and Recovery
    29:54 Social Media's Role in Coaching and Athlete Development
    35:08 Navigating Online Training and Coaching Models
    44:44 Engagement and Community in Strength Training

    Links:

    IG: @joearatari

    X: @joearatari

    Connect with me:

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

    Newsletter: Join my newsletter (**https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0**) 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.

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    46 mins
  • #18 | The Evolution of Youth S&C, Training Through the Growth Spurt, and the Importance of Strength with Rhodri Lloyd
    May 29 2025

    Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information

    Summary:

    In this conversation, Rhodri and I discuss the importance of strength and conditioning for young athletes, exploring Rhodri's journey in the field, the evolution of pediatric strength training, and the shift towards specialization in coaching. They emphasize the need for well-qualified coaches, the significance of movement quality, and the impact of growth spurts on training. The discussion also covers the YPD model versus the LTAD model, injury prevention strategies, and the necessity of sampling different sports for youth development.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Pediatric Strength and Conditioning 03:30 The Evolution of Youth Strength Training 06:32 Specialization vs. Generalization in Youth Sports 09:16 Qualifications for Youth Strength Coaches 11:59 The LTAD and YPD Models Explained 14:53 The Importance of Sampling in Youth Sports 17:51 Managing Early Specialization and Injury Prevention 20:22 Navigating Growth Spurts in Young Athletes 27:04 Understanding Growth Spurts in Young Athletes 30:50 Psychosocial Factors in Youth Training 34:50 The Importance of Strength in Development 39:14 Movement Quality and Injury Risk 45:27 Assessing Movement and Strength in Youth

    Links:

    Rhodri Lloyd: https://pure.cardiffmet.ac.uk/en/persons/rhodri-lloyd

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodri-s-lloyd-9861a832/

    Connect with me:

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

    Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0) 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.

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    49 mins
  • #17 | Effective Training Strategies for Young Athletes with Kevin Carr
    Feb 3 2025

    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.

    Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0) 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.

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    47 mins
  • #16 | Training Rotational Athletes with Joe Pedulla
    Jan 19 2025

    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.

    Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0) 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.

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    47 mins