“Achieving results in speed training begins with a deep understanding of each athlete’s unique needs, combining qualitative insights with quantitative data to craft targeted, lasting interventions” Introduction In episode #434 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob engages with James Wild, an expert in speed training and performance diagnostics. James provides an in-depth exploration of his…
Presentation description This presentation focuses on a variety of sprint-based assessment and rehabilitation protocols used in the return-to-play process for athletes from a variety of sporting backgrounds. While the main emphasis for this process is based on a sprint-focused approach, we will also identify other opportunities and methods for optimizing the return-to-play process and sustain…
Presentation description Some research indicates a high correlation between maximal strength relative to body mass in lower body strength training movements and sprinting performance and some coaches believe that the stronger an athlete, the faster their times in short sprints will be. In that line of thinking Olympic weightlifting and the different power lifting movements has…
When preparing athletes for what could be the most significant competition of their careers, your “game day” as a performance coach isn’t the actual event — it’s every single training session leading up to it. These are the moments when you need to be at your best, shaping not only the physical condition of your…
“Speed mechanics alone won’t suffice; you must also develop the muscular and physical qualities that support efficient sprinting” Introduction In episode #295 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob welcomes Jonas Dodoo for an in-depth conversation about acceleration principles, the balance between business and coaching, and the importance of reflection in a coach’s career. Jonas, a…
“Sprint analysis should go beyond simple timing metrics. Breaking down sprints into phases allows coaches to pinpoint specific areas where an athlete excels or struggles” Introduction In episode #297 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob hosts Cam Josse, a performance coach currently working at Auburn University. Cam shares his journey from private-sector coaching at DeFranco’s…
Presentation description What do we really know about speed in team sports? Is it all about getting from point “A” to point “B” as fast as possible? Is it about how quickly one can execute sport skills? Is it about underlying kinetic capabilities, such as the interplay between various forces? Does technique matter at all?…
We shouldn’t need any references or in game stats to convince coaches that athletes change direction a lot, and they need to be good at it. And because training change of direction speed (CODS) is a fundamental practice, testing it should be, too. My academic side craves validity and reliability, leading me to be overly…
What are the key benefits of using the Sprint Mechanics Assessment Score (S-MAS) in team sports performance? The Sprint Mechanics Assessment Score (S-MAS) provides an objective and reliable method to assess sprint mechanics, a topic that is often debated due to the subjective nature of what constitutes “correct” or “incorrect” sprint form. Chris Bramah and…
Presentation description Ruth Waghorn explores how to integrate speed training into an international football environment, sharing her journey from applying sprinter-style training to adapting that work within the constraints and realities of team sports. She explains how early attempts to simply transplant elite sprint protocols failed, and what revised approaches she developed to balance speed…
Sprinting is a fundamental aspect of athletic performance, and in baseball, it remains an often underutilized skill. Baseball demands explosive movements, forceful rotations, and full speed sprints, making sprint training crucial for optimizing on field performance. Like other sports, each position in baseball has unique sprinting requirements essential for successful play. Sprint training tailored to…
In the 2015-16 season, I started working with American sprinter Ameer Webb, who had personal bests of 10.02 in the 100m, and 20.04 in the 200m. He opened the season running 10.03, and followed that up the next weekend with a slightly windy 9.90 (+2.4) and a wind legal 19.91 (+1.0). This was a pretty…
With the stakes around professional, collegiate, and even youth sports higher than ever, investment in athletes is growing significantly. One common area is athlete monitoring to enhance injury prevention and performance. Practitioners use a multitude of tools such as readiness questionnaires, force plate metrics, omega wave analysis, and GPS tracking to make informed decisions on…
Presentation description Computer vision and artificial intelligence are everywhere. In the modern era of sports performance, raw data can tell us what is happening — but video analysis reveals why it’s happening. Athletes efficiency, coordination and adaptation under fatigue all influence performance. Video analysis bridges the gap between observable technique and measurable output, providing the…
How do you bucket your athletes to make it easier to programme and work with larger groups? We usually do a force-velocity profile (FVP) to set a baseline and then measure change at certain points throughout year. The FVP comes from a timed or radar measured 40 meter run. Based on the timed intervals, we…