Perhaps the two most important words in programming are: it depends. We often focus on the exercise or structure, forgetting about the context. But the context is what makes or breaks training. On this week’s GAINcast we look at finding context in training.
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Bounding is a core component of track and field training and one of the most powerful forms of plyometrics. As with any powerful tool it is a double edged sword. Used effectively it can be one of the best tools to develop reactive strength. Used poorly it can hinder mechanics or lead to injury. In our latest video lesson, coach John Pryor looks in detail at bounding and discusses how he uses bounds effectively for his athletes. Below are four key lessons that I took away from him.
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Vern Gambetta’s GAIN conference took place for the first time since 2019, and we were there to experience it. On this week’s podcast we reflect on our biggest learnings and takeaways from GAIN 2022.
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This week the GAIN community has gathered together for its first in-person event since early 2020. It’s refreshing to sit around and exchange ideas again. And it’s refreshing to be challenged. Good coaches challenge convention and color outside the lines. That is our theme at GAIN 2022 and something I talked about in my first keynote to set the stage for the event. You can watch it for free below and learn more about the GAIN Network.
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GAIN 2022 starts tomorrow and our theme this year is coloring outside the lines. On this week’s GAINcast we share some ideas on coaching, what the lines are, and when to know when to color outside the lines.
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Looking back on successful people, coaches, training programs, and processes, one thing keeps showing up over and over: simplicity. Dr. Michael Joyner has wide-ranging experience at the forefront of medicine, research, public health, elite performance, and coaching. Across these domains he keeps seeing the reductionists move ahead. On this week’s GAINcast he shares examples of how simple approaches can be effective when it comes to planning, data collection, performance models, load management, and much more.
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When it comes to the jumps in track and field, it is hard to beat the track record of coach Jeremy Fischer. Over the last two decades, Fischer has guided numerous world champions and Olympic medalists across the long jump, triple jump, and high jump. On this week’s podcast he breaks down how he puts together a training week, his strength training philosophy for jumping, and much more.
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My first four years of coaching were at La Cumbre Junior High School in Santa Barbara California, in the neighborhood where I grew up. I taught Physical Education and over the four years there I coached track and cross country each year as one season each of football and basketball.
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Over the last several decades Professor Warren Young has been at the forefront of redefining how coaches test jumping ability, reactive strength, and agility. The tools he developed, such as the reactive strength index, have helped coaches better measure and train the physical abilities needed in their sport. He joins us on this week’s podcast to discuss his career, best practices for assessment, and how to bridge the gap from testing to training design.
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Throughout April we looked at team at preparing athletes for contact. Our team of contributors put together 2 new podcasts and 5 new articles on the topic from 8 contributors. Find links to both our new and archived resources on contact below.
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