Every quarter we take a deep dive into the latest research in sports science. In this edition we look at the latest research on future directions in sports science, lessons from Formula One, strengths-based approach, culture change in sport, and much more.
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We live in the age of polarization. We get into long debates about whether things are black or white, but when it comes to topics like training and motor learning, the reality is often a shade of grey. Professor Kevin Becker is looking to create a conversation beyond dichotomies. On this week’s GAINcast he shares some ideas around motor learning and attentional focus that attempt to color in the areas in between.
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Some coaches make training seem complex. Some make it seem oh so simple. And when you play the long game it is. Coach Paddy McGrath has been coaching Rudy Winkler for nearly 15 years. Slow and steady he’s developed into the American record holder and a favorite for the podium at this summer’s World Championships. On this week’s episode he joins us to talk about his approach to training, teaching, and throwing.
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This year’s GAIN has come and gone and what an experience it was. On this week’s GAINcast Vern and Martin share the biggest learnings at this year’s GAIN. Plus they discuss in detail the key characteristics of a training system.
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How do you integrate new and beginning athletes into your program? Nick recently presented on this topic at the annual GAIN conference. On this week episode we share some excerpts from his presentation, as well as other highlights from the conference.
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Just like other parts of sport, competing is a skill that can be trained. On this week’s GAINcast we explore what makes up the skill of competing and how to best train it. In addition we discuss the winning difference, creativity, and more.
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On this week’s episode we cover a hodgepodge of topics including: holding peak condition, what we miss out on when we focus on video review, rethinking benchwarmers, and the hardest level to coach at.
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Why are some athletes faster than others? And how do we make athletes faster? In their new book Dan Cleather and Jon Goodwin argue that the answer begins and ends with a consideration of force production. Both of them join this week’s podcast to discuss key drivers in sprint performance, what factors are modifiable, and how we often get distracted from what really matters.
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Indian clubs are hardly a new form of training. Their history goes back to ancient times and it was even an Olympic event in 1904 and 1932. They fell out of fashion for a time, but, as with the kettlebell, they’ve seen a renaissance over the last decade. Now they’re used primarily as training tools for overhead athletes and throwers. As a swim coach I’ve seen a big crossover for the tool. Below I explain why I feel Indian clubs are so essential to our training, as well as ideas on how to use them.
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The athletics community suffered a enormous loss on May 11 when Shaun Pickering unexpectedly passed away. He was an Olympic athlete, coach, and fan. But more than anything he was the man behind the scenes that helped push the sport forward. To help remember him, we’re joined this week by some of his best friends including Vesteinn Hafsteinsson, Charles van Commenee, Robert Weir, Frank Dick, and Don Babbitt.
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