GAINcast with Vern Gambetta

What are the demands of modern high school coaching? John Larralde calculated that he has just 43 training days to prepare his track athletes this year. Add to that a small student population, multi-event athletes, a young coaching staff, and little connection to the daily campus life. Some might see these as problems, but for Larralde that's no big deal as he describes himself as a problem solver. On this episode of the GAINcast Larralde talks about how he approaches high school track coaching. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2025/05/gaincast-episode-290-high-school-coaching-with-john-larralde/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more For more from Larralde, listen to our interview with him about endurance training on GAINcast 95. Larralde shared examples of how he has used different methods with different athletes from different athletes can produce top results. For another perspective on high school coaching, check out GAINcast 69 with high school coach and athletic director Patrick McHugh. Some discussion points in this episode included The Russell Cup and training by design (covered on GAINcast 285).

Lachlan Penfold has worked with some of the world's most successful clubs across numerous sports from rugby to the NBA to water polo. While he is an innovative physical performance coach, one theme keeps emerging to him: the most successful clubs are built more on the strength of connection as the strength the body. On this episode of the GAINcast he looks at how to build a culture starting with a foundation of joy, monitoring athletes through personal interactions, and more lessons from some of the world's best coaches. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2025/04/gaincast-episode-289-coaching-and-connections-with-lachlan-penfold/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more Penfold has won a title with the Melbourne Storm, but years ago he also led the Sydney Roosters to championships. He broke down his approach with Sydney in GAIN Video 4: Lessons from the Sydney Roosters available for HMMR Plus members to stream. Penfold was also a guest on GAINcast 184, GAINcast 131 and HMMR Podcast 62. We've also done a written interview with his colleague at the Storm, Dean Benton, as well as had him on GAINcast 227 and GAINcast 186. Monitoring was also a topic covered on GAINcast 192 with Aaron Coutts and Franco Impellizzeri. It is also a topic covered frequently in our Sports Science Quarterly research reviews.

Last month we hosted the GAIN Coaching by Design Workshop. A recurring theme in the workshop was process. Coaching by design requires process. On this episode of the GAINcast, Vern Gambetta dives into his process which starts with defining what he calls the six abilities: trainability, adaptability, recoverability, durability, availability, and coachability. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2025/01/gaincast-episode-288-the-six-abilities/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. For regular updates from us, you can sign up for the GAIN Newsletter and HMMR Newsletter.

The GAINcast is back. To kick off the New Year, Vern Gambetta shares some lessons and reflections on the current state of training. On this episode he covers topics like the erosion of fundamentals, load management, strengths and weaknesses, innovation, and searching for questions. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2025/01/gaincast-episode-287-new-years-lessons-and-reflections/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. For regular updates from us, you can sign up for the GAIN Newsletter and HMMR Newsletter. We recorded similar episodes to kick off 2024 (GAINcast 278), 2023 (GAINcast 258), 2022 (GAINcast 234), 2021 (GAINcast 206), 2019 (GAINcast 150), 2018 (GAINcast 98), and 2017 (GAINcast 46).

Tradition makes baseball a great game, but tradition also holds it back. If you read or follow baseball, the sport often seems like it is in a constant civil war between the data analysts and the old school coaches. Coach Paul Davis pulling together and balancing both sides of the spectrum, helping move the sport forward while respecting and learning from its past. He joins us on this week's GAINcast to talk about creating a learning organization, finding usable data, the evolution of the game, rethinking the demands of pitching and athletic development for pitchers, and a look at velocity and pitcher health. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/11/gaincast-episode-286-developing-pitchers-with-paul-davis/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. The GAIN Workshop on planning will take in Los Angeles on December 14-15. If you are a GAIN member, renew your membership to get free access. Davis was also a guest back on GAINcast 35 where he discussed balancing traditions in baseball with the modern analytics movement. We also discussed some of his presentations at GAIN in HMMR Podcast 276. Baseball was also a topic on GAINcast 169 with Ron Wolforth of the Baseball Ranch, HMMR Podcast 69 with Driveline Baseball founder Kyle Boddy, as well as a chat with motor learning specialist Rob Gray.

Coaches education is filled with lessons on technique, methods, sport science, and more. What is often missing is how to put it all together. How to design a training session, training cyle, or training year is a key skill that many coaches struggle to learn in the trenches. On this week's GAINcast we bring together an elite roundtable with Nick Garcia, Brian FitzGerald, and Jimmy Radcliffe to discussion their own mistakes in planning, putting together progressions, planning in-season training, defining themes, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/09/gaincast-episode-285-training-by-design-roundtable/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. The GAIN Workshop on planning will take in Los Angeles on December 14-15. If you are a GAIN member, renew your membership to get free access. FitzGerald was a guest on GAINcast 139 and HMMR Podcast 153. Radcliffe was included on roundtables in GAINcast 163 on progressions and GAINcast 190 on creating adaptable athletes. For more on planning in genreal, list to GAINcast 4. We also looked at planning the training session on GAINcast 249.

The Olympic Games wrapped up earlier this month in Paris. We had both personal connections at the Games, as well as a fan interest. On this week's GAINcast we break down our insights from watching the Games. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/08/gaincast-episode-284-olympic-debrief/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. The GAIN Workshop on planning will take in Los Angeles on December 14-15. If you are a GAIN member, renew your membership to get free access. For more Olympic track and field coverage, check out our latest HMMR Podcast 319 where we look at the throwing events in Paris, as well as our global throwing trend analysis. Past GAIN episodes have also look at Olympic performance. Check out our post-Tokyo analysis on Episode 222. GAIN Swimming just took place last weekend. More information is available on their webpage. You can also follow them on Instagram (@gain_swimming).

Strength is one of the most important qualities in athletic performance. Athletes need to be able to express force in the context of their sport. But much of what goes on in strength training starts to substantially deviate from this maxim. On this week's GAINcast our friend Chris Webb joins Vern for a discussion on what strength is, moving beyond numbers, the role of the strength coach, transfer, injuries, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/07/gaincast-episode-283-training-strength-with-chris-webb/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. GAIN Swimming will take place at the end of August. More information is available on their webpage. You can also follow them on Instagram (@gain_swimming). Past GAINcast episodes diving further into some similar discussions about strength Episode 276 and Episode 57.

A lot has been going on in the sporting world this spring, and in our worlds as well. On this week's GAINcast we discuss a variety of topics including finding and measuring training quality, variability in skill execution, the right role for biomechanics analysis in coaching, and unstructured training. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/05/gaincast-episode-282-coaching-quality/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more

Communication is the cornerstone of coaching. Garr Reynold's best-selling book Presentation Zen explains how to reach the audience through simplicity and storytelling. He joins us on this weeks' GAINcast to discuss how these lessons can be helpful for coaches as well, including insights on editing, simplicity, material, and methods. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/04/gaincast-episode-281-presentation-zen-with-garr-reynolds/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can learn more from Reynolds on his website, including 10 presentation tips. His book Presentation Zen is also highly recommended. You can also follow him on X (@presentationzen). Some more insights on communication up on HMMR Media: Lessons in communication from Wade Gilbert, Training talk with Harry Marra on coaching cues, 4 ways to rethink how you give feedback, and GAINcast 191: Teaching better with teacher Doug Lemov. Communication was also our theme in December 2021.

On this week's episode we discuss some recent training trends and current events, including the World Indoor Championships, competition scheduling in an Olympic year, zone 2 training, the NFL combine, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/03/gaincast-episode-280-training-trends-and-current-events/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. Our 2024 schedule for GAIN is online, including several weekend workshops. Sign up and we'll see you there.

What sport you play is different than how you play that sport. In the game of tennis, for example, vastly different styles of play emerge, which require a different approach to preapre for. On this week's GAINcast Jason Hettler of IMG Academy Tennis explains their process of profiling athletes, matching to game style, and individualizing training. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/02/gaincast-episode-279-athlete-profiling-with-jason-hettler/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can learn more about Hettler on his webpage or follow him on Instagram (@jhettler24). Gareth Sandford has also shared some great examples of the athlete profiling for tennis on Instagram here and here. To develop the athlete profiling system, Hettler worked together with Johnny Parkes, Joe Eisenmann, and Gareth Sandford. All have been previous guests. Parkes was on GAINcast 171 and HMMR Podcast 227 and also is a contributing writer on this site. Eisenmann was on GAINcast 264. Sandford was on GAINcast 203. Hettler's former colleagues at Altis have also been on the HMMR Podcast previously. Stuart McMillan was on HMMR Podcast 202 and Dan Pfaff was on on HMMR Podcast 59 as well as two written interviews here and here.

To kick of 2024 we're putting together a spectacular roundtable featuring guests Dr. Michael Joyner, Grace Golden, and Randy Ballard. We take a look back at trends from 2023, as well as what we see ahead in 2024. In addition we dive into the value of tribes, rethinking monitoring, soft skills, and much more to kick off the year. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/01/gaincast-episode-278-the-new-years-roundtable/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We recorded similar episodes to kick off 2023 (GAINcast 258), 2022 (GAINcast 234), 2021 (GAINcast 206), 2019 (GAINcast 150), 2018 (GAINcast 98), and 2017 (GAINcast 46). Montioring was also a topic that came up several times. This was also covered on GAINcast 192 with Aaron Coutts and Franco Impellizzeri.

On this week's GAINcast Vern shares his top 6 books of 2023, key insights after recent travels to Europe and Australia, plus thoughts as we look ahead at preparing for the 2024 Olympics. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/12/gaincast-episode-277-books-travels-and-olympic-preparations/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. Book recommendations mentioned in this episode: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin The Core. Better Life, Better Performance by Aki Hintsa and Oskari Saari Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results by Shane Parrish 7 Rules of Power: Surprising--but True--Advice on How to Get Things Done and Advance Your Career by Jeffrey Pfeffer Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary by Ozan Varol Vern discussed his top books of 2022 and 2021 on GAINcast 259 and on GAINcast 231. You can also read his book lists from 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019. There's more from Adam Gran recently: a good interview with David Epstein and recent opinion piece in the New York Times on teaching. Other individuals discussed on this podcast have perviously been guests, including Ellyse Perry on GAINcast 213, Nick Lumley on GAINcast 166 (more from Nick here), and John Pryor on GAINcast 135 and 136. Also discussed was the talent identification research of Arne Gullich.

A recent interview on HMMR Media shared some of the weight room numbers of the hammer throw world champion. After hearing them, everyone asked: how can a champion be so weak? Strength is complex. Strength is contextual. On this week's podcast we share some ideas about the role of strength in athletic performance, transfer of strength, training strength, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/11/gaincast-episode-276-thoughts-on-strength/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We kicked off the episode by talking about Ethan Katzberg. We recently wrote about his strength levels and interviewed his coach on HMMR Podcast 308. Our world championships recap also summarized the magnitude of his success this summer. Vern has also written a lot about strength including a definition, some global considerations on strength, and a multi-part series on the evolution of his thoughts on the topic: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 and Conclusions.

Championship results require championship behaviors from both athletes and coaches. Having guided multiple men's and women's teams at the highest levels, volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon knows a thing or two about what championships behaviors are. On this week's GAINcast he joins us to share his input on finding intention, putting skill acquisition into practice, coaching, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/10/gaincast-episode-275-championship-behaviors-with-hugh-mccutcheon/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can learn more about McCutcheon's background in his University of Minnesota biography. If you like this podcast, we highly recommend his recent book Championship Behaviors: A Model for Competitive Excellence in Sports. Coach Clay Erro has talked more in detail about the role of rules in coaching. Our HMMR Classroom GAIN Video 3 has a detailed presentation from him on the topic. Erro was also a guest on GAINcast 90, where he discussed similar topics. Wade Gilbert was mentioned as another top expert on championship behaviors. He presented in HMMR Classroom GAIN Video 15 (highlights here), as well as discussions on GAINcast 7 and GAINcast 121. We mentioned a couple of New York Times essays over the years on flow and focus. Most recently climber and philosopher Francis Sanzaro wrote about "When I Stopped Trying to Self-Optimize, I Got Better" and philosopher and former dancer Barabara Montero's "The Myth of Just Do It." We also wrote some comments on Montero's work here

We take a look at some current events and current happenings in our own training to reflect on some lessons learned on this week's GAINcast. To start with we debrief the USWNT's disappointing performance at the World Cup, before sharing lessons on how to best draw parallels from past experiences to working with new sports, including some examples from new sports we've been introduced to in the last year. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/08/gaincast-episode-274-lessons-learned/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. GAIN Swimming will also take place from September 15 to 17. You can learn more here. On the last episode, we discussed another topic relating to the women's World Cup: ACL injuries. View our resource hub on field sports for more about preparing and coaching sports like soccer, rugby, and more.

The start of the recent women's World Cup in soccer has turned focus to the rash of ACL injuries in the sport, and the particular impact it has had on female players. On this week's GAINcast Vern looks at the structure of the knee, risk factors for injuries, and what coaches can do to help reverse trends for women and men. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/07/gaincast-episode-273-the-acl/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. The New York Times recently published a nice article on the ACL topic in relation to the women's World Cup. Our friend Dean Benton also shared his thoughts recently on mitigating ACL injuries. Benton has also written detailed articles on hamstring injuries and calf injuries on HMMR Media as well. Injuries have been a topic several times on the show, including recent GAINcast 268, as well as GAINcast 6 on injury prevention and GAINcast 224 on injury explosion.

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/07/gaincast-episode-272-beyond-dichotomies-with-kevin-becker/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can read more research from Becker on his ResearchGate page and his faculty biography. You can also follow him on Instagram (@drbeckerthrows). You can learn more from Becker in his full video lesson in the HMMR Classroom where he shares ideas on attentional focus, optimal feedback strategies, constraints in training, and more. GAIN members can also watch his past GAIN presentations here. Becker has also previously been a guest on HMMR Podcast 282 and HMMR Podcast 237 where he discussed feedback and cues and planning sessions for learning. Visit our motor learning topic overview page for more on motor learning, including many articles and videos about Frans Bosch's approach to motor learning.

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/06/gaincast-episode-271-lessons-from-gain/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. Nick Garcia's presentation from from GAIN 2023 can be listened to on last week's HMMR Podcast Episode 302, including some highlights from this year's GAIN. Many of the GAIN faculty mentioned have also been on past GAINcasts. For example you can listen to Paul Kilgannon on GAINcast 253, Grace Golden on GAINcast 197, and Travis Knight on HMMR Podcast 223.

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/05/gaincast-episode-269-force-and-sprinting-with-dan-cleather-and-jon-goodwin/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. Competing has also been covered from different angles on GAINcast 195 (role of competition in development), GAINcast 122 (competition management), and GAINcast 145 (from training to competition).

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/05/gaincast-episode-269-force-and-sprinting-with-dan-cleather-and-jon-goodwin/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:  The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can follow them both on Twitter: Cleather (@dr_jump_uk) and Goodwin (@Jonnie_Mechanic). Their latest book is The Biomechanics of Sprinting: Force 2. Cleather has also written Force: The biomechanics of training and The Little Black Book of Training Wisdom. Here's a full overview of all the sprinting resources on HMMR Media. On GAINcast 89 Professor Peter Weyand discussed the difference makers in speed and his lab's research. Former lab member Ken Clark was also a guest on GAINcast 21 talking about linear speed, and HMMR Podcast 94 talking about multi-directional speed. Recent graduate Emily McClelland was also on GAINcast 262. On the topic on evaluating science, Peter Weyand also contributed a lecture on the topic in the HMMR Classroom. Vern has also shared some tips you can use to define your filter. This was also a topic we discussed on GAINcast 74. And Craig Pickering provided a great introduction to sports science in a series of articles for the site on understanding science for coaches, what makes for good research, critical elements for effective sports science, and becoming an better consumer of sports science. For more from Pickering browse the Sports Science Monthly where he breaks down the latest research in terms coaches can use.

Another baseball season is underway and, once again, the injuries are piling up. On this week's GAINcast we speculate about what might be causing the injuries, how training is related to injuries, and where using heavy and light implements can go right or wrong. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/05/gaincast-episode-268-implements-and-injuries/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. For more on the topic of baseball, listen to GAINcast 35 with pitching coach Paul Davis. Over HMMR Podcast Episode 69 we also talked with Driveline Baseball's founder Kyle Body. Injuries have been a topic several times on the show, including GAINcast 6 on injury prevention and GAINcast 224 on injury explosion. Throwing different implements was discussed a little on our last episode with Bogdan Poprawski. In addition, HMMR Podcast Episode 10 covered the topic. Nick Garcia's master's thesis covered training for the shot put and took a close look at the training methods of top coaches and their use of different implements. In a series of posts he talks about training with different implements, how elite coaches use different implements, finding the right implements for your throwers. While not as detailed, I also looked at the benefits of light and heavy hammers in a series of posts: part 1 and part 2.  

The 1980s were a time of global awakening in track and field. As coaches experimented with new training methods, ideas started spreading all over the blog. Coach Bogdan Poprawski was at the center of that process, moving as a young coach from Poland to Canada and helping Gerard Mach set up a new system. On this week's GAINcast he joins us to share some stories about becoming a coach in a different era and culture, the transition to Canada, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/05/gaincast-episode-267-from-east-to-west-with-bogdan-poprawski The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can read more about Poprawski's journey in his recent series of Facebook posts on his page. For more about Gerard Mach, his journey, and his famous sprint drills, read this article from Vern.

The training camp is an integral part of the training process in many sports. But how can you get the most out of it? On this week's GAINcast we share ideas around planning training camps to get the most out of them with swim coach Chris Webb. In addition, we look at optimal planning of multiple short training sessions, strategies to increase training quality, how much warmup is needed, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/04/gaincast-episode-266-training-camp-with-chris-webb/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can learn more from Webb and GAIN Swimming on Instagram (@gain_swim), Twitter (@GAINSwimming), or the GAIN Swimming website. Webb was also a guest on GAINcast 251 about swimming, and GAINcast 66 on the champion's choice. Some of the other coaches referenced in this episode: Percy Cerutty, Kelvin Giles and his 5in5 concept, Wolfgang Ritzdorf, and Gennadi Touretski.

Being a better mover solves a lot of problems: it makes it easier to pick up skills and adapt to new situations, which also helps reduce the risk of injury and increase the level of performance. Rather than focusing on your next injury prevention exercise, most athletes would be better off just becoming better overall movers. Dutch national football team coach René Wormhoudt joins this week's GAINcast to discuss his training approach which builds upon this philosophy for both youth athletes and the world's top athletes. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/04/gaincast-episode-265-creating-better-moverswith-rene-wormhoudt/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can follow Wormhoudt on Twitter (@RWormhoudt). You can also learn more about Athletic Skills Model on their webpage, Twitter (@Athletic_Skills) and Instagram (@athletic_skills_model). Wormhoudt's book The Athletic Skills Model: Optimizing Talent Development Through Movement Education also goes into much more detail on many of the topics covered in this episode.

Long-term athlete development models are often packaged with convincing narratives and buzzwords. But they're also full of a few myths as well. Dr. Joe Eisenmann's career has combined his academic interests in pediatric physiology with his practical experiences in youth coaching. Combined he's helped bring some common sense to the topic of LTAD. On this week's podcast he talks about some of the history and misconceptions of LTAD, as well as his own approach to the area. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/03/gaincast-episode-264-redefining-ltad-with-joe-eisenmann/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can follow Eisenmann on Twitter (@Joe_Eisenmann). You can also learn more about him on his webpage and subscribe to his newsletter for frequent updates and essays. Video Lesson 18 in the HMMR Classroom share's Steve Myrland's approach to understanding and putting LTAD into practice. We discussed LTAD on GAINcast 250 and also shared some thoughts with Donie Fox on the topic on the recent GAINcast 261. GAINcast 79 looked at talent development and Paula Jardine joined us on GAINcast 189 to look at talent identification. On GAINcast 160 we looked at going beyond pathways with James Marshall. Vern has written about LTAD several times: letting kids be kids and how LTAD has become cliché.

Competition season is starting up again in many sports. We start this week's GAINcast off by looking at how to best structure training in the days before a competition and how to learn what works best for your individual athletes. In addition we also talk about pre-meet workouts, psychological preparation, GPS data, single-factor models, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/03/gaincast-episode-263-odds-and-ends/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. A few other resources mentioned on this episode: The Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science by Nick Tiller, Bogdan Poprawski's Facebook series. and more from Dr. Michael Joyner on GAINcast 243.

The SMU Locomotor Performance Lab is at the cutting edge of researching practical questions on sprinting and jumping. On this week's GAINcast Emily McClelland joins us to discuss her latest research on vertical jumping and sex differences in short sprints. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/02/gaincast-episode-262-the-sprint-lab-with-emily-mcclelland/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. Learn about the Locomotor Performance Lab and read McClelland's biography. You can also follow McClelland on Twitter (@emcclelland45). You can read more about her work on sex differences, vertical jump measurement methods, and run in jumps. Lab director Dr. Peter Weyand was also a guest on GAINcast 89, where he discussed his background and research on speed. Former lab member Ken Clark was also a guest on GAINcast 21 talking about linear speed, and HMMR Podcast 94 talking about multi-directional speed.

We often talk about developing elite athletes, but the amateur sporting world is even bigger and more demanding in many ways. On this week's GAINcast coach and physiotherapist Donie Fox joins us to discuss how his team have implemented athletic development structure into their local GAA club. In addition we discuss the differences between building and rebuilding athletes, and how the mental side of physiotherapy is the real difference maker. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/02/gaincast-episode-261-building-and-rebuilding-the-amateur-athlete-with-donie-fox/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. For more from Fox, you can follow him on Instagram (@doniefox) or Twitter (@doniefox). He also contributes to HMMR Media. You can find his articles here, and keep an eye out for a series of articles coming up on rehabilitation this month. Fox was also a guest on HMMR Podcast Episode 231 to discuss many facets of rehabilitation, including assessment, variation, shapes, and more. Fox was also a contributor to our roundtable discussions on Episode 219: Pandemic training roundtable and Episode 212: Year-end extravaganza.  Also check out Physio and the Art of Human Performance, the podcast he co-hosts with fellow HMMR contributor Tracy Fober.

GAIN stands for the Gambetta Athletic Improvement Network. Most people think it is all about Gambetta, but the Network is the most important word in GAIN. On this week's GAINcast, three original GAIN members join us to discuss the power of mentorship, and how the network has evolved their own coaching careers, and some lessons learned from past GAIN events. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/01/gaincast-episode-260-the-network/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. For more about the history of GAIN, daily structure, and what it is about check out GAINcast 235. You can follow all three guests on social media: @carissasain and @patmchughAD on Twitter and @mosssportsperformance on Instagram.

Vern is a notorious reader on a wide range of topics. On this week's GAIN cast he looks back at his top books of 2022, breaking down more than 20 titles for listeners. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/01/gaincast-episode-259-top-books-of-2022/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take place from June 13 to 17 and registration is open. We are also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We recorded a similar episode last year on GAINcast 231 looking at Vern's top books of 2021. Read more about Vern's top 10 books from 2022 . You can also see Vern's list from 2021, from 2020 and from 2019. Craig Pickering also writes about his favorite books each year. Take a look at his top books from 2022 and from 2021.

The year is coming to end, which means it is time for our annual combined episode of the GAINcast and HMMR Podcast to discuss the state of training for sports. We share highlights from our favorite episodes of the year, discuss training trends like isometrics, microdosing vs. split training, and what we'll be trying out in 2023. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/12/gaincast-episode-258-state-of-the-sport-with-nick-garcia/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We recorded similar episodes to kick off 2022 (GAINcast 234), 2021 (GAINcast 206), 2019 (GAINcast 150), 2018 (GAINcast 98), and 2017 (GAINcast 46). Some of our favorite GAINcast episodes of 2022: GAINcast 257 with Bill Knowles, GAINcast 242 with Jeremy Fischer, GAINcast 241 with Warren Young, and GAINcast 236 with Rob Gray. Some of our favorite HMMR Podcast episodes of 2022: HMMR Podcast 285 and HMMR Podcast 287 with John Smith, HMMR Podcast 283 with Kara and Russ Winger, HMMR Podcast 280 with Mitch Courser, HMMR Podcast 267: with Andy Bloom, HMMR Podcast 266 with Lance Deal, and HMMR Podcast 284 with James de Lacey.

The debate about the transfer of change of direction and agility training is a bit like the debate about general and specific training. Specificity is a critical factor, but not all general training is the same. And specific training can also be counterproductive if you don't understand what you're training for. On this weeks GAINcast, Bill Knowles joins us to discuss how he sees the spectrum of agility training and how a purposeful approach can improve performance all along the spectrum. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/12/gaincast-episode-257-rethinking-agility-with-bill-knowles/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can also learn more about Knowles Athletic on their website, Twitter (@BillKnowles_KA) and on their Instagram (@knowlesathletic). Bill Knowles was a guest on Episode 124, as well as GAINcast 49. You can get a look at him coaching in action in GAIN Video 16: Philadelphia Union Warmup (with Bill Knowles). For more resources on agility and change of direction training, check out our theme overview here. This includes a great article about the importance of sport-specific stimulus in training agility by Warren Young, an interview with Frans Bosch, our agility fundamentals video lesson, and much more. We referenced the research of Damian Harper in regards to deceleration. You can find his articles and more on ResearchGate.

On Vern's recent visit to Switzerland we did a live Q&A, answering questions and exchanging ideas on a variety of topics including: measuring strength, building connections, enhancing training transfer, best practices for combining different training methods, rethinking overload, strength training for endurance athletes, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/11/gaincast-episode-256-live-qa/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We reference Swiss coach Jean-Pierre Egger several times in the questions. Check out our interview with him, and you can learn more about his methods here.

Testing is a crucial part of the training and coaching process. On this episode of the GAINcast Vern walks through his approach to testing and shares his best practices, including a walk through of how he set up and implemented the testing program at the Chicago White Sox in the 1990s. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/11/gaincast-episode-255-on-testing/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We discussed the 1990s White Sox testing protocol on this week's episode. You can watch Vern explain and demonstrate the tests in this vintage YouTube video. Two past episodes also discussed different aspects of testing: GAINcast 167: Testing use and abuse and GAINcast 101: Test practices. Also check out the recent GAINcast 253 for more on athlete journaling.

We often talk about training methods and culture with coaches, but the athlete's perspective is just as important. World class swimmers Kira Toussaint and Drew Kibler join this week's GAINcast to share their point of view. Both athletes utilize the GAIN dryland program and share their input on what they need to reach the podium and what drives the training environment in their own training group. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/10/gaincast-episode-254-in-the-water-with-kira-toussaint-and-drew-kibler/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can follow Kibler (@drew_kibler) and Toussaint (@kiratoussaint) on Instagram. Both Kibler and Toussaint's coaches have been guests on the GAINcast. On GAINcast 52 we sat down with the Carmel Swim Club stagg. on GAINcast 29 we talked with University of Tennessee coach Matt Kredich. Swimming has also been a central topic on GAINcast 251 and GAINcast 66 with Chris Webb, GAINcast 153 with swim physiotherapist Tom barton, and GAINcast 75 with former Michigan Jim Richardson. You can learn more from Webb and GAIN Swimming on Instagram (@gain_swim), Twitter (@GAINSwimming), or the GAIN Swimming website.11222

The lost art of journaling is a great practice for any sportsperson, of any age. Coach and consultant Paul Kilgannon draws on his teaching background to help athletes develop good journaling habits to improve their performance. On this week's podcast he shares some tips to journal better, as well as his CARVER coaching framework. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/10/gaincast-episode-253-journaling-with-paul-kilgannon/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can follow Kilgannon on Instagram (@carver_coaching) and Twitter (@carver_coaching). You can purchase his books, including Coaching Children in Sport: The CARVER Framework, as well as learn more about his consulting and other services on his webpage.

On this week's episode we jump into the trenches and look at some recent training trends, misconceptions, and ideas on planning. We also share some examples of good training we've seen first hand this summer. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/09/gaincast-episode-252-on-training/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We mentioned Vern's new morning walks project. You can see them all on Instagram (@gainnetwork). We've also compiled the first 10 thoughts here and here. Our recent discussion on motor learning in session design with Kevin Becker on HMMR Podcast 282 was discussed on this podcast. That was one of many articles and interviews from August and September on the topic of session design. On the topic of the pole vault, we recommend listening to this interview with former American pole vault record holder Brad Walker and learning more also from coach Herbert Czingon.

Earlier this month the annual GAIN Swimming event took place. Over the past decade, GAIN has become the leading name when it comes to dry land training. On this week's podcast Chris Webb and Vern discuss what GAIN Swimming is all about and how they are trying to reinvent dry land training for swimmers of all levels. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/09/gaincast-episode-251-swim-time-with-chris-webb/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can learn more from Webb and GAIN Swimming on Instagram (@gain_swim), Twitter (@GAINSwimming), or the GAIN Swimming website. Webb was also a guest on GAINcast 66 where he talked with Vern about the champion's choice.

LTAD has almost become a cliché. Everyone has an LTAD program and they all look the same. How can that be? Because the models assume a linear march to the top of the athletic achievement pyramid. In reality it is a very chaotic process at best, full of detours, false starts and redirection. On this week's episode we look at rethinking long-term athlete development with some practical examples from yesteryear and the present. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at:  The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/09/gaincast-episode-250-ltad/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. The interview that inspired this podcast was HMMR Podcast 280 with Mitch Crouser explaining the long-term approach that developed his son into a world record holder. For more on the topic of LTAD listen to practical examples of LTAD in practice on GAINcast 69 with Patrick McHugh, GAINcast 171 with Johnny Parkes, and GAINcast 114 with Finn Gundersen. We also shared some of our own perspectives on talent development on GAINcast 79 and pathways on GAINcast 160. Vern has written about long-term athlete development on several occasions. You can read more here and here. James Marshall also wrote about the problem with pathways. The HMMR Classroom also has some great resources on the topic including Video Lesson 18: Long term athlete development with Steve Myrland, as well as some great practical examples such as the GAIN Video 16: Philadelphia Union Warmup with Bill Knowles.

The individual session is the core element of training. It is how coaches deliver their programs, build athletes, and connect with people. On this week's GAINcast we look in detail about how we can rethink and improve upon training session and microcycle design. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/08/gaincast-episode-249-the-training-session/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. For some example of how session design looks in practice, check out the various training programs available in the HMMR Classroom, including speed, middle distance, and strength programs from Vern. Vern has also written about thoughts on planning a training session. For more on this topic, listen to our recent GAINcast 247 on process. On GAINcast 113 we also looked at training session management, and GAINcast 137 explored the microcycle. Jumps coach Jeremy Fischer provided a great example of how he tailors the warmup to the goal of the session on GAINcast 242. Using microdosing or multiple training sessions in a day is a topic that we covered in GAINcast 146. Our February 2021 site theme was also microdosing, with many articles and videos prepared on the topic. Short simple sessions are also at the core of Anatiloy Bondarchuk's approach to training, which we outline in Video Lesson 1 in the HMMR Classroom. Thematic training is something Nick Garcia has shared a lot about on this site. For an introduction to the topic, look at this article on strength training templates.

The World Championships in track and field recently finished, with some amazing performances and storylines. On this week's GAINcast Vern and Martin break down some of the action, including the planning challenges of multiple championships in one season, hurdling technique, the role of speed in the jumping events, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/08/gaincast-episode-248-the-championships/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. For more on the technique of triple jump champion Yulimar Rojas, check out this analysis from the Tokyo Olympics. We discussed the hurdle technique of Tobi Amusan. PJ Vazel posted some great slow motions video of it here. In our training talk with Gary Winckler we also looked at various aspects of hurdle takeoff and clearance technique. Vern also reference and article in Sports Illustrated about Sydney McLaughlin and her coach Bobby Kersee. Back on GAINcast 222 we broke down some of the top performances from last year's Olympics as well.

Coaches love to talk about the value of process, but what exactly is that? Process is often shrouded in vague explanations and misleading concepts. On this week's GAINcast we dive into process, what it is, what it isn't, and why it is so crucial to coaching success. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/07/gaincast-episode-247-the-process/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. Vern recommended the book Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte. He also reference and article in Sports Illustrated about Sydney McLaughlin and her coach Bobby Kersee.

Load management is a hot topic with evolving viewpoints in many sports, especially basketball. A few years ago coaches seemed to think of loads as a poison to be avoided, but many coaches are advocating a new paradigm instead: loads are best managed when you are prepared for them. Chris Chase of the Memphis Grizzlies joins this week's GAINcast to discus how he prepares athletes for the demands of the long NBA season, including his use of some non-traditional methods such as flywheel training and constrained movements to find stimulus during the season. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/07/gaincast-episode-246-preparing-for-load-with-chris-chase/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in-depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We discussed the Exerfly flywheel device on the podcast. Recently James de Lacey wrote an article about developing explosive power with creative solutions for eccentric overload using the flywheel. For more on preparing for basketball, listen to our interview with Ron Adams of the Golden State Warriors on GAINcas 218. We also had Gonzaga basketball strength coach Travis Knight on HMMR Podcast 223, former Warriors coach Lachlan Penfold on HMMR Podcast 62, and private coach Joe Abunassar on HMMR Podcast 184.

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/06/gaincast-episode-245-it-depends/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. Prior GAIN attendees can renew their membership to get continued access to the GAIN library and this year's talks. If you haven't been to GAIN before, sign up for the GAIN Master Class series for access to 24 in depth lectures on a variety of athletic development topics. We're also brought to you by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. We covered this topic a little on our last episode, GAINcast 244, when discussing coloring outside the lines. For highlights from this year's GAIN, listen to our recap on HMMR Podcast 276. You can watch Vern's keynote lecture for free here. For some specific examples of how to put technique in context, read our articles dissecting the various starting techniques of 6 world class shot putters and finding your own technique.

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/06/gaincast-episode-244-coloring-outside-the-lines/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more.

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/05/gaincast-episode-243-keep-it-simple-with-dr-michael-joyner/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: GAIN 2022 will take place from June 14 to 18 in Houston Texas. You can learn more about GAIN 2022 and send in your application on the GAIN website. The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. Joyner is a frequent guest on the GAINcast. Listen to GAINcast 221: The principles of performance, GAINcast 180: Sub 2, and GAINcast 59: Take It to the Limit for more from him. You can learn more about Joyner from his Mayo Clinic faculty biography. You can also follow him on Twitter (@DrMJoyner).

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/05/gaincast-episode-242-the-jump-man-with-jeremy-fischer/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: GAIN 2022 will take place from June 14 to 18 in Houston Texas. You can learn more about GAIN 2022 and send in your application on the GAIN website. The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media and Swift Performance. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. You can learn about Swift's products such as the EZE Jump Mat on their website. You can find Fischer on Twitter at @JeremyFHJ. Instagram @JeremyFHJ. He also has a lot of great training resources available for free on his webpage, Maximum Velocity Athletics. You can find more videos on jumping and sprinting on our topic page. Fischer was also a guest on HMMR Podcast 130 where he discussed about individualization in planning. We've had other jumps coaches on our podcasts as well including high jump coach Fuzz Caan on HMMR Podcast 181 and pole vault coach Herbert Czingon on HMMR Podcast 180.

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. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/05/gaincast-episode-241-jump-assessment-with-warren-young/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: GAIN 2022 will take place from June 14 to 18 in Houston Texas. You can learn more about GAIN 2022 and send in your application on the GAIN website. The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. Professor Young is a frequent contributor to HMMR Media, including articles on reactive strength index, vertical jump assessment, bounding, agility, and more. You can find more of his publications and research on his university profile and Research Gate. You can find more videos on jumping and sprinting on our topic page. More information about Swift Performance and their EZE Jump Mat can be found on their website.

When we used to think about sports science we would think about the sports sciences: fields like biomechanics and exercise physiology. Now, more often than note, the term sports science is shorthand for data collection and analysis. On this week's GAINcast we look at how coaches can go back to the roots and get the most from science in sport. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/04/gaincast-episode-240-the-sports-sciences/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: GAIN 2022 will take place from June 14 to 18 in Houston Texas. You can learn more about GAIN 2022 and send in your application on the GAIN website. The GAINcast is also sponsored by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more. A HMMR membership is also included with GAIN 2022 registration. Click here to read the tweet that inspired this episode. Sports science has been a topic of past GAINcasts such as GAINcast 27: Sports Science and GAINcast 11: Coaching Art and Science. Vern has also written about it in blog posts like What is sports science? and Sport science in perspective. We've also explored the topic with leading sports scientists on more episodes, such as David Martin, Peter Vint, Esa Peltola, Betty Atwater, and Tony Strudwick. For more sports science resources, view the HMMR Media sports science hub. One highlight is our video lesson from Peter Weyand about understand and evaluating sports science.