S2 Cognition Podcast

Ľuboš Bartečko played professional hockey for 21 seasons and he shares his personal journey of discovering cognitive testing and how it has transformed his coaching approach, allowing him to better understand his player's strengths and inconsistencies. The discussion also touches on the importance of adapting coaching methods to individual players, the role of parents in athlete development, and the distinction between physical speed and play speed. We wrap up the conversation by discussing how understanding a player's unique cognitive profile can enhance their performance and decision-making on the ice.

Mt. Juliet Head Football Coach, Trey Perry discusses the intricacies of coaching football, emphasizing the importance of understanding quick decision-making, and the need for adaptability in coaching strategies. Coach shares insights on how to effectively implement practice techniques, leverage player S2 profiles for success, and build strong relationships with players to enhance their performance. We wrap up the discussion by highlighting the role of data in making informed coaching decisions and the necessity of evolving coaching strategies to meet the changing dynamics of the game.

Jamie Tutko, LSU Baseball Director of Pitching Development discusses the relationship between on-field hitting performance and S2 testing metrics. He breaks down key categories such as perception speed, trajectory estimation, timing control, and impulse control, explaining how they correlate with on-field player performance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these metrics for player development and improving hitting strategies. In this conversation, we delve into the intricacies of baseball performance metrics, player development strategies, and the importance of creating a supportive team environment.

Lipscomb Baseball Head Coach and Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Famer, Jeff Forehand dives into the introduction of S2 cognitive training through Paul Phillips during his time at Lipscomb, and its impact on player development. He discusses the importance of understanding player deficiencies, implementing isolated, targeted drills, and the role of focus and distraction in training. Jeff then emphasizes the evolution of baseball training techniques and the significance of cognitive insights in improving player performance.

Dallas Cowboys National Scout/Special Projects, Klein Kubiak discusses the intricacies of scouting and player evaluation, focusing on the importance of intangibles, cognitive aspects, and the evolution of analytics in sports. We then dive into how understanding a player's cognitive makeup can significantly impact their performance and fit within a team, emphasizing the need for a balance between measurable skills and the intangible qualities that define successful athletes. Finally, we run through the importance of tailoring offensive strategies to the strengths of quarterbacks, the dynamics between scouts/front office and coaches in the NFL specifically highlighting the multifaceted nature of predicting success in elite athletes, and touch on Kubiak's family legacy in football and the significance of winning a Super Bowl.

14 Year NFL Veteran and Super Bowl Champion, Drew Stanton delves into the concept of impulse control, specifically in the context of quarterbacks in the NFL. The discussion highlights how impulse control affects decision-making on the field, pre-snap reads, and the pressures that influence a quarterback's decisions. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of the quarterback position and the need for tailored coaching strategies to enhance decision-making skills. Drew also touches on the intricacies of impulse control in quarterbacks, emphasizing the importance of game-like practice scenarios and the need for error correction in practice settings. We end the discussion talking through how coaches can create environments that challenge players to make decisions under pressure, ultimately leading to better performance on the field.

Brian has worked at Elite 11, the youth QB camp gold standard, since its inception and oversees all elements from scouting, to drill work, to the finals MVP decision. Drew was an early attendee at the Elite 11 and went on to play QB at Michigan State and in the league for 14 years capping off his final season with a Super Bowl victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We dive into the evolution of quarterback evaluation and development. We also highlight the importance of both the physical and the highly desired intangible qualities that form the make-up of quarterbacks, the role decision-making plays in on-field performance, and the excitement and challenges of building innovative, “on the field” decision making drills for QB training and development.

We dive into the early days of the company, the evolution of cognitive testing in sports, the importance of measuring cognitive processing in athletes, the logistics that go into testing collegiate and professional teams, and the valuable insights gained from their work with teams like LSU and Alabama. We also touch on some personal anecdotes and travel experiences related to our work in sports science.

Chapman University Men's Basketball Head Coach and Host of the Slappin' Glass Podcast, Dan Krikorian dives into the intricacies and challenges coaches face when understanding player's on-court decision-making while also exploring the pain-points coaches have in player's on-court decision making. Then he explains the importance of understanding player dynamics and creating synergistic rotations based on how player's make reads and decisions, and the need for adaptability and continuous learning in the coaching profession. Slappin' Glass Website to join their newsletter: https://www.slappinglass.com/ Slappin' Glass Apple Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/slappin-glass-podcast/id1528050811

Veteran Coach and former Wisconsin Herd Player Development Assistant, Omar Mance, covers the importance of data and analytics in basketball coaching. He emphasizes the complexity of decision-making at the highest level of the game and how data can help identify players with the capacity to excel in certain situations. Mance also highlights the role of coaching in helping players improve their decision-making skills and overcome inconsistencies. The conversation touches on the emphasis for on-court training and the importance of understanding the speed and dynamics of the game.

The University of Alabama Men's Assistant Basketball Coach, Ryan Pannone, dives into how S2 testing helped unlock innovation in his coaching by targeting specific areas for improvement and designing more efficient drills. He also discusses his approach of teaching, drilling, reading, and playing to develop players' decision-making abilities, and emphasizes the importance of making mistakes in real-time and learning from them. Additionally, we touch on the need for self-correction and the importance of building flexible brains and creating opportunities for players to improvise and find rapid solutions.

Since going undrafted in 2019, Calvin Anderson has played in 46 NFL games and throughout the episode, he lays out his journey up to this season. He dives into the mental and physical challenges of playing on the offensive line and the importance of quick reactions and decision-making. Anderson also highlights the value of understanding the scheme and the ability to isolate and focus during high-pressure situations. We then discuss the value of on-the-fly thinking and reacting amidst conflict, and how it sets players apart. Finally, he discusses how quantifying and identifying these skills allows coaches to assess players and coach them more efficiently.

Luke McCown dives into the complexity of decision-making for quarterbacks and explores the nuances of offensive schemes, play action, and post-snap reads. We also cover the evolution of offensive strategies and the impact of motion, as well as the cognitive and visual processing involved in reading defenses and making split-second decisions. Luke then details the complexities of reading defenses, making split-second decisions, and the training methods to improve decision-making skills. The discussion also touches on the role of experience, talent, and practice in honing these skills, as well as the challenges faced by young athletes in developing their decision-making abilities.

Brandon, Scott, Will and Dub discuss read-react skills in quarterbacks. Specifically, the guys review Visual Learning, Instinctive Learning, and Decision Complexity, and how these cognitive skills translate onto the field. Coaches Dub Maddox and Will Hewlett talk about coaching strategies for these cognitive skills, specific drills that worked to improve performance, and configuring scheme and practice based on maximizing performance. You don't want to miss this one...lots of good coaching nuggets!Ep 31 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-31-adaptive-strategies-for-field-vision-in/id1636895843?i=1000646613303Ep 32 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HKCb5Y5ss1iT7yypRWCsS?si=5471a5428b984875

Co-Founders Brandon Ally and Scott Wylie discuss field vision in quarterbacks. Specifically, the guys review Perception Speed, Search Efficiency, and Tracking Capacity, and how these cognitive skills translate onto the field. Coaches Dub Maddox and Will Hewlett talk about coaching strategies for these cognitive skills, specific drills that worked to improve performance, and configuring scheme and practice based on maximizing performance. Finally, the guys break down different cognitive styles, different play styles, and how to move the needle in coaching quarterbacks. Its a fascinating listen!

Dr. Anne Shadle, Elite Performance Consultant and former New York Jets Director of Mental Performance, reveals the importance of controlling critical moments in performance and the role of intrinsic motivation in athletes achieving success. We also explore the challenges of integrating data analytics and managing the vast amount of information available to coaches, performance staffs, and front office executives. We conclude by discussing the role of focus and distraction control in performance and the importance of understanding individual strengths and weaknesses in player development.

Dr. Elizabeth Kensinger, Chair of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College, joins us as we dive into how the affects of emotional states and anxiety influence speeded cognition and quick decision-making. We also cover why some athletes succeed playing angry and why others succeed playing in a relaxed state.

Ray Gallahan, the Head Pit Crew Coach at Team Penske, details the science and selection process behind building a successful pit crew. He explains the roles and responsibilities of different crew members and the cognitive demands they face during pit stops. Ray also talks about the off-season and in-season maintenance of the pit crew and the challenges of turnover in the industry. Finally, he shares his insights on the future changes in the industry and the importance of continuity and team chemistry. If you are interested in joining Team Penske and their Pit Crew please email the show at Info@S2cognition.com

PART 2: Seth Haselhuhn dives into why normal brain games, apps, and other mechanisms can't capture speeded cognition and why training in the environment in which you perform is key!

PART 1: Seth Haselhuhn reveals the importance of speeded cognition with Special Operations, how he's seen a huge increase in feedback sessions from operators after they've taken the S2 evaluation, and how they apply the science to their strict training regime.

Brandon Orr describes how the Special Operations Forces space was missing the ability to measure speeded cognition, why the measures that are currently used do not capture the split-second demands a soldier faces when kicking open a door and executing in the unknown, how fragile high performance is, and how knowing each Operator's wiring helps him relate to them and identify their advantages and disadvantages in performance.

Scott Wylie and Brandon Ally discuss how normal, every day cognition is measured vs. how "sports cognition" or "speeded cognition" is measured, what are the different ways intelligence is measured vs. how on field split-second decision making is measured, and how do intelligence and split-second decision-making fit into the overall picture of an athlete and their on field performances.

Jeremy has a unique background working with diverse clientele, from Olympians and professional drivers to NFL players and MLB coaches. He reveals how connection trumps communication with athletes, ways athletes and coaches can leverage their S2 profile to improve performance, and why "Value Engineer" is the only label he wants. Jeremy's Twitter - @AthleteByDesign, Instagram: @AthleteByDesignHis podcast on apple: “The Winning Leader” Website: https://www.winningleader.com/ TedTalk: https://youtu.be/wrT3rVKWXmo?si=a-u6IcszABHTR1jX

Sam discusses what it was like working at Pro Football Focus before it became a household name, does PFF have a objective measure they use for "in-game decision-making", and where the NFL scheme race is trending in 2023. You can follow Sam on Twitter - @PFF_Sam

John dives into 3DQB's focus when it comes to developing Quarterback's on-field decision-making and his experience training the 1st and 2nd overall picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. While reviewing the 2023 NFL draft, he reveals which players to keep an eye on this upcoming football season. We also discuss the way coaching has changed since he's been in the NFL and why it's changed for the better! You can follow John on Twitter - @jbecktwelve The Moffitt Method - https://themoffittmethod.fit

Alec details his most recent article about “Building the perfect Quarterback” for The Athletic, friend of the S2 podcast, Kirk Cousins' recent journey and the Netflix special, and how cognition and player development at the highest level have to be intertwined. You can follow Alec on Twitter - @Alec_Lewis

We are joined by Head of Skill Development at the Carolina Hurricanes and former NHL player Peter Harrold. Peter has firsthand experience of what it's like to play in one of the most dynamic sports, moving at top speed, while handling a stick and dodging other human bogies hunting you down. Peter details how hockey players are more skilled than ever, are skating at top end speed like never before – in his words: the game is faster than it's ever been which is why understanding the cognition and hardwiring of a player's brain and how he processes information is so vital.

Fighter pilot Jeff Brandon, call sign "Vader", describes operating in a unique, fast environment as a Jet pilot. He paints a picture of the characteristics pilots face and the extreme demands in which pilots have to perform. He also details rapidly processing visual information, making a quick decision, and then executing that decision and how the S2 evaluation brought new insight into understanding how he makes split-second decisions 40,000 feet in the air.

S2 Co-Founders Scott Wylie and Brandon Ally answer questions about the "test", the start of the company, and the science behind it all. #S2truthersunite

Amanda walks through the softball pitching evaluation in a sequential order to understand more in depth about the processes that we are evaluating. She provides beautiful feedback and new insight on how each of these cognitive processes impact performance on the diamond at all levels. We also dive into the power of breaking down a pitcher's unique pattern of cognitive advantages and disadvantages which gives you the ability to understand the ‘why' behind a pitcher's struggles and a pitcher's exceptional capabilities.

Dr. Ted Bashore dives into two critical components of athletes split-second decision making: accuracy and speed. All of human performance can be impacted by tradeoffs between performing fast and performing accurately. There are often conflicts between speed and accuracy such that trying to perform a task really fast can often lead to risk of making more mistakes. Similarly, trying to be too cautious and a focus on being accurate can slow your performance speed. He explains how knowing this information about your athletes can help coaches and front offices understand and predict athletes on field/court/ice decision making.Interested in hearing Ted's first episode, check it out on Apple, Spotify, or Youtube.

Dr. Ted Bashore addresses the difference between simple and choice reaction time and how they manifest in sports. He also addresses why simple reaction time does not predict in-game decision making or separate elite athletes from average athletes. Be ready for a history lesson on reaction time in sports with Dr. Ted Bashore!

Dr. Geoffrey Woodman details what Perception Speed or "Visual Processing Speed" is and how it reveals itself in everyday performance, and in high speed dynamic environments. We also discuss the way in which "Perception Speed" shows up in different sports such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and tennis. Dr. Woodman then dives into the scientific literature and what it says about improving "Perception Speed" in the context of your sport.

Coach Bobby Buchanan of High and Inside Softball joins the S2 Cognition Podcast today. He's also the Director of Scouting for Prospect Wire Softball, and Director of Performance for Bombers Fastpitch Softball. We dive into his experience with using the S2 Cognition Evaluation, how softball players can pinpoint their development work when it comes to decision-making in the batters box and on the mound, and how knowing your S2 score will change the softball recruiting world.

Coach Dub Maddox of @UnionFootball joins the S2 Podcast and we discuss the most important cognitive processes that a high school QB has to use on the football field, how that aligns with our findings of Colligate and NFL QB's and their decision-making skills, how he's specifically worked on training “on-the-field” decision-making in quarterbacks, and how everyday coaches can implement these developmental strategies in their practices.For more info on R4 Training, visit this website: https://www.r4footballsystem.com/

Dr. Geoffrey Woodman defines what "Search Efficiency" is and how it reveals itself in everyday performance, and in high speed dynamic environments. We also discuss the way in which "Search Efficiency" shows up in different sports such as football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and lacrosse. Dr. Woodman then dives into the scientific literature and what it says about improving "Search Efficiency" in the context of your sport.

Dr. Chris Johnson dives into the value of understanding cognition in baseball, the value of player selection based on their swing decisions, why the World Series was a great reminder about the importance of making good split-second decisions, and how you can train to be a better decision-maker in the batters box.

Dr. Jami Lobpries of the Alliance Softball Organization and Coach Scott Smith of the Bombers Fastpitch Organization describe the real impact of knowing “why” their hitters excel or struggle with certain decisions skills in the batter's box, how they are training better rapid decisions on the field, and how cognitive science will ultimately transform development and recruiting of softball players.

Dr. Jami Lobpries of the Alliance Softball Organization and Coach Scott Smith of the Bombers Fastpitch Organization discuss the importance of measuring and understanding each athlete's unique split-second cognitive skills. We discuss their excitement about the S2 Evaluation, used by top Division 1 college softball programs, as a tool for helping players and coaches better understand how athletes are uniquely wired for quick decisions and reactions, the impact on coaching efficiency, and how cognitive insights provides athletes an edge in recruiting and preparing for play at the next level.

Washington Nationals Hitting Coordinator, Joe Dillon, recalls winning a world series in 2019 and incorporating cognitive drills with their major league hitters, working with Bryce Harper when he won the MVP in 2021, how he continues to challenge professional hitters, the difference between "rhythm" and "timing" when it comes to hitting, and the importance of understanding your hitter's cognition to efficiently train elite decision-makers in the batters box.

Tommy details training the likes of Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Ed Reed, Edgerrin James, and other Miami stars, what it was like receiving his first call from Nick Saban at LSU, the commonalities between all three LSU national title teams, and how stacked their 2019 National Championship team was from a cognitive perspective. Miss the first episode with Tommy? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-6-tommy-moffitt-joins-s2-cognitions-brandon/id1636895843?i=1000583379612 (Here) it is!

Tommy dives into the humble beginnings of S2 Cognition, his reaction to the LSU Football staff understanding the information that S2's evaluation provides, how measuring processing ability is now quantifiable, and the consistent attribute to National Championship teams, and what is in his fridge that might surprise us.

Will reveals the importance of training the cognitive aspect of a quarterback's game, how he trains decision-making with the college quarterbacks he works with, how he has changed his training process of developing younger quarterbacks, and if Netflix produced a movie about his life, what actor would they hire to play him. Link to: https://twitter.com/6pointsjax (@6pointsjax) , https://twitter.com/denny_thompson (@denny_thompson) and https://twitter.com/QBCollective (@QBCollective)

Jack dives into the inspiration behind creating the world famous Marucci bat, why character is such a fundamental piece of an athlete's success at the next level, his transition from Head Athletic Trainer to Director of Performance Innovation at LSU, the most important LSU football study he's ever done, what clicked with the coaching staff in 2019 when looking at LSU player's cognition, working with the likes of Dan Quinn and Warrick Dunn, and one thing those closest to him don't even know.

Terry reveals growing up in Louisiana but now being the General Manager of the rivaled Atlanta Falcons, why projecting a player's success is multifactorial, how he balances "subjective" and "objective" data when it comes to evaluating players, what set Drew Brees apart from other QBs that were more physically gifted, the importance of high-level cognition in successful NFL quarterbacks, and the most impressive NFL player he's ever seen in person.

Kirk dives into the hardest hit he's ever taken, how taking the S2 evaluation affirmed and offered new insights into how he processes split-second information at the highest level of play, what impulse control, distraction control, and improvisation look like at NFL speed, and the best one-liner a defensive player gave him after a sack. Check out these https://www.s2cognition.com/post/cognitive-skills-separate-top-nfl-qbs (two articles) that reveal why https://www.s2cognition.com/post/your-blueprint-to-understanding-the-best-quarterbacks-part-2 (cognition is a separator) for Quarterbacks in the NFL.

Scott Wylie reveals how MLB teams found S2 Cognition, what the most significant findings are in the MLB, and how our product fits in Youth Baseball. Paul Phillips adds how he used S2 Cognition with the Miami Marlins, how hitting/pitching coaches are using S2 Cognition's report to develop more efficient drills for players, and how the S2 evaluation can help youth players enhance their recruiting. Check out our https://www.s2cognition.com/post/is-cognition-important-in-baseball (article) that details why cognition is so important in the game of baseball.

Brandon Ally details LSU Football being S2 Cognition's first client, giving presentations to the entire LSU Football staff, his overlapping time at Tennessee with Peyton Manning and Todd Helton, which NFL teams used S2 starting in the 2017 NFL Draft, and the differences between vision and visual processing.