The Athletic Edge Podcast

In this episode, Stephanie Mock Grubbs, assistant AD for sports performance at the University of Pittsburgh, shares her expertise in strength and conditioning, focusing on volleyball. She discusses athlete experiences at different universities, daily routines, and the importance of wellness check-ins. Stephanie covers initial assessments for incoming athletes, foundational training, and the significance of jump training.She highlights the need for adaptability in coaching strategies, especially with NCAA roster caps. Stephanie introduces her innovative approach to strength training through microdosing, emphasizing its integration into daily routines and the benefits of a structured preseason. Additionally, she addresses shoulder care for overhead athletes, the role of testing and assessment, and offers advice for aspiring collegiate athletes on maximizing their opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Stephanie Mock Grubbs05:59 Daily Life of a Volleyball Player at Pitt12:07 Initial Assessments for Incoming Athletes18:07 Jump Training and Performance Peaks24:23 Understanding Microdosing: Benefits and Techniques30:02 Movement Mastery: Balancing Coaching and Efficiency39:58 Advice for Aspiring Collegiate AthletesLinksIG: @coachstephmockEmail: smock@athletics.pitt.eduConnect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this podcast, dietitian Dan Richardson discusses nutrition for youth and adult athletes. Dan highlights the importance of education in establishing lifelong healthy habits. He addresses the challenges of under-fueling and the need for proper hydration, offering practical macronutrient recommendations and insights into sports drinks and electrolytes. Dan also covers pre- and post-match nutrition for optimal performance and recovery, emphasizing food timing and variety over strict meal plans. He mentions supplements like vitamin D, creatine, and protein powder, and advocates for the 80-20 rule in diets, encouraging athletes and parents to listen to their bodies and adjust as needed.ChaptersThe Importance of Nutrition Education for Youth Athletes Addressing Under-Fueling in Youth Athletes The Role of Hydration in Youth Athlete Performance Understanding Macronutrient Intake for Athletes Sports Drinks and Electrolytes: When and How to Use Them Optimizing Pre-Match and Post-Match Nutrition Optimizing Nutrition: Timing and Types of Foods Post-Game Fueling: Importance of Carb and Protein Intake The Role of Supplements in Youth Athlete Nutrition Protein Powder: A Byproduct of Cheese Making The 80-20 Rule: Balancing Nutrient-Dense and Fun Foods Listening to Your Body: Individualizing Nutrition for PerformanceLinks:IG: @drnnutritionConnect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, host Liam Evans interviews Coach Mike Boyle, a renowned strength and conditioning coach with over 40 years of experience in the field. Coach Boyle shares insights into his approach to athletic development, focusing on youth athletes and the importance of starting training at a young age. He discusses his philosophy on strength training, performance enhancement, and long-term athletic development strategies.Key PointsCoach Boyle emphasizes the significance of the "learn to train" phase in youth athletic development, highlighting the importance of fundamental movement skills.He shares his experiences working with athletes across various sports, including hockey, baseball, and Olympic ice hockey.The discussion touches on the role of parents in the training process and the importance of creating a positive training environment for young athletes.Coach Boyle delves into the integration of strength training, plyometrics, and speed training in athletic development programs, emphasizing the need for proper progression and individualized training.ChaptersIntroduction to Coach Mike Boyle and his BackgroundPhilosophy of Youth Athletic DevelopmentTraining Approach for Different Athletes (Middle School, High School, College)Importance of Strength Training and PlyometricsUtilization of Technology in TrainingAddressing Parental Involvement and ExpectationsProgression in Training and Monitoring PerformanceInsights on Injury Prevention and ManagementIntegration of Speed Training and Power DevelopmentConclusion and Key TakeawaysLinks:IG: @michael_boyle1959 @mbscofficialMike's youth training program: https://completeyouthtraining.com/Connect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, host Liam Evans interviews Rob Anderson, owner of The Athlete Academy, a strength and conditioning business in Scotland focused on youth athletic development. Rob shares his extensive experience working with youth athletes and emphasizes the importance of starting training at a young age to build a solid foundation of movement skills. He discusses the significance of individual improvement, the balance between competitiveness and skill development, and the integration of strength and conditioning into sports training. Rob also highlights the need for a holistic approach to training, focusing on movement competency and gradual progression in complexity. The episode delves into injury prevention, age-appropriate training, and the importance of tying strength and conditioning back to specific actions in the sport.ChaptersIntroduction to Youth Athletic DevelopmentEarly Specialization in Strength and ConditioningBalancing Competition and Individual Progress in TrainingBaseline Testing and Progress MonitoringPhases of Athletic Development ProgramAddressing Injury Prevention and ManagementDetermining the Appropriate Age for Strength and ConditioningIntegrating Strength and Conditioning into Sport-Specific TrainingData Collection and Progress Reporting to ParentsLinks:IG: @_theathleteacademyConnect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, Nikki Garcia, a physiotherapist with the Toronto Raptors, discusses keeping athletes active during rehab by modifying activities. She emphasizes assessing risk with patients. Nikki covers common basketball injuries, explains various tendon problems, and offers injury risk and management tips. She highlights working with strength coaches, baseline tests, and knowing athletes' injury histories. Other topics include ACL rehab, core strengthening for back injuries, mind-muscle connection, and myths about the IT band.ChaptersIntroduction and BackgroundModifying and Adapting ActivitiesInjury Prevention StrategiesReturn-to-Play ProcessIsometric Exercises for Pain ManagementCollaboration Between Physiotherapists and Strength CoachesBaseline Testing and Injury HistoryMitigating the Risk of Injury: Addressing AsymmetriesIndividualized Approach to ACL RehabManaging Lumbopelvic Injuries: The Role of Core StrengtheningThe Importance of the Mind-Muscle Connection in TrainingClarifying Misconceptions: The IT Band and StretchingLinks:IG: @nikkig.ptConnect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

Missy Mitchell-McBeth, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach, discusses her book 'Developmental to Division One,' which serves as a guide for volleyball strength training. She addresses navigating the vast information available, the impact of social media on training, and the importance of fundamental movement skills, breathing mechanics, and core strength. Missy also covers plyometric progressions, proper landing techniques, and the role of the foot and ankle in jumping. She advises parents on supporting young athletes and underscores the significance of strength and conditioning in athletic development.Show Notes:Introduction and Background Navigating the Overwhelming Volume of Training Information Using Common Sense in Evaluating Training Videos The Importance of Fundamental Movement Skills and Core Strength The Importance of the Foot and Ankle Complex Dispelling Misconceptions about Lifting Heavy Weights Parental Support for Young Athletes Prioritizing Strength and Conditioning for Athletic DevelopmentLinks:IG: @missymmcbethWebsite: https://missymitchellmcbeth.com/Connect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this conversation, Erica Suter, a strength coach and author, discusses her background in soccer, her passion for strength training, and her work with young female soccer players. She explains best practices for strength training with a young female athlete population and give thoughtful advice on how to navigate the world of youth soccer.Show Notes:Passion for Strength Training and Performance CoachingThe Importance of Mental Development in Youth AthletesConsistency in Strength Training to Prevent InjuriesFactors Contributing to ACL Injuries in Female AthletesThe Role of Nutrition, Protein, and Animal-Based SourcesRecognizing and Addressing Overuse Injuries in Young AthletesDeveloping Proper Movement Patterns and Play-Based MovementsImproving Speed: Training and GeneticsAddressing Misconceptions and Prioritizing Nutrition and Self-Care During the Menstrual CycleChoosing the Right College Program: Considerations and CompromisesPrioritizing Strength Training and Self-Care from a Young AgeLinks:IG: @fitsoccerqueenWebsite: ericasuter.comBook: The Strong Female Athlete: A Female Athlete Guide to Improve Performance, Reduce Injury, and Increase ConfidenceConnect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this conversation, I interview Arianna Luther, a sports performance coach at Bracy Performance in Chicago. We discuss Arianna's background in college athletics and her transition from the collegiate sector to the private sector. Arianna explains the importance of orientation, support systems, and foundational programs for freshmen athletes. We also discuss Arianna's approach to training swimmers and the challenges of working with a population that trains extensively in the pool and much more!Show Notes:Introduction and Arianna's Background in collegiate sportsHer transition to the private sectorExpectations and schedules of collegiate athletes and where S&C fits inThe importance of having a foundational program for incoming athletes and what this includesThe difficulties of training swimmers and how she goes about training this populationThe importance of micro-dosing speed and max velocity work for her athletesHow we can use the weight room to become more robust athletes and why it mattersThe benefits of resistance training for athletes how to build buy-inLinks:IG: @ariannalutherConnect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this conversation, Liam Evans interviews Hunter Eisenhower about his Force System. The Force System is divided into four pillars: high force, fast force, slow force, and human force. The Force System is a comprehensive training framework designed to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risk. They dive into the methods and reasons for each pillar and give practical recommendations.Show notes:• Introduction • The Four Pillars of the Force System • Developing Elasticity with the Fast Force Pillar• Building Strength and Stability with the Slow Force Pillar • Individualizing Training with the Human Force Pillar • The High Force Component • The Slow Force Component • The Human Force Component • Tailoring the Force System to Different Sports and Training Ages • Implementing the Force System with Triathlon and Non-Field/Court Sport AthletesLinks:IG: @huntereis_spWeb:Connect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, Liam Evans interviews Abraham Armas, a strength and conditioning coach specializing in training footballers. They discuss the important qualities for footballers, plyometric progressions, long-term athletic development, training sessions for youth athletes, strength training, training speed and acceleration, what separates a good program from a bad program, building buy-in with footballers, and the relationship with sport coaches.Show notes:Important Qualities for FootballersPlyometric ProgressionsLong-Term Athletic DevelopmentTraining Sessions for Youth AthletesWhat Separates a Good Program from a Bad ProgramBuilding Buy-In with FootballersRelationship with Sport CoachesLinks:IG: @armasdfwWeb: https://www.armasdfw.com/Connect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, strength and conditioning coach Tommy Hansen, discusses his background and experiences in the field. He emphasizes the value of internships, experience, and the challenges of training large groups. Tommy also highlights the importance of intent in training and the benefits of giving athletes autonomy. He shares his approach to engaging warm-ups and incorporating free play in training sessions. Additionally, Tommy discusses the significance of speed training in non-sprint sports and how to balance general and sports-specific training. Show Notes:Importance of Intent in TrainingAutonomy in TrainingThe Importance of Engaging Warm-upsIncorporating Free Play in TrainingBalancing Sprints and ConditioningThe Importance of Speed Training in Non-Sprint SportsBlending General and Sports-Specific TrainingIncreasing Swing Power and Shoulder SafetyManaging In-Season TrainingLess is More ApproachRetention and Building RelationshipsImpact on Athletes' DevelopmentBenefits of Small Group TrainingAddressing Concerns of ParentsLinks:IG: @tommy.hansen88Web: perform4lifetrainingsystems.comConnect with me:IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.About the Show:Welcome to "The Athletic Edge Podcast," designed for athletes, coaches, and parents interested in all facets of athletic development. Join me and esteemed guests from around the world as we delve into game-changing tools and expert insights covering strength training, performance enhancement, and long-term athletic development strategies. Uncover the keys to elevate your athletic potential and build your Athletic Edge.

In this episode, Liam Evans interviews Des Ryan, the Director of Performance and Coaching at Setanta College and former Head of Sports Medicine and Athletic Development at Arsenal. They discuss topics such as long-term athletic development (LTAD), the Arsenal Arrow approach to youth athletic development, the importance of progression and mastery, building relationships with young athletes, fitness testing and monitoring, incorporating strength training in busy schedules, growth and maturation considerations, and the debate between sport specialization and sampling. The conversation explores the topics of early specialization vs. sampling multiple sports, managing workloads in early specialization and community sports, preventing burnout and overuse injuries, monitoring workloads and readiness to train, balancing intensity and conditioning in younger age groups, and long-term athletic development advice for parents and coaches.Show NotesThe importance of Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD)The Arsenal Arrow ApproachProgression and Mastery in Youth Athletic DevelopmentBuilding Relationships and Creating a High Challenge, High Support EnvironmentFitness Testing and MonitoringIncorporating Strength Training in Busy SchedulesTraining Weeks at Arsenal AcademyGrowth and Maturation ConsiderationsSport Specialization vs. SamplingPreventing Burnout and Overuse InjuriesMonitoring Workloads and Readiness to TrainBalancing Intensity and Conditioning in Younger Age GroupsAdvice for Parents and CoachesConnect with the guest:Instagram: @desryan75X: @deasun0Connect with me:Instagram: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my newsletter for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, Javier Mallo (Former Real Madrid S&C coach) and Elena Isla (Team doctor for Real Madrid's U19 team, Head of Medical Services for Spanish Basketball Federation) explore sports science and youth player development in football. They discuss education and qualifications, movement quality assessment, and injury management. Topics include the evolution of fitness coaching, early specialization versus general development, and the role of sleep and nutrition in recovery. From strength training progressions to building player relationships, this episode offers valuable insights for football enthusiasts at all levels.Show notes:Education and Qualifications in Sports Science: Understanding the importance of academic background.Assessing Movement Quality in Youth PlayersEvolution of Fitness Coaching in Football: Adapting to modern demands in the sport.Early Specialization vs. General Development: Finding the right balance for young athletes.Managing Growing Injuries in Youth Players: Strategies for injury prevention and management.Approach to Conditioning and RecoveryImportance of Sleep and Nutrition in RecoveryProgressions in Strength Training for Youth Players: Developing strength programs tailored to youth.Building Relationships and Buy-In with PlayersThank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.Connect with me:Instagram: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my Newsletter for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode, Liam is joined by Alena Luciani, a strength and conditioning coach and founder of Training2XL. They dive deep into the world of strength and conditioning, particularly focusing on its importance in high school and college athletics. From discussing the transition from high school to college sports to addressing misconceptions in the field, Alena emphasizes the significance of qualifications, credible sources, and foundational movements in athletic development. They explore the nuances of creating effective training plans, the role of compound lifts, and their approach to strength training, offering valuable insights for athletes of all levels.Show notes:Importance of Strength and Conditioning in High School and CollegeTransitioning from High School to College AthleticsThe Role of Strength and Conditioning in Athletic DevelopmentThe Importance of Qualifications and Credible SourcesNeeds Analysis and AssessmentsCreating a Yearly Training PlanSequence of Events in Training ProgramFree Weights vs MachinesApproach to Core TrainingAdvice to Younger AthletesConnect with the guest:Instagram: @training2xlWebsite: training2xl.comConnect with me:Instagram: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.Newsletter: Join my Newsletter for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

Welcome to The Athletic Edge podcast. I'm your host, Liam Evans, strength and conditioning coach and owner of Evans Performance. This is a podcast tailored for athletes, coaches, and parents interested in every facet of athletic development. Join me and guests from around the world as we dive into game changing tools and expert insights covering strength training, performance enhancement, and long term athletic development strategies. Uncover the keys to elevate your athletic potential, drawing from trusted resources to safely and effectively navigate your training and build your athletic edge.