Performance Strategies & Stumbles

Listen Time 29mins - Sponsored by Remaker ( www.remaker.co.uk ) In this conversation, Rob Fowkes, the lead strength and conditioning coach at the Western Force Super Rugby team, discusses his strategy for developing physical performance in rugby players. He shares a unique approach of linking 2 key metrics in a quadrant manner, to make athletes understand their strengths and weaknesses in a simple...

In this episode, Simon reflects on his early career mistakes, rehab mistakes, program design and testing mistakes, and soft skills and communication mistakes. He emphasises the importance of clear principles, understanding the end goal, and being rigorous in assessments. Simon also highlights the need for effective communication owning up to mistakes and how considering the specific ways you commu...

In this episode I am joined by Simon Harries, Head of Strength & Conditioning at NSWIS, and Founding Director of Performance Compass, a business focused on mentorship and consultancy for rehab-related matters. We discuss the concept of a rehab running framework and its importance in safely and effectively returning athletes to play. Simon explains the evolution of rehab approaches and the need...

Listen Time: 27mins In part 2 we discuss stumbles in his career, where Jack reflects on his take on planning sessions down to a T to try and cover all potential bases, hindering long-term development. Jack also talks about the lack of clarity in program design and how he now anchors principles to guide his session design.  He emphasises the importance of utilising the interdisciplinary team and co...

Listen Time: 30mins. In this episode, Jack Oaten discusses his role as a strength and conditioning coach working with the NFL Academy Programme. He explains the importance of preparing athletes for the combine, which is a series of tests used to assess their physical abilities. Jack shares his programming approach, including the use of accumulation, intensification, and realisation phases. He also...

Listen time - 28mins (and a chance to win £600 worth of mentorship) In part two of the series with Steve, we dig into his reflections on his mistakes and what he learned from them. He discusses the importance of considering the athlete in the overall programming and training solutions decision, rather than relying solely on research and needs analysis.   Steve also shares his experience of being t...

Listen Time: 29minutes This week Dr Steven Thompson joins me where we discuss velocity-based training (VBT) and its applications in strength and conditioning. VBT is a flexible programming strategy that allows coaches to auto-regulate and adapt their training based on the individual needs of athletes. Three key strategies within VBT are highlighted: monitoring and adjusting based on velocity, usin...

Listen Time 26mins In this part 2 episode, Phil Scott returns to share his performance stumbles and the lessons he has learned throughout his career as a coach. He emphasises the importance of variety and stimulation in warm-ups, acknowledging that it doesn't always go to plan!   Phil shares his experiences of dealing with these situations, highlighting the need to be open, honest, and willing to...

(listen time - 28mins)   Phil Scott joins me for this episode! Many listeners should know of Phil, but his experiences include 8 years working with the England National Cricket Team as their Strength and Conditioning Coach and is currently the Pathways Lead for Physical Preparation at the ECB.   I first met Phil whilst collaborating with him on using a specific recovery tool. I was taken aback by...

John Noonan joins me for this part 2 of his episode where he shares some stumbles across his career. He reflects on how he focused too much on the overemphasis on program details as he thought this would be a defining factor of success and career progression, which led to a lack of adaptability in his programming. John also shares his struggles with leadership, particularly in trying to lead by ex...

In this episode, I interview John Noonan, a performance coach, about his role in supporting motorsport athletes and performance strategies for race day. Johns's background is extensive, with him working in pro rugby, football, winter sports and now motorsport to highlight just a few career steps!   In this episode, we discuss the importance of a holistic approach to performance, including physical...

In the first "stumbles" version of this podcast, we hear Spencer open up about honest mistakes, and what it has taught him in his career. In another episode focused on being direct and to the point, we delve into Spencer's perspective on: Why its important to know what professionalism is His bad hair cut choices at work Programming things we have never tried ourselves! His battles with "me versus...

Spencer Goggin joins me in his first episode to talk about how he programme designs for divers. Spencer has a wealth of experience and has worked as a strength and conditioning Coach for over 10 years. Currently, he is employed by the New South Wales Institute of Sport, in Australia, whilst also working with Cronulla Sharks. Before his current roles, Spencer also worked as Head of S&C at Weste...

In this inaugural episode, I introduce my what, why and how behind the Performance Strategies and Stumbles Podcast. I share my "why" for bringing this new podcast to you as a listener, the format it will be delivered in, and the types of areas that will be discussed with guests! In this introduction episode, I'll share short snippets from both Strategy Episodes, and the Stumble Episodes to give yo...