Muscles And Management podcast

#Business #Gerry DeFilippo #Careers #Training #Strength Training #Sports Performance #Coaching #Baseball #Sports #Fitness #Athletics #IT Management

21:04

Step into the mysterious and visually stunning world of The Electric State as host Francesca Amiker takes you behind the scenes with the creative masterminds who brought Simon Stålenhag’s dystopian vision to life. In this premiere episode, directors Joe and Anthony Russo, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and producers Angela Russo-Otstot and Chris Castaldi reveal how they transformed a haunting graphic novel into an epic cinematic experience. Watch The Electric State coming to Netflix on March 14th. Check out more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

Muscles and Management explicit

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Over the last near decade, Gerry DeFilippo has trained THOUSANDS of athletes from the youth to pro level across all major team-sports.
Gerry started his gym and brand, Challenger Strength, as an ambitious 22 year old still finishing his college degree.
In the time since, he has built his facility and following into a nationally recognized performance company training thousands of athletes both in-person and online.
Gerry brings guests across all areas of sports and performance training, giving the listener inside access to his rolodex of collegiate, world renowned private and professional performance and sports coaches.
If you are looking to improve your own performance OR knowledge of performance/sports training (and learn how to shape your career), Muscles and Management is for you!

236 episodes

Muscles and Management explicit

updated 3 days ago

Series home•Feed

236 episodes

#Business #Gerry DeFilippo #Careers #Training #Strength Training #Sports Performance #Coaching #Baseball #Sports #Fitness #Athletics #IT Management

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Muscles and Management

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Episode #236 Reframing Strength, Conditioning, and Sport Culture with Malorie Henderlong 1:11:33

3 days ago1:11:33

1:11:33

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode of Muscles and Management , Gerry sits down with Malorie Henderlong, Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Auburn University, to discuss her journey through college strength and conditioning, breaking down outdated training mindsets, and creating performance systems that actually serve athletes. Malorie opens up about her coaching stops at Baylor, UNC, NC State, and now Auburn—detailing how mentorship, trial-and-error, and trusting her gut have shaped her philosophy. She gets into: Why the weight room is misunderstood in team sports , especially soccer How to build athlete trust, autonomy, and buy-in The importance of training for long-term durability over passing fitness tests How and why conditioning is still widely misused in the college space Why being a great coach also means knowing how to “sell” your ideas with humility The conversation also explores match-day plus/minus training models, how to structure in-season lifts for high and low-minute players, and why soccer-specific training needs to evolve beyond just running laps and hoping for the best. Coaches, athletes, and sports staff at every level will benefit from Malorie’s raw honesty, systems thinking, and practical strategies for optimizing performance without sacrificing athlete health or development. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro to Malorie and Her Journey Across College Programs 4:06 – Chasing the Right Roles, Not Just Titles 7:08 – Coaching at Auburn and Building Out a Sports Science Department 9:00 – Internships, Mentorship, and Learning from Brutal Feedback 12:11 – Investing in Young Coaches and Paying It Forward 13:52 – Why Some Coaches Still Fear the Weight Room 16:18 – Building Trust with Coaches Through Education and Language 21:24 – Why Strength Training Matters for Team Sport Athletes 25:52 – Transfer to Sport: Acceleration, Decel, and Foundational Strength 29:25 – Biggest Conditioning Mistakes and Outdated Approaches 32:06 – Rethinking “Mental Toughness” and Contextual Fatigue 34:47 – Learn the Sport, Then Reverse Engineer the Training 37:24 – Winning Coach Buy-In Through Relatable Language and Logic 41:05 – When “Learning the Hard Way” Helps Create Buy-In 44:33 – Offseason Conditioning: Play More, Sprint More, Lift More 46:52 – The Problem with Fitness Tests (and What to Do Instead) 51:37 – Misplaced Priorities: Testing vs. Actual Match Readiness 56:34 – Match Day Plus/Minus: In-Season Programming Done Right 1:01:09 – Auto-Regulation, Athlete Autonomy, and Keeping It Simple 1:03:15 – Training in Chaos: From Structured Plans to Afrobeat Sessions 1:06:42 – Match Day Periodization Across Sports 1:08:20 – Final Advice: Learn the Sport, Learn Your Coaches Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #235 Sprint Mechanics, Positional Speed Work, and High/Low Programming with Matt Gebert 54:19

10 days ago54:19

54:19

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode of Muscles and Management , Gerry is joined by Matt Gebert, newly appointed strength and conditioning coach for Auburn Football, previously at Arizona. Matt brings a deep dive into real-world speed development for football players, with a focus on position-specific programming, sprint mechanics, and how to effectively use the high/low model for both performance and injury prevention. They break down: The SMAS sprint mechanics scoring system : a free and objective way to evaluate and improve sprinting posture and efficiency Sprint training for linemen vs. skill positions: why all positions need sprint exposure—but not in the same way The “butt-kick epidemic” in football and how to correct poor front-side mechanics Blending acceleration and max velocity days , and how to match plyometric and strength work to ground contact demands High/low training structure in the off-season vs. in-season , and how to individualize workloads based on playing time Speed testing and leaderboards to increase athlete engagement and competitive drive Matt also shares how to handle athlete autonomy on game day, how to create buy-in without micromanaging, and yes—how one NFL athlete used tomatoes in a bizarre pre-game routine. This one is packed with practical strategies for organizing large football rosters, individualizing training based on need and position, and pushing athletic performance while keeping guys healthy. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro to the Episode and Guest, Matt Gebert 3:17 – Foundational Training and Social Media Gimmicks 6:33 – Influence of Joe DeFranco and Cam Josse on Matt’s Approach 9:46 – Sprint Mechanics Assessment (SMAS): Objective Speed Analysis 14:25 – Addressing Positional Differences: Linemen vs. Skill Players 20:00 – Butt-Kicking Epidemic and Front/Back Side Mechanics 23:37 – Using Cues vs. Addressing Physical Limitations 27:16 – Sprint Training Design for Linemen: 2 Accel Days + Adjusted MaxV 30:08 – Ground Contact Matching in Plyometrics and Lifts 32:49 – High/Low Programming Model in the Off-Season 34:54 – In-Season Adjustments and Stress Regulation with Practice 39:46 – Lifting Structure Based on Player Participation 40:34 – Game Day Warm-Up Structure and Athlete Autonomy 44:38 – Craziest Game Day Routine: The Tomato Knees 45:50 – Weekly Speed Days, Testing Setups, and Competition Culture 51:35 – Extracting Peak Output: Why Competition Drives Performance 52:32 – Final Thoughts and Coaching Philosophy Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #234 Building Speed, Absorbing Force, and Contextual Coaching with Jorge Carvajal 1:10:04

17 days ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode of Muscles and Management, Gerry welcomes speed and performance specialist Jorge Carvajal for a deep dive into building real-world speed, athlete resilience, and cutting through the noise in the world of performance training. Jorge shares insights from over 30 years in the field, including experiences working with NFL athletes, tactical athletes, and elite performers across multiple sports. The conversation starts with Jorge’s early mentorship under Tony Villani and how it completely shifted his understanding of speed development—taking him from a strength-only coach to a true performance coach. They unpack: The evolution from "strength coach" to "performance coach" Why sprinting must be in your program (and why it’s non-negotiable for speed) Understanding load management, especially for high school athletes The balance between “less is more” and doing enough to move the needle Force absorption and the overlooked importance of deceleration training Using testing data to know when to push strength and when to back off Why context is king in coaching decisions (especially with parents and over-programmed athletes) Jorge also shares practical wisdom on athlete recovery, how to manage central nervous system fatigue, and why smart, simple programming beats trendy overcomplication every time. This is an absolute masterclass for coaches and athletes looking to train smarter, avoid injuries, and get faster—without falling into the trap of chasing numbers for the sake of it. Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to the Episode and Guest, Jorge Carvajal 2:24 – Jorge’s Start and Early Mentorship from Tony Villani 7:39 – Rethinking Ladder Drills and Purpose-Driven Application 12:10 – Humbling Lessons on Speed: "I Realized I Knew Nothing" 16:00 – Jorge’s Evolution: From Strength Coach to Performance Coach 19:54 – Contextual Coaching: What Do Your Athletes Really Need? 23:08 – Sprinting and Strength: Knowing When Enough is Enough 29:04 – Avoiding Excessive Mass Gains That Slow Athletes Down 33:35 – Chasing Numbers vs. Chasing Results: Keep the Context 37:11 – Load Management: Avoiding Overload, Especially in Young Athletes 42:12 – Why High School Strength Coaches Deserve Huge Respect 44:58 – Less is More: Structuring Sprint Workouts for Recovery 48:15 – Monitoring Athlete Readiness and Recovery Daily 53:08 – When Strength Stops Translating to Performance 57:48 – Deceleration Training: Building Better, Safer Athletes 1:02:10 – Film Study and Sport-Specific Application of Deceleration 1:05:11 – Final Thoughts: Stay Humble, Stay Curious, and Keep Learning Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #233 Breaking Plateaus, Training Smart, and Calling Out Gimmicks with William Wayland 1:02:42

24 days ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode of Muscles and Management, Gerry sits down with elite strength coach and performance consultant William Wayland to dig deep into what truly drives long-term athlete development—and what doesn’t. They waste no time diving into the overuse of unstable surface training, especially in rotational sports like golf and baseball, and why chasing “core stability” often misses the point. William explains how performance has been overtaken by gimmicks and fear-driven training methods and provides clear, practical alternatives rooted in real-world results. They also discuss: Hand-supported squats and RDLs as tools to break through strength plateaus Training adaptations in-season vs. off-season The importance of context and communication when working with athletes Neck training and its underappreciated role in performance and injury prevention AI in coaching, and why great coaches offer more than spreadsheets and rep schemes From tackling social media misinformation to offering real solutions for building resilient, high-performing athletes, this episode is a masterclass in modern coaching. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro to the Episode and Guest, William Wayland 3:12 – The Problem with Unstable Surface Training in Sport 7:39 – Social Media Influence and Why Gimmicks Go Viral 10:25 – Fear of Loading and the Rise of “Safe but Useless” Training 16:00 – Real Force Production vs. Balance Drills 18:42 – Breaking Strength Plateaus with Hand-Supported Variations 25:00 – In-Season vs. Off-Season Programming Adjustments 29:36 – Novelty, Monotony, and When to Change Training Stimuli 34:00 – The Role of Communication and Subjective Feedback 37:47 – Coaching in Chaos: Travel, Sleep, and Agile Programming 42:00 – AI and the Future of Strength Coaching 48:22 – Neck Training: Benefits, Myths, and Practical Programming 55:32 – When and How to Program Neck Work 58:23 – Evidence vs. Experience: Finding the Balance 1:01:18 – Final Thoughts on Craftsmanship in Coaching Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #232 Sprint Mechanics, Speed Trends, and Building Better Athletes with Justin Wickard 58:15

4 weeks ago58:15

58:15

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode of Muscles and Management, Gerry sits down with Justin Wickard—track and field coach, speed expert, and founder of Tier One Athlete—to break down what it really takes to get athletes faster. With nearly two decades of experience across Division I programs like TCU and Air Force, Justin shares his journey from intern to elite sprint coach, and how his philosophy has evolved from traditional volume-heavy training to a precision-based approach rooted in movement quality, recovery, and intent. The conversation dives deep into: Why mechanics matter more than gimmicks The misunderstood role of sleds and resistance sprinting Why posture and pelvic positioning are crucial for top-end speed How to avoid “speed lock” and overstimulating the CNS Why submaximal sprinting may be a missing piece The limits of strength and when it stops translating to speed They also take aim at the overhyped obsession with 40-yard dash times, dissect the pros and cons of modern speed trends on social media, and explore how team sport coaches can better integrate proven track and field methods. If you're a coach or athlete looking to cut through the noise and learn how to actually improve speed—without sacrificing movement, health, or long-term development—this one’s a must-listen. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to the Episode and Guest, Justin Wickard 3:16 – Coaching Journey: 14 Years in College Track & Field 7:50 – The Power of Mentorship and Learning from Elite Coaches 10:43 – Evolving as a Coach: From Volume to Recovery-Based Programming 17:06 – The 40-Yard Dash: Misconceptions, Realistic Standards, and NFL Combine Talk 23:37 – Building Acceleration: Coordination, Strength, and Common Mistakes 27:52 – The Sled Debate: How It’s Misused and When to Avoid It 29:18 – Max Velocity: Mechanics, Posture, and Injury Prevention 34:25 – Submaximal Sprinting: Slowing Down to Speed Up 38:02 – Less vs. More: Finding the Right Sprint Volume for Each Athlete 41:08 – Avoiding the Trap of “Speed Branding” on Social Media 44:11 – How Much Speed Work is Enough (or Too Much)? 47:10 – Agility, Change of Direction, and Being an All-Around Athlete 48:15 – Bridging Track and Team Sports: What Coaches Can Learn From Each Other 52:00 – Wickets, Programming Nuance, and Final Thoughts Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #231 Speed Development, Strength Training, and the Evolution of Coaching with Brad Dixon 53:43

5 weeks ago53:43

53:43

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode of Muscles and Management, Gerry welcomes Brad Dixon, head football coach, track coach, and advocate for the Feed the Cats training philosophy. Brad shares his journey from traditional, old-school coaching methods to a more data-driven and athlete-first approach, optimizing both speed and strength for long-term athletic development. Brad breaks down how he transitioned from overloading athletes with conditioning to implementing sprint-based training, why max velocity work is often the missing link in high school sports, and how to balance weight room training with speed development. He also dives into the biggest misconceptions about Feed the Cats, why football coaches often resist change, and the importance of adapting training models to individual athletes instead of following generic plans. They also discuss how to integrate speed training into multi-sport schedules, why strength alone isn’t enough, and how to create a system that keeps athletes healthy while maximizing their performance. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to the Episode and Guest, Brad Dixon 3:17 – From Old-School Training to Feed the Cats 7:39 – The Shift in Strength and Conditioning Principles 12:10 – Social Media’s Role in Spreading Training Trends 15:35 – Addressing Misconceptions About Feed the Cats 19:54 – Why Max Velocity Training is the Missing Link 23:37 – Balancing Strength and Speed in Training Programs 26:23 – The Role of Game Speed in Athletic Development 30:24 – Overcoming Resistance to New Training Methods 39:46 – The Real Definition of Hard Work in Sports 44:15 – How to Program for Speed, Strength, and Recovery 51:01 – The Future of Coaching: Adaptation and Growth 54:11 – Final Thoughts: Train Smart, Recover Well, and Keep Learning Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #230 The Evolution of Pitching, Strength Training, and Social Media’s Impact with Ben Brewster of Tread Athletics 45:44

6 weeks ago45:44

45:44

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode of Muscles and Management , Gerry welcomes back Ben Brewster, founder of Tread Athletics, to discuss the evolving landscape of pitching development, strength training, and how technology and social media are shaping modern training methods. Ben shares insights on the advancements in pitch tracking technology, how social media influences training trends (for better or worse), and the role of strength training in pitching performance. He also breaks down the pitfalls of over-relying on training gadgets, how athletes should filter out misinformation, and why understanding biomechanics is critical for long-term success. They dive into the balance between strength training and skill development, the importance of movement quality, and why "sports-specific" training often misses the mark. Ben also reveals his “toothpaste tube” analogy for squeezing out every last bit of performance potential and shares lessons from his personal journey—from a 150-pound high school freshman to a 98-mph professional pitcher. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management ! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to the Episode and Guest, Ben Brewster 3:17 – The Evolution of Pitching and Strength Training 7:39 – How Technology Has Transformed Training 12:10 – Social Media’s Role in Training Trends 15:35 – The Problem with Over-Specialization in Youth Sports 19:54 – The Spread of Training Misconceptions Online 23:37 – The Debate on Strength vs. Skill-Specific Training 26:23 – Finding the Right Balance Between Lifting and Throwing 30:24 – The Role of Movement Quality and Injury Prevention 39:46 – Misconceptions About Strength Training in Pitching 44:15 – How to Train Smarter and Avoid Overtraining 51:01 – The “Toothpaste Tube” Analogy for Peak Performance 54:11 – Final Thoughts: Maximizing Every Training Opportunity Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #229 Effective Protocol in Performance and Avoiding Gimmicks with Quentin Wiley of UNC Football 1:11:06

7 weeks ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode, Gerry welcomes Quentin Wiley, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and strength coach at the University of North Carolina, to discuss the intersection of rehab and performance training. Quentin shares insights on the growing hype around fascia-based training, movement variability for injury prevention, and the balance between treatment, recovery, and foundational training principles. They also explore the role of social media in shaping training trends, common misconceptions in strength and conditioning, and how to bridge the gap between rehab and performance. Quentin breaks down why movement variability is key to reducing injury risk, the overuse of passive recovery modalities, and why training should focus on long-term athlete resilience rather than gimmicks. He also dives into the role of strength training in injury prevention, how manual therapy is often misunderstood, and why many athletes overcomplicate recovery instead of prioritizing sleep, hydration, and nutrition. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to the Episode and Guest, Quentin Wiley 3:17 – Quentin’s Background: From UNC Lacrosse to Physical Therapy 7:39 – Transition from Athlete to Strength Coach and DPT 12:10 – Social Media’s Role in Strength and Rehab Trends 15:35 – The Problem with Over-Specialization in Youth Sports 19:54 – How Training Misconceptions Spread Through Social Media 23:37 – The Debate on Movement Variability for Injury Prevention 26:23 – Strength Training vs. Rehab: Finding the Balance 30:24 – Fascia Training Hype: Science vs. Pseudoscience 39:46 – Why Passive Recovery Methods Are Overrated 44:15 – The Role of Manual Therapy in Pain Management 51:01 – How Strength Training Builds Resilience and Injury Prevention 54:11 – Final Thoughts: Smart Training, Recovery, and Avoiding Gimmicks Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #228 The Blueprint to Building a HUGE Vertical Jump with Brandon Davis 1:20:08

8 weeks ago1:20:08

1:20:08

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode, Gerry welcomes Brandon Davis, a strength and conditioning coach, to discuss vertical jump training and performance strategies. They dive into the importance of altitude drops, resisted sprints, and the role of eccentric training in athletic development. Brandon shares insights on common training misconceptions, including the misuse of VertiMax, overcomplicating jump training, and the obsession with sport-specific gimmicks. The discussion also covers how social media influences training trends, the challenges of coaching in different settings, and the effectiveness of loaded jumps and Olympic lifts. Brandon explains why he prioritizes eccentric overload and altitude drops for injury prevention and performance, as well as his shift away from Olympic lifts in favor of resisted sprinting and alternative jump training methods. The conversation provides valuable insights for coaches and athletes looking to enhance power, speed, and jump mechanics. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction and Podcast Recognition 3:39 – Welcoming Brandon Davis and Episode Overview 5:28 – Common Misconceptions in Jump Training and Performance 7:39 – The VertiMax Debate: Effective or Overhyped? 12:10 – The Problem with Sport-Specific Training Gimmicks 15:35 – Issues with Speed Ladder Training for Athletic Performance 17:25 – The Rise of Fascia-Based Training: Overhyped or Useful? 19:54 – How Social Media Affects Strength and Conditioning Trends 23:37 – Box Jumps for Conditioning: Misuse and Proper Application 26:23 – Why Altitude Drops Are Essential for Athletic Development 30:24 – Addressing the Fear of High Drop Landings 34:12 – Progressing Athletes to Maximal Landings and Drop Heights 37:36 – The Role of Eccentric Strength in Vertical Jump Development 41:36 – Why Basic Training Works for a Long Time in Young Athletes 45:37 – Stimulus Rotation vs. Sticking with the Basics 50:35 – Olympic Lifts: Are They Necessary for Power Development? 57:50 – The Best Loaded Jump Variations for Vertical Jump Gains 1:02:14 – The Drawbacks of Trap Bar Jumps and Setup Constraints Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #227 Maximizing Athletic Longevity and Injury Prevention with Wesley Wang 1:00:18

9 weeks ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! On this episode of Muscles and Management , Gerry welcomes Wesley Wang, a sports physical therapist specializing in injury rehab and performance optimization. Wesley shares key insights into preventing and recovering from ACL injuries, common mistakes athletes make in training, and how to structure rehab for long-term durability and peak performance. The conversation covers how strength training impacts injury risk, the role of mobility and stability in rehab, and practical strategies for staying healthy while improving performance. Wesley also debunks common myths about rehab, explains why return-to-play testing is crucial, and offers actionable advice for athletes, coaches, and parents. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management ! Episode Timestamps: 00:45 Introduction to Wesley Wang and his background in sports physical therapy 06:10 The rise of ACL injuries and why they’re so common 12:35 Key strength training principles for injury prevention 18:50 Why mobility and stability matter in rehab 24:15 The biggest rehab mistakes athletes make 31:40 How to safely return to sport after injury 39:20 Debunking myths about injury prevention and recovery 45:05 The importance of long-term athletic development 52:30 Practical takeaways for athletes, coaches, and parents Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #226 In-Season Training, Speed Myths & Social Media’s Impact on Coaching with Brendan Thompson & Joseph Potts 1:45:38

10 weeks ago1:45:38

1:45:38

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode of Muscles and Management , Gerry welcomes back two highly respected performance coaches, Brendan Thompson and Joseph Potts, for an unfiltered conversation on the state of strength and conditioning. The trio dives into pressing topics such as the role of social media in coaching, the rise of "guru" trainers, and the increasing reliance on over-assessment in sports science. Brendan and Joseph share insights on in-season and off-season training philosophies, discuss whether max-speed training is overrated, and explore the importance of contextualizing KPIs rather than chasing arbitrary numbers. They also analyze the dangers of misinformation in the industry, particularly around speed development and force plate data, and how young athletes can navigate today’s recruiting landscape. The conversation is packed with real-world examples from professional sports, including NFL, MLB, and collegiate athletics, offering listeners a raw and insightful look at what truly matters in athlete development. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Support the show (http://www.challengerstrength.com) Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to the Episode and Guests, Brendan Thompson & Joseph Potts 3:06 The Role of Social Media in Coaching & the Rise of “Gurus” 7:14 The State of the Strength & Conditioning Industry: Misinformation & Overcomplication 12:30 The Problem with Over-Assessing Athletes & Data Overload 17:09 Strength vs. Speed: Do Heavy Lifts Actually Make You Faster? 23:26 Chasing KPIs: Why Context Matters More Than Arbitrary Metrics 28:15 Overuse of Force Plates, Readiness Testing & Tech Gimmicks in Training 35:00 The Warm-Up as an Assessment: Why Simplicity Wins 39:02 The Fine Line Between Testing & Over-Testing 41:37 The Changing Landscape of College Recruiting & NIL’s Impact 50:00 The Truth About Football Combines & Baseball Showcases 56:41 In-Season Speed Training: How Much Is Necessary? 57:46 Is Max Speed Training Overrated? The Science & Debate 1:07:00 Preventing Hamstring Injuries with Strategic Sprinting 1:10:00 Final Thoughts on Building Better Athletes & Avoiding Industry Pitfalls Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #225 Everything You Need to Know About Speed Development for Athletes 59:22

11 weeks ago59:22

59:22

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode, Gerry discusses the critical elements of speed development for team sport athletes, particularly baseball players. He breaks down acceleration, top speed, and the nuances of sprint training, emphasizing how these factors impact performance on the field. The episode highlights the importance of exposing athletes to longer sprints, addressing common speed training mistakes, and optimizing the 60-yard dash—a key metric for baseball scouting. Gerry introduces the newly launched Diamond Speed Protocol ( https://www.onlystrength.training/diamond-speed-protocol?new_run=true ) , a comprehensive speed training program designed specifically for baseball players. He explains the role of velocity-based training, heavy resisted sprints, and proper mechanics in maximizing acceleration. The conversation also covers common misconceptions about strength training for speed and why athletes should prioritize force output over perfect sprint mechanics. Throughout the episode, Gerry and Mike discuss their own experiences with speed training (or the lack thereof) in high school and how modern approaches have evolved. They stress the importance of structured training and preparation before showcases, rather than randomly attending events without optimizing performance. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Support the show (http://www.challengerstrength.com) Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to the Episode and Overview of Speed Development 1:37 Importance of Ratings, Reviews, and Supporting the Podcast 2:31 Baseball-Specific Speed Training and Launch of the Diamond Speed Protocol 5:25 Challenges of the 60-Yard Dash and Its Role in Baseball Recruiting 10:18 Common Speed Training Mistakes and Why Athletes Struggle with the 60-Yard Dash 14:55 Gerry and Mike Discuss Their Personal Experiences with Speed Training in High School 21:53 Why Baseball Players Need to Train for Top Speed and Acceleration 24:51 Importance of Identifying Weaknesses in Acceleration vs. Top Speed Mechanics 27:19 The Role of Timing Splits in Sprint Performance Assessment 29:24 Acceleration Mechanics: The Benefits of Sled Sprints and Heavy Resistance Training 35:06 Understanding Skill Acquisition and Self-Organization in Sprint Training 40:28 How Resisted Sprints Improve Mechanics Without Over-Coaching 43:16 Strength Training for Speed: How Much Does It Matter? 46:02 Prioritizing Force Output Over Perfect Sprint Mechanics 48:00 Integrating Sprint Training into Existing Strength Programs 50:35 Why the Diamond Speed Protocol Is a Game-Changer for Athletes 55:55 Upcoming Guests and Future Program Plans Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #224 Strategies for Speed Development, Rotational Power and More with Cameron Dietz (Cincinnati Baseball) 59:20

12 weeks ago59:20

59:20

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode, Gerry welcomes Cam Dietz, Director of Performance at the University of Cincinnati Baseball program, to discuss performance training strategies. Cam shares insights on rotational power, resisted sprints, and balancing intensity with recovery for athletes. He highlights the value of single-leg movements, resisted acceleration, and how he integrates med ball throws to develop power. The conversation also touches on the evolving training landscape, the importance of social media for coaches, and how to create buy-in and motivation among athletes. Cam dives into how resisted sprints can improve force production and technique, the value of training rotational power year-round, and why unilateral exercises dominate his programming. He also shares advice for coaches on building their brand and leveraging social media for career growth. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Support the show ( http://www.challengerstrength.com ) 3:28 Cam’s Background and the Role of Social Media in Coaching 7:39 Avoiding Overcomplication in Training Philosophy 12:30 The Five Core Movements Cam Focuses on for Athlete Development 15:55 Unilateral vs. Bilateral Training and Program Structure 23:37 Resisted Sprints and Acceleration for Team Sports 26:23 Programming for Resisted Acceleration: Distances, Loads, and Tools 30:24 Matching Speed and Strength Work with Ground Contact Times 39:46 Acceleration and Rotational Power: Starts and Moving Start Techniques 44:15 The Importance of Vertical Power in Rotational Training 51:01 In-Season Rotational Power Training and Managing Volume 54:11 Final Advice for Coaches: Building Your Brand and Adding Value Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

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Episode #223 How to Begin and Structure Off-Season Training with Scott Leech (URI Football) 1:05:16

13 weeks ago1:05:16

1:05:16

Send us your questions, or thoughts on today's episode! In this episode, Gerry welcomes Scott Leech, Director of Performance for the University of Rhode Island football program, to discuss the intricacies of off-season training for Division I athletes. Scott shares how his team navigated their most successful season in 39 years, culminating in a conference championship and a playoff victory, and the challenges that come with building and sustaining a winning culture. Scott delves into the physical and mental demands athletes face post-season and outlines his approach to off-season programming. He emphasizes balancing recovery with progressive training, including implementing heavy resistance sleds, velocity-based training, and grappling drills to prepare athletes for the rigors of spring ball. He highlights the importance of catering to each player's needs, from underclassmen eager to prove themselves to seasoned starters managing wear and tear. Throughout the conversation, Scott offers practical advice for designing effective off-season programs, focusing on foundational strength, managing athlete load, and fostering a competitive environment even during winter break. His insights provide valuable takeaways for coaches and athletes aiming to maximize their off-season potential. All that and more on this episode of Muscles and Management! Support the show ( http://www.challengerstrength.com ) 0:00 Introduction to the Episode and Guest, Scott Leech 1:15 Scott’s Role as Director of Performance at the University of Rhode Island 2:43 Reflecting on Rhode Island’s Historic Football Season 5:10 Balancing Transfer Portal Success with Team Development 9:06 Challenges of Integrating Athletes from Diverse Training Backgrounds 14:35 Managing Athlete Health After a Long Season 18:57 Designing Winter Break Programs to Maximize Athlete Compliance 23:16 Prioritizing Foundational Strength and Recovery During Offseason 30:14 Building a Competitive Culture Through Offseason Training 35:00 Adjusting Training Based on Athlete Readiness Using Velocity-Based Training 43:07 Simplifying Strength Programs to Maximize Athlete Development 49:31 Transitioning to In-Person Offseason Training: Speed, Strength, and Conditioning 54:04 Implementing Contact Prep and Competitive Conditioning Drills 58:34 Incorporating Aerobic Base Work for Football Athletes 1:00:06 The Importance of Restoring Muscle Mass and Strength in Offseason 1:05:12 Final Reflections: Keeping Offseason Training Balanced and Enjoyable Get A 7 Day FREE TRIAL On Onlystrength! - https://www.onlystrength.training/podcastoffer Support the show…

Muscles and Management

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Episode #222 How Performance Training Has Changed and What it Means with AJ Blue (UNC Football S&C) 1:06:18

14 weeks ago1:06:18