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

Do you want a GUARANTEED 0.2-0.5 seconds off your 60 time in just 8 weeks... just in time for baseball season?

Click the link to access the Diamond Speed Protocol, a speed program designed by Gerry to get you the fastest you've ever been!

Support the show

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

Do you want a GUARANTEED 0.2-0.5 seconds off your 60 time in just 8 weeks... just in time for baseball season?

Click the link to access the Diamond Speed Protocol, a speed program designed by Gerry to get you the fastest you've ever been!

Support the show

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

Do you want a GUARANTEED 0.2-0.5 seconds off your 60 time in just 8 weeks... just in time for baseball season?

Click the link to access the Diamond Speed Protocol, a speed program designed by Gerry to get you the fastest you've ever been!

Support the show