Coach and Coordinator Podcast

Best of 2025, Sprint-Based Football - Kurt Hester

Dec 26, 2025
Kurt Hester, a seasoned football preparation coach known for his innovative approach at Louisiana Tech, Tulane, and the University of Houston, passionately discusses rethinking strength and conditioning. He advocates for speed and skill over traditional volume-based training, emphasizing recovery and injury prevention. Kurt also critiques common industry practices, encourages meaningful drills, and shares insights on athlete monitoring. His unique methods and commitment to athlete well-being make for a captivating exploration of modern football preparation.
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ANECDOTE

Small-Program Success Through Development

  • At Louisiana Tech Kurt helped win eight straight bowl games and sent many players to the NFL from a small program.
  • He credits time, focused development, and relationships for keeping players and producing NFL talent.
ADVICE

Track Readiness, Then Adjust Practice Load

  • Measure readiness with simple tests like repeated verticals and use GPS to guide practice load and recovery.
  • Program practice with heavy periods followed by low-intensity recovery to prevent chronic fatigue and injuries.
INSIGHT

Speed Is Performance And Injury Insurance

  • Top-end speed exposure both improves performance and inoculates athletes against hamstring pulls.
  • Hester warns raw numbers are often misleading across GPS systems and conditions, so context and repeatability matter.
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