The Athletic Edge Podcast

Chris Guarin, a performance therapist with 14–15 years blending therapy and strength work, explains a broad, context-driven view of strength. He discusses how stability, mobility, timing, and system coordination shape performance. They cover return-to-play progressions, foot-ground interaction, and translating clinical findings into practical training strategies.

Tanner Care, director of performance for the BC Lions and Vancouver Bandits with experience across U Sports, NCAA, and pro sport. He discusses long-term athletic development and prioritizing movement skill before specialization. He covers the role of speed and deceleration training for all athletes. He explains key performance metrics and how tracking trends guides individualized programming.

Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/SummaryIn this conversation, Malorie Henderlong, the women's soccer strength and conditioning coach at Auburn University, shares her journey into strength coaching, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with athletes and educating them about their training. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding strength and conditioning in soccer, the significance of individualized fitness programs, and the need for speed and acceleration training. Mallory also addresses the challenges of in-season training, the rising concern of ACL injuries in women's soccer, and the importance of preparing athletes for life after college. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the role of mental health and support in athlete development.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Strength and Conditioning Coaching 06:39 Navigating Strength and Conditioning Misconceptions 12:12 Preseason Testing and Conditioning Strategies 18:18 Individualizing Fitness and Conditioning Programs 25:24 The Importance of Speed and Acceleration Training 30:28 Managing Athlete Load and Fatigue 36:17 Strength Training and Injury/ACL Prevention 47:04 Life After College Sports 57:15 Building Relationships with AthletesLinks:IG: @malorie_henderlongConnect 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.

Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/SummaryIn this conversation, Coach Josh Bray shares his journey in the coaching profession, detailing his experiences and insights into athlete development. He discusses the importance of off-season programming, evaluating athlete qualities, and balancing strengths and weaknesses. Josh emphasizes the significance of play in sports, the need for adaptability in coaching, and the lessons learned from elite athletes. The conversation highlights the fluid nature of coaching and the importance of creating an enjoyable environment for young athletes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Coach Josh Bray 01:19 Josh Bray's Journey in Sports and Coaching 04:47 Day-to-Day Life as a Strength and Conditioning Coach 06:30 Key Considerations for Off-Season Programs 09:33 Understanding Athlete Qualities: Bucketing and Archetyping 15:37 Differentiating Between Muscular and Elastic Athletes 18:35 Programming for Different Sports and Athletes 21:46 Training Structure and Consistency 24:15 In-Season Programming and Adaptability 30:55 The Importance of Play and Movement Quality 36:40 The Role of Early Specialization in Youth SportsLinks:IG: @jbraythecoachConnect 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.

Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/SummaryIn this conversation, Jack Brown, owner of AquaStrength Performance, shares his journey into strength and conditioning, particularly focusing on training young athletes, especially swimmers. He discusses the growth of his business, the importance of communication with athletes and parents, and the challenges of balancing training with other commitments. Jack emphasizes the significance of enjoyment in training, dispels common myths about strength training for swimmers, and outlines his training philosophy, including the use of isometric exercises and sprinting. The conversation highlights the need for a tailored approach to training that prioritizes athlete well-being and consistent effort over rigid periodization.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jack Brown and AquaStrength Performance 02:49 Jack's Journey into Strength and Conditioning 05:40 The Growth of AquaStrength Performance 08:33 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth 11:28 Daily Operations and Training Structure 14:22 Balancing Training and Athlete Well-being 17:03 Adapting Training Models for Aquatic Athletes 20:16 The Importance of Enjoyment in Training 23:07 Volume vs. Quality in Swim Training 25:42 The Power of Enjoyment in Training 29:18 Understanding Athlete Fatigue and Recovery 33:38 Rethinking Periodization in Youth Swimmers 45:57 Debunking Misconceptions in Strength Training for SwimmersLinks:IG: @aquastrengthperformanceConnect 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.

Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training Information: https://evansperformance.my.canva.site/SummaryIn this conversation, strength coach Joe Aratari shares his extensive experience in coaching athletes of all levels, from youth to professional. He discusses the differences and similarities in training approaches, the importance of practical coaching in high school settings, and the integration of technology in strength training. Joe emphasizes the significance of monitoring athlete performance, the high-low training model, and essential exercises for young athletes. He also delves into the importance of recovery strategies, his philosophy on social media, and the structure of his online coaching programs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Background 02:44 Training Youth vs. College and Pro Athletes 05:10 Practical Coaching in High School Settings 07:52 Utilizing Technology in Training 11:45 Monitoring Athlete Performance 13:39 High-Low Training Model Explained 17:17 Concurrent Training for High School Athletes 20:56 Essential Exercises for Young Athletes 26:11 Building a Strong Foundation in Youth Training 27:28 The Importance of Tissue Remodeling and Recovery 29:54 Social Media's Role in Coaching and Athlete Development 35:08 Navigating Online Training and Coaching Models 44:44 Engagement and Community in Strength TrainingLinks:IG: @joearatariX: @joearatariConnect 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.

Join the team! Evans Performance Online Training InformationSummary:In this conversation, Rhodri and I discuss the importance of strength and conditioning for young athletes, exploring Rhodri's journey in the field, the evolution of pediatric strength training, and the shift towards specialization in coaching. They emphasize the need for well-qualified coaches, the significance of movement quality, and the impact of growth spurts on training. The discussion also covers the YPD model versus the LTAD model, injury prevention strategies, and the necessity of sampling different sports for youth development.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pediatric Strength and Conditioning 03:30 The Evolution of Youth Strength Training 06:32 Specialization vs. Generalization in Youth Sports 09:16 Qualifications for Youth Strength Coaches 11:59 The LTAD and YPD Models Explained 14:53 The Importance of Sampling in Youth Sports 17:51 Managing Early Specialization and Injury Prevention 20:22 Navigating Growth Spurts in Young Athletes 27:04 Understanding Growth Spurts in Young Athletes 30:50 Psychosocial Factors in Youth Training 34:50 The Importance of Strength in Development 39:14 Movement Quality and Injury Risk 45:27 Assessing Movement and Strength in YouthLinks:Rhodri Lloyd: https://pure.cardiffmet.ac.uk/en/persons/rhodri-lloydLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhodri-s-lloyd-9861a832/Connect 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.

Summary:In this conversation, Kevin Carr shares his extensive experience as a strength and conditioning coach, focusing on the development of young athletes. He discusses the importance of general physical development, setting standards for training, and the need for effective communication with both athletes and their parents. Kevin emphasizes the significance of plyometric progressions, managing training volume, and the long-term benefits of instilling a love for exercise in young athletes.ChaptersTraining Young Athletes: Goals and ApproachesManaging Overconfident Young AthletesMovement Screens and Exercise SelectionStrength Training Progression for YouthBilateral vs. Unilateral Training: Finding BalanceAdapting Training During Growth SpurtsPlyometric Training: From Landing to ElasticityAdvanced Techniques: Incorporating Depth DropsManaging Training Volume for In-Season AthletesConditioning: Timing and ImplementationThe Benefits of Low Volume TrainingEvolution of Training Practices at MBSCUnderrated Exercises for Young AthletesLinks:IG: @kev_in_carrConnect 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.

In this episode of the Athletic Edge podcast, I speak with Joe Pedulla, a strength coach at the University of Oklahoma, about his journey from working as a physical therapy aide to coaching collegiate athletes. Joe shares insights on balancing strength training with skill development, understanding an athlete's training age, and the misconceptions about strength’s impact on performance. We dive into topics like rotational power in softball, shoulder health, and innovative testing methods like the Ash test. Packed with practical advice for coaches, athletes, and parents, this episode offers valuable takeaways to elevate athletic performance.00:00:18 - Guest Introduction: Joe Pedulla00:01:27 - Joe's Background and Journey to Strength Coaching00:02:44 - Experiences at NJ FAST and Kansas City Royals00:04:50 - Differences in Training Ages Among Athletes00:06:18 - Baseball and Early Specialization00:08:08 - In-Season Training and Athlete Development00:10:36 - Criteria for Assessing New Athletes00:12:42 - Understanding Motor Preferences00:13:42 - Force Plate Testing and Its Application00:17:03 - Speed and Power Development in Softball00:19:32 - Maximal Strength as a Foundation00:22:09 - Rotational Power and Its Importance00:25:55 - Shoulder Health and Injury Prevention00:31:51 - Misconceptions About Strength and Conditioning00:40:13 - The Role of Strength Coaches in Athlete Success00:42:45 - Advice for Young Athletes and CoachesLinks:IG: @pedullaperformanceConnect 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.

In this episode of the Athletic Edge podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with strength coach Ray Zingler, who shared his insights on youth athletic development and the importance of prioritizing the holistic growth of young athletes. Ray emphasized that the happiest and most successful athletes often have supportive parents who allow them to enjoy the game without pressure. He advocates for a generalized training approach over sports specialization, focusing on building a strong foundation of skills that will serve athletes well in their chosen sports.Ray also discussed the significance of humanizing athletes, helping them understand that their worth is not solely defined by their performance. He shared his unique assessment methods, which prioritize observation and trust-building over overwhelming corrections. Throughout the episode, Ray debunked myths about strength training for young athletes, highlighting its crucial role in improving overall performance and fostering a lifelong love for movement. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and parents alike.Chapters00:00:00 - The Emotional Landscape of Sports00:01:44 - Introduction to the Athletic Edge Podcast00:02:21 - Meet Ray Zingler: A Unique Journey00:03:56 - Training Schedule and Structure00:04:48 - Building a Coaching Team00:05:49 - The Zingler Strength Experience00:08:00 - General vs. Specific Training for Youth Athletes00:10:20 - The Importance of Identity Beyond Sports00:12:25 - Preparing Athletes for Life Beyond Sports00:14:06 - The Dangers of Sports Specialization00:16:04 - Communicating the Value of General Training00:20:04 - Understanding the Consumer Perspective00:22:10 - The Role of Strength in Athletic Development00:24:01 - Addressing Parents' Concerns About Running Form00:27:35 - The Importance of Movement Diversity00:30:41 - Evaluating New Athletes: A Unique Approach00:34:42 - Building Trust and Confidence in Young Athletes00:36:45 - The Balance Between Theory and Practice in TrainingLinks:IG: @zinglerstrengthConnect 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.