The Les Spellman Podcast

In this episode, I (@les7spellman) talk with Mark Fitzgerald (@FitzgeraldETS), Strength and Conditioning Coach and Lead Training Advisor for Under Armour.  We discuss how to adapt programming based on differences in sports and athletes from different backgrounds. Mark also breaks down speed in the sport of hockey and we discuss how training speed translates to the game.  One note: this podcast was originally recorded in 2022, so there are some details pertaining to that time period.  Before checking out the main talking points, I just released the Speed City membership, giving coaches and athletes access to digital speed training delivered directly on your mobile device. Check it out here: http://train.spellmanperformance.com/speedcity Main talking points:  Adapting your programming based on different sports & athlete backgrounds Importance of speed work for sport of Hockey The positive effect of early acceleration Teaching athletes to project Simplifying training for athletes  If you're interested in learning more, check out these free resources:  5 Weekly Training Templates 2 Supplementary Speed Workouts How Much Faster Can A Pro Athlete Get In 45 Minutes  Or follow me on the channels below:  Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Dan Pfaff, elite sprint and high-performance coach who trained Olympians and NFL stars, shares his approach to speed. He discusses early acceleration, microdosing max-velocity work, resisted runs and the force-velocity tradeoff. He also covers integrating speed into team schedules and managing player stress and recovery.

Episode 18: In this episode, I (@les7spellman) talk about the reasons athletes should want to get faster, why we don’t have more buy-in for speed development, and solutions for common speed training misconceptions.  One note: this podcast was originally recorded in Spring 2022, so there are some details pertaining to that time period.  Before checking out the main talking points, I just released my new 8-week `Elite Speed Program` if you’re interested in how we program with our youth & elite athletes. It is on early bird special right now: https://courses.spellmanperformance.com/elite-speed-program?coupon=ELITE25 Main talking points:  Biases athletes have on getting faster Why we should want to get faster Why we don’t always see buy-in on speed development  Training strategies with small amounts of time Importance of measurement when training athletes  If you're interested in learning more, check out these free resources:  5 Weekly Training Templates 2 Supplementary Speed Workouts How Much Faster Can A Pro Athlete Get In 45 Minutes  Or follow me on the channels below:  Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Episode 17: In this episode, I (@les7spellman) talk with Taylor Nelson-Cook (@tnelsoncook19) about ways to simplify training, the biggest thing he’s mastered over the years, and how to balance coaching vs personal life.  Taylor is an awesome trainer and even better person, he has some great insights on being a coach, and a father.  One note: this podcast was originally recorded in Spring 2022, so there are some details pertaining to that time period.  Before checking out the main talking points, I just released my new 8-week `Elite Speed Program` if you’re interested in how we program with our youth & elite athletes. It is on early bird special right now: https://courses.spellmanperformance.com/elite-speed-program?coupon=ELITE25 Main talking points:  Utilization of GPS in programming Importance of simplifying training whenever possible  What is Taylor’s secret weapon of coaching?  Where did we get our inspiration?  Balancing coaching while being Dads If you're interested in learning more, check out these free resources:  5 Weekly Training Templates 2 Supplementary Speed Workouts How Much Faster Can A Pro Athlete Get In 45 Minutes  Or follow me on the channels below:  Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Episode 16: Jordan and I originally met each other in 2022 when Jordan started the Universal Speed Rating Miami Speed Lab to help amplify his speed training with his private clients. If you’re interested in learning a proven speed system, apply to become a Speed Lab today: https://train.universalspeedrating.com/acceleratorprogram One note: this podcast was originally recorded in Spring 2022, so there are some details pertaining to that time period.  Before checking out the main talking points, I just released my new 8-week `Elite Speed Program` if you’re interested in how we program with our youth & elite athletes. It is on early bird special right now: https://courses.spellmanperformance.com/elite-speed-program?coupon=ELITE25 Main talking points:  Who is Jordan Collins? How is Jordan developing speed in his space?  Missing links in speed training right now  Who has influenced our performance philosophy How to use data effectively  Importance of hip displacement If you're interested in learning more, check out these free resources:  5 Weekly Training Templates 2 Supplementary Speed Workouts How Much Faster Can A Pro Athlete Get In 45 Minutes  Or follow me on the channels below:  Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Episode 15: In this episode, I (@les7spellman) talk with Darren Hansen (@coachdhansen) about how he gets athletes to buy into their training at Hansen Athletics in Pocatello, Idaho. Darren and I originally linked up when Hansen Athletics become a USR Speed Lab last year to help him implement a speed system to complement their existing strength work. If you’re interested in learning a proven speed system, apply to become a Speed Lab today: https://train.universalspeedrating.com/acceleratorprogram One note: this podcast was originally recorded in Spring of 2022, so there are some details pertaining to that time period.  Before checking out the main talking points, I just released my new 8-week `Elite Speed Program` if you’re interested in how we program with our youth & elite athletes. It is on early bird special right now: https://courses.spellmanperformance.com/elite-speed-program?coupon=ELITE25 Main talking points:  Who is Darren Hansen? What is the training philosophy of Hansen Athletics? How to get athletes to enjoy training strength & speed Who has influenced our performance philosophy NFL combine training vs youth athlete training How to properly progress athletes through drills If you're interested in learning more, check out these free resources:  5 Weekly Training Templates 2 Supplementary Speed Workouts How Much Faster Can A Pro Athlete Get In 45 Minutes  Or follow me on the channels below:  Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Episode 14: In this episode, I (@les7spellman) talk through tapering tactics with our 2023 NFL Combine draft class.  Before checking out the main talking points, I just released my new 8-week `Elite Speed Program` if you’re interested in how we program with our youth & elite athletes. It is on early bird special right now: https://courses.spellmanperformance.com/elite-speed-program?coupon=ELITE25 Main talking points:  My routine during 2022 vs 2023 NFL combine training Proper tapering tactics for weeks 7 & 8 of training Tracking physiological performance using HRV The impact of sleep, drinking, and stress on training How to collect individual athlete data using subjective questionnaires When & when not to introduce new concepts in speed training How to ensure recovery matches the work load If you're interested in learning more, check out these free resources:  5 Weekly Training Templates 2 Supplementary Speed Workouts How Much Faster Can A Pro Athlete Get In 45 Minutes  Or follow me on the channels below:  Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok LinkedIn

Covers how to choose tests and benchmarks for athletes at different ages. Explores which sprint outcomes and technical drivers matter across development stages. Discusses diagnostics, constraints, and how season phase shapes programming. Reviews planning tactics like sequencing, weekly undulation, and readiness checks to adjust load and emphasis.

Dylan Carrion, co-founder of Spellman Performance and sprint/speed coach for youth to Olympic athletes. He discusses the central nervous system’s role in sprinting. They cover balancing stress and recovery, differences in training youth vs pros, the three buckets of speed (physical, technical, stimulus), and using gamified stimulus and tech to guide progress.

Episode 11: In this episode, I (@les7spellman) walk through the what, why, and how of teaching speed. Plus… a short rant to start the podcast today.  Before checking out the main talking points, I just released my new 8-week `Elite Speed Program` if you’re interested in how we program with our youth & elite athletes. It is on early bird special right now: https://courses.spellmanperformance.com/elite-speed-program?coupon=ELITE25 Main talking points:  A quick rant Beliefs, opinions, facts Developing an athlete’s speed strength & weakness What, why, how of teaching speed Understanding sprinting variables If you're interested in learning more, check out these free resources:  5 Weekly Training Templates 2 Supplementary Speed Workouts How Much Faster Can A Pro Athlete Get In 45 Minutes  Or follow me on the channels below:  Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok LinkedIn