In the Pacey Performance Podcast, host Rob Pacey engages with Aaron Cunanan, the Director of Applied Sports Science for the Cincinnati Reds, delving into various facets of his professional journey and perspectives on sports science. Cunanan begins by acknowledging the influence of mentors like Duncan French, Jeff Head, and John Wagle, who have significantly impacted his development both as a professional and an individual.
Cunanan's career transition from a weightlifting athlete to a coach marks a pivotal point in his narrative. His initial coaching experiences under Dr. Kyle Pierce at the International Weightlifting Federation provided him with valuable insights into systematic and process-oriented coaching in Olympic sports.
A key part of the conversation revolves around Cunanan's approach to training and conditioning. He explains the importance of an adaptation-based approach, emphasizing understanding training principles over specific methods. This philosophy was shaped by his diverse experiences, including his tenure at the UFC Performance Institute and the San Francisco Giants.
Cunanan shares specific examples from his time in the UFC, illustrating the necessity for flexibility and adaptability in training methodologies due to the varied and unpredictable nature of athletes' schedules and physical conditions. He talks about managing the challenges of training MMA athletes with different timelines, highlighting the use of periodization and the strategic balance of conditioning elements to optimize athlete performance.
The conversation also touches upon the integration of sports science in professional sports. Cunanan discusses the thoughtful use of data and technology in training and conditioning, advocating for a problem-driven approach in sports science. He stresses the importance of scientific literacy among practitioners to effectively use technology and data to inform training decisions.
Overall, the podcast offers a rich and insightful perspective into Aaron Cunanan's approaches to sports science and athlete conditioning, blending personal experiences, professional philosophies, and practical strategies in the realm of high-performance sports.
Main takeaways:
Translating knowledge of speed from other sports to soccer with Tom Taylor
Jump training & the importance of “deep tier” jumps with Matt McInnes Watson
Integrating speed training into an athletic development programme with Joey Bergles
The EXOS way to develop fast athletes with Brent Callaway, Anthony Hobgood and Nic Hill
#Bitesize - Tackle technique and what American Football can learn from rugby with Andy Ryland
Reflections from working across the elite football trifecta: Premier League club, league and federation with James Bunce
Utilising a data driven approach to rehab with Alan Murdoch, Jason Avedesian and Nick Court
#Bitesize - Flat foot versus ball of the foot landings in jump training with Eamonn Flanagan
How to prepare players for the NFL with TedRath
Learnings from building a performance department from scratch with Adam Parr
How to profile performance staff. What does “success” look like for different roles with Martin Buchheit
How to coach and programme “true” plyometrics with Eamonn Flanagan
Isometrics for performance enhancement and rehabilitation with Connor Schoepp
How to assess and rehab hip and groin injuries with Steve Short
#Bitesize - How to test neck strength with Gavin Pratt
Changing the narrative around health and performance of young athletes and people With Kelvin Giles
#Bitesize - How to test and train curvilinear sprinting with Alberto Filter
Optimising tackle technique and building confidence in contact with Andy Ryland
Using GPS to understand HOW someone moves, not just where they move through SpeedSig with Jason Weber
Managing and maximising the rise in individual athlete support teams with Ben Rosenblatt and James Collins
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