In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob welcomes Gavin Pratt, the Director of Strength and Conditioning at the UFC Performance Institute.
This conversation offers an exclusive look into the world of neck strength training and testing protocols for elite UFC fighters. Gavin Pratt, with his extensive background in strength and conditioning, delves into the critical role of neck strength in the sport of mixed martial arts. He shares his expert insights on the unique challenges faced by UFC fighters and the innovative approaches employed at the UFC Performance Institute to enhance neck strength and prevent injuries. Gavin details the frequency, location and mechanisms behind neck injuries suffered across the UFC, highlighting the importance of more dedicated research and innovation in this area.
Listeners will discover the importance of neck training in mitigating the risks of concussions and neck injuries, which are prevalent in combat sports. Gavin discusses the specific exercises and equipment used in the institute, including the incorporation of tools like the iron neck, and how these are tailored to meet the demands of a UFC fighter's training regimen.
The podcast also explores the cutting-edge testing protocols used to measure and monitor the effectiveness of these training methods. Gavin sheds light on the integration of technology in testing, such as the use of instrumented mouthguards and biomechanical analysis, to gather data on the forces exerted on fighters during training and competition.
This episode is not just an insight into the world of UFC strength and conditioning but also a valuable resource for coaches, trainers, and sports scientists interested in understanding and applying advanced neck strength training techniques.
Main talking points:
Sprint modelling, strategic periodisation and using decision trees to standardise programming with Ernie Rimer
Maximising the use of GPS to understand athlete performance and fatigue with Amber Rowell, Aaron Coutts and Mathieu Lacome
#Bitesize - An athlete and coach’s view of an ACL rehab process with Alan Murdoch and Anthony Watson
Building a sports science department from the ground up: From “one-man bands” to large organisations with Teofe Ziemnicki
#Bitesize - How to use velocity loss to maximise adaptation with Dan Baker
Jump training and the specificity myth in athlete development with Håkan Andersson
#Bitesize - Training and testing agility versus change of direction with Shawn Myszka, Tom Dos’Santos and Ian Jeffreys
How to use the warm up as a movement screen and revolutionising technique analysis with computer vision and artificial intelligence with Jonas Dodoo
#Bitesize - Creating change of direction drills that transfer to the field with Shawn Myszka
Resisted speed training: Effects on mechanics, how to programme it and its impact on sprint performance with Jason Hettler, George Petrakos and Hakan Anderrson
#Bitesize - Using resisted speed training with youth athletes with Micheál Cahill
Understanding what we need to change to improve acceleration, and how we go about coaching it with James Wild
#Bitesize - How to increase eccentric strength which transfers to improved deceleration with Joey Guarascio
Analysing England rugby player Anthony Watson’s ACL rehab and how he got faster than ever with Alan Murdoch and Anthony Watson
#Bitesize - The most effective ways to use blood flow restriction training to increase strength with Stephen Patterson
Getting athletes fast on short timeframes and creating a long term speed system with Les Spellman
#Bitesize - Using isometric training to get specific with exercise selection with Danny Lum
Testing deceleration, reducing injury risk during cutting and maximising the use of the 1080 sprint with Ola Eriksrud
#Bitesize - Which assessments to use during the RTP process from athletic hip and groin injuries with Enda King
Testing and training the foot for rehabilitation and improving sports performance (part 2)
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