In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob talks to Head of Athletic Performance and recent World Cup winner with the Springboks, Andy Edwards. He emphasizes the importance of creating a close-knit team atmosphere, much like a family, where hard work and high standards are the norm. Edwards talks about his start at Saracens before moving onto the Springboks, and how maintaining consistency, along with making small but impactful tweaks in training, contributed significantly to their success.
Andy gives a masterclass in balancing data-driven decision-making with gut instincts, emphasizing the importance of understanding players beyond mere numbers. He shares insights into the pressures and exhilarations of leading the Springboks post-World Cup victory and the challenges of maintaining success in the international arena.
Central to the Springboks' World Cup victory were the strategic adjustments in conditioning, focusing on specific rugby positions, and trust-building through small-sided games. Edwards highlights the crucial role of clear communication, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the game. He reflects on the sense of pride and the collective hard work that culminated in this triumph, marking a 19-year journey filled with unity and commitment to their country.
This episode isn't just for those who work in rugby but for anyone wanting to get an insight into a World Cup winning culture.
Main talking points:
Recovery, sleep & nutrition; the other 22 hours with Pete Tierney (Physical Performance Coach at The FA) & Chris Rosimus (Lead Performance Nutritionist at The FA)
Working with the BEST footballers in the country with Bryce Cavanagh (Head of Physical Performance, Medicine & Nutrition at The FA)
Conditioning vs fitness. A paradigm shift in professional football with Shayne Murphy (Performance Coach Consultant)
Managing & leading in elite sport in a foreign country with David Cosgrave (Head of Physical Performance at FC Copenhagen)
Triphasic training & the importance of experimentation with Cal Dietz (Associate Director at the University of Minnesota)
Success leaves clues. Reflections from NRL, NBA & AFL with Lachlan Penfold (Director of Performance at Melbourne Storm)
Nutrition for the S&C Coach with James Morehen (Performance Nutritionist)
Getting a job and navigating a career in elite sport with David Slemen (Founding Partner at Elite Performance Partners)
Performance intelligence research, industry innovation and leaving pro sport with Martin Buchheit & Stephen Smith (Head of Performance Research CEO/Founder at Kitman Labs)
Designing effective conditioning sessions in football and manipulating small sided games with Andrea Riboli (Head of Sports Science at Atalanta B.C)
Velocity based training: preventing overtraining AND undertraining with Jeremy Jacobs (Assistant Strength& Conditioning Coach at LSU)
Effectively designing conditioning sessions & challenging sports tech companies in the NBA with Lorena Torres (Performance Director at Philadelphia 76ers)
The illogic of being data driven, self screening and coaching the developing athlete with Paul Gamble (Consultant, Coach and Author)
Force plate analysis & assessing fatigue in the NFL with Adam Lachance (Sports Science Coordinator at Miami Dolphins)
Real-world training load monitoring and winning the World Cup with Guilherme Passos (Sports Scientist for the Brazilian National Football Team)
Getting athletes fast when time is limited with Les Spellman (Owner of Spellman Performance)
Delivering holistic performance support with world class tennis players with Dan Lewindon (Head of Performance Science & Medicine at LTA)
Speed training in football, advice for young coaches, and overcoming Covid challenges with Alek Gross (Head of Sports Science at Southampton FC)
Industry longevity, speed training education, and industry trends with Nick Ward (ALTIS Program Director)
Programming and planning jump training & the importance of variation with Joel Smith (Coach, Podcaster & Author)
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