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:
Using military pre season camps for the right reasons. Answering the critics with Simon Thomas
#Bitesize - How to implement eccentric focused training with your athletes with Angus Ross
Understanding and implementing isometric testing and training with athletes with Paul Comfort
#Bitesize - Developing players through the pathway in an elite football academy with Matt Allen
Agility training: Creating drills that transfer to on-field performance with Warren Young
#Bitesize - Microdosing; how it differs to other methods of periodisation with Derek Hansen
Preventing and rehabilitating hip and groin injuries in athletes with James Moore
#Bitesize - Why change of direction and agility testing doesn’t provide valuable information with Ian Jeffreys
Developing the ”how” as well as the ”what” of coaching, self reflection and expanding deep knowledge with Jonas Dodoo and Jamie Taylor
#Bitesize - The beliefs and practices of the Arsenal Academy performance department with Paudie Roche
Change of direction ability; testing, developing physical qualities and maximising on-field transfer with Tom Dos’Santos and Alistair McBurnie
#Bitesize - Why is the Nordic hamstring exercise so controversial with Kristian Thorborg
The deceleration vaccine, and understanding and improving deceleration ability with Tom Dos’Santos and Alistair McBurnie
#Bitesize - What is the anaerobic speed reserve and how can we use it with Gareth Sandford
The future of sports science and the sports scientist in professional sport with Jose Fernandez (Mahd Academy)
#Bitesize - The power of social media in getting (or not getting) a job in elite sport with Dave Slemen
Understanding and evaluating the return on investment from any sports technology with Sam Robertson (Professor at Victoria University)
#Bitesize - Using fixed resistance machines in-season with Cory Schlesinger
Agility training, problems with change of direction testing & game speed with Ian Jeffreys (Coach Educator & Academic Director, Setanta College)
#Bitesize - Understanding the menstrual cycle to optimise performance with Georgie Bruinvels
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