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:
“Activation” sessions and asymmetries: Are they really that important (?) with Tony Blazevich
#Bitesize - Operationalising GPS data with Patrick Ward
Maximising the impact of your data with data visualisation best practice with Eva Murray, Julian Haigh and Adam Sheehan
#Bitesize - Dealing with intense periods of growth and maturation in youth athletes with Perry Stewart, Jack Ade and Matt Allen
Understanding the impact of athlete footwear selection on performance and injury risk with Athol Thomson
#Bitesize - Making your CV and cover letter stand out from the crowd with Des Ryan, Chris Bishop and Dave Slemen
Sprint profiling: Why do it, how to do it well and dispelling some myths with Les Spellman, JB Morin and Ryan Grubbs
#Bitesize - Creating sprint drills that doing the cueing for us with Cam Josse
Improving change of direction ability, deceleration drills and coaching “transitional movements” with Hailu Theodros
Supplements, nutrition myths, CBD and nutrition principles in youth sport with Graeme Close, Hannah Sheridan and James Morehen
#Bitesize - The lack of value in testing change of direction with Molly Binetti
The “hybrid” S&C coach: Physical preparation, rehabilitation and data management with Jermaine McCubbine
#Bitesize - Using the weightroom to explore movement with Vernon Griffith
Managing hip and groin injuries and developing a robust injury prevention strategy with Nick Kane
#Bitesize - Developing change of direction and agility through frontal and transverse plane drills with Loren Landow
Integrating deceleration training and testing into a high performance programme with Damian Harper, Ted Rath and Mark Jamison
#Bitesize - Choosing the right GPS metrics for your sport with Stu Cormack
How the best football academies in the world develop their players with Jack Ade, Matt Allen and Perry Stewart
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
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