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:
#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)
#Bitesize - Testing and training the calf to reduce injury risk with Colin Griffin
Testing and training the foot for rehabilitation and improving sports performance (part 1) with Romain Tourillon
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