Highlights from the episode:
- Matt’s top tips for developing strength & conditioning coaches wanting to gain work experience in elite sport
- Matt explains the use of tactical periodization in AFL
- Successful methods he used to get buy-in for athletes who don’t like the gym
- His favorite acceleration drills for athletes
- Tips and tricks to deliver a clear message during a presentation
Matthew Pell is a senior applied sport scientist at Catapult, a leading provider of performance technology solutions to sports organizations worldwide. With over a decade of experience in strength and conditioning, sport science, and high-performance coaching, Matt has worked with some of the biggest names in Australian Rules Football (AFL), rugby, and basketball. In this blog post, we’ll explore Matt’s career, his top tips for developing strength and conditioning coaches, his use of tactical periodization in AFL, successful methods he used to get buy-in from athletes who don’t like the gym, his favorite acceleration drills, and tips and tricks to deliver a clear message during a presentation.
Matt’s Career
Matt started his career in sport science and strength and conditioning while studying for a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University. He then completed his Master’s in High-Performance Sports at the Australian Catholic University, where he had the opportunity to work with some of the best athletes in the world.
After completing his studies, Matt worked as a strength and conditioning coach for several years, including a stint at the Carlton Football Club in the AFL. In 2011, he joined Catapult, where he currently works as a senior applied sport scientist. At Catapult, Matt helps elite sports organizations optimize athlete performance using Catapult’s suite of performance technology solutions, including wearable GPS tracking devices, video analysis software, and athlete management systems.
Top Tips for Developing Strength and Conditioning Coaches Wanting to Gain Work Experience in Elite Sport
In the podcast, Matt shares his top tips for strength and conditioning coaches wanting to gain work experience in elite sports. Here are some of his key takeaways:
1. Network: Building relationships with people in the industry is essential for finding work opportunities. Attend conferences, seminars, and events to connect with other professionals and learn about the latest trends and technologies in the field.
2. Be prepared to work hard: Entry-level positions in sport science and strength and conditioning can be demanding and may require long hours. Be prepared to put in the hard work and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
3. Be open to feedback: Learning is an ongoing process, and being receptive to feedback from mentors and colleagues is crucial for growth and development.
4. Stay up to date with the latest research: Keep up to date with the latest research and trends in the field by reading academic journals, attending seminars and workshops, and participating in online communities.
Tactical Periodisation in AFL
Tactical periodization is a training method that focuses on developing a team’s tactical abilities through specific training drills and exercises. In the podcast, Matt explains how he uses tactical periodization in AFL to help teams improve their on-field performance. According to Matt, tactical periodization involves breaking down the game into specific phases and developing drills that simulate those phases. This allows athletes to develop their tactical understanding and skills in a game-like environment, which can improve their performance on the field.
Successful Methods for Getting Buy-In from Athletes Who Don’t Like the Gym
One of the biggest challenges for strength and conditioning coaches is getting buy-in from athletes who don’t enjoy training in the gym. In the podcast, Matt shares some successful methods he has used to overcome this challenge. Here are some of his key takeaways:
1. Understand the athlete’s motivation: Every athlete is different, and understanding their motivation can help you tailor your approach to training. Some athletes may be motivated by competition, while others may be motivated by personal improvement.
2. Make training fun: Incorporating games and challenges into training can make it more engaging and enjoyable for athletes.
3. Provide individualized training plans: Customizing training plans to an athlete’s specific needs and goals can help them stay motivated and engaged.
4. Use technology: Wearable technology such as GPS tracking devices and heart rate monitors can provide
Favorite Acceleration Drills for Athletes
In the podcast, Matt shares his favorite acceleration drills for athletes. Acceleration is a crucial component of many sports, and these drills can help athletes improve their speed and explosiveness off the mark. Here are some of his favorite acceleration drills:
Resisted sprint starts: This drill involves attaching a resistance band to the athlete’s waist and having them perform a series of short sprints. The resistance provided by the band helps to build strength and power in the lower body, which can improve acceleration.
Split stance jumps: This drill involves starting in a split stance and jumping forward as explosively as possible. It can help improve power and explosiveness in the lower body, which is crucial for accelerating quickly.
Standing broad jumps: This drill involves starting from a standing position and jumping as far forward as possible. It can help improve explosive power in the lower body, which is essential for accelerating quickly.
Tips and Tricks to Deliver a Clear Message During a Presentation
As a senior applied sport scientist, Matt often gives presentations to athletes, coaches, and other professionals in the sports industry. In the podcast, he shares some tips and tricks for delivering a clear message during a presentation. Here are some of his key takeaways:
Know your audience: Understanding your audience’s needs, interests, and level of knowledge can help you tailor your message to their specific needs.
Keep it simple: Avoid using technical jargon or complicated language that may confuse your audience. Instead, focus on delivering a clear and concise message that is easy to understand.
Use visuals: Incorporating visuals such as images, charts, and graphs can help to illustrate your points and make your presentation more engaging.
Practice, practice, practice: Rehearsing your presentation multiple times can help you become more comfortable with the material and ensure that you deliver a polished and professional performance.
Conclusion
Matt Pell is a highly experienced sport scientist and strength and conditioning coach, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field. His work at Catapult has helped elite sports organizations worldwide optimize athlete performance and achieve their goals. Whether you’re a strength and conditioning coach looking to improve your training methods or a presenter looking to deliver a clear message, Matt’s insights and advice are sure to be valuable.
