Episode 75 – Jordan Stares

Introduction: Unleashing Your Athletic Potential

Aspiring athletes often wonder what it takes to reach their peak performance levels. The journey to excellence requires a combination of dedication, strategic training, and expert guidance. In this blog post, we delve into the invaluable insights shared by Jordan, the Strength and Conditioning Coach at West Coast Eagles FC. With nearly a decade of experience, Jordan has honed his skills in Maximizing Athletic Potential and his expertise can be a game-changer for athletes of all levels.

Jordan Stares is the Strength and Conditioning Coach at the West Coast Eagles, he co-owns a high-performance facility called Athlete Alliance and has completed his Ph.D. on Subsequent Injuries in Elite Australian Football: The Role of Athlete Training Workloads and the Risks Encountered during Return to play.

Maximizing Athletic Potential is a crucial aspect for any athlete looking to excel in their chosen sport. Jordan’s extensive experience and expertise in this area make him a valuable resource for athletes striving to reach their highest potential. With a focus on strategic training and expert guidance, Jordan’s insights can be a game-changer for athletes at all levels.

Jordan Stares, the Strength and Conditioning Coach at the West Coast Eagles, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table when it comes to Maximizing Athletic Potential. As the co-owner of Athlete Alliance, a high-performance facility, and with a Ph.D. focused on Subsequent Injuries in Elite Australian Football, Jordan’s expertise is unparalleled in the field. Athletes looking to reach their peak performance levels can benefit immensely from his insights and guidance.

Highlights from the episode:

• Practical skills you can learn from working in a gym while still in uni
• People who helped Jordan get to where he is today
• How to get in touch with Athlete Alliance
• Jordan’s ways to upskill himself
• His recommended recovery aspect
• Advice for training loads for preseason with limited resources
• For strength sessions, what movements he advises to focus on if there’s limited time to train

Developing Practical Skills: A Foundation for Success

One of the key takeaways from Jordan’s journey is the importance of practical skills. During his university years, he immersed himself in the world of strength and conditioning, gaining hands-on experience in communication, program design, and on-the-fly problem-solving. These skills, often referred to as “soft skills,” are the foundation of any successful coach. Jordan’s ability to adapt and innovate in challenging situations has been instrumental in his career growth.

Mentorship: Nurturing Growth and Excellence

Behind every successful individual lies a mentor who provides guidance, support, and invaluable wisdom. For Jordan, mentors like BA and Glenn Stewart, High Performance Manager at West Coast Eagles, have played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Their mentorship has not only enhanced his technical knowledge but also instilled in him the mindset and approach needed to excel in the competitive world of strength and conditioning.

Athlete Alliance: Connecting and Empowering Athletes

Jordan’s commitment to the field extends beyond his role at West Coast Eagles FC. He is a part of the Athlete Alliance, a platform that offers athletes and coaches in Perth opportunities to connect and gain valuable experience. Through their website, social media, and email channels, athletes and coaches can take the first step towards elevating their performance and knowledge in the realm of strength and conditioning.

Continuous Learning: Broadening Horizons Beyond the Gym

In the pursuit of excellence, Jordan emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. While strength and conditioning remain his core focus, he finds inspiration in exploring decision-making processes and information analysis from various fields. By studying thinkers like Daniel Kahneman, he gains insights into handling the uncertainties of elite sports, where decisions are often based on probabilities.

Recovery: The Bedrock of Athletic Performance

Skyrocketing athletic performance isn’t just about training hard; it’s also about recovering smartly. Jordan’s top recommendation for young athletes is to prioritize sleep and nutrition. These two pillars form the bedrock of recovery, providing the body with the essential resources it needs to repair and grow. With a solid sleep routine and a well-balanced diet, athletes can significantly enhance their performance on the field.

Tailored Training: Making the Most of Limited Resources

Not everyone has access to the resources of a professional athlete, and Jordan acknowledges this reality. His advice is clear: don’t attempt to replicate an elite athlete’s program if it doesn’t align with your constraints. Instead, focus on tailoring your training regimen to maximize benefits within your available time and resources. By doing so with intent and purpose, you can still achieve significant progress towards your athletic goals.

Strength Training Essentials: Focusing on Key Movements

When it comes to strength training, Jordan emphasizes the importance of foundational movements. For AFL players, honing in on main leg lifts that allow for effective force production is paramount. Whether it’s a squat variation, trap deadlift, or split squat, the key is finding what works best for the individual. Additionally, incorporating eccentric hamstring loading exercises further strengthens the foundation, ensuring comprehensive development.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Performance Today

In the realm of athletic excellence, the guidance of a seasoned Strength and Conditioning Coach can make all the difference. Jordan’s journey and insights serve as a beacon for aspiring athletes looking to maximize their potential. By developing practical skills, seeking mentorship, and prioritizing recovery, athletes can pave their way to success. Remember, it’s not just about training harder, but training smarter. Start your journey towards peak performance today, and unlock the athlete within you!

Check out his facility: https://www.athletealliance.com.au/

Connect with Jordy: https://www.instagram.com/jordanstares/

People mentioned:

• Brendan Appleby 
• Charlie Higgins
• Jarrod Wade
• Glenn Stewart 
• Annie Juke
• David Joyce
• Kyle Wheeler
• Warren Kofoed
• Liam Warwick
• Stacey Marinkovich

Listen: iTunes |  Spotify