TSG Podcast

Coach Mike T joins the TSG Podcast to discuss powerlifting programming fundamentals, emphasizing that coaches must keep the primary goal of improving athletic performance rather than simply accumulating random work. He explains that training requires balancing stimulus and recovery, noting that while psychological drive is important, athletes cannot endlessly push volume like practitioners of other sports. Over decades of coaching, Mike has evolved his approach by analyzing velocity profiles and utilizing exercise variations to solve specific movement problems. Furthermore, he highlights the necessity of self-organized technique, arguing that true mastery comes from physical experience and resilience rather than relying solely on verbal cues. Finally, Mike expresses optimism about the modern coaching landscape, observing that new generations of coaches possess strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of practical athletic needs.https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguyshttps://www.instagram.com/miketuchscherer/

Coach Patrick joins to discuss the behind-the-scenes experiences at Advancus Houston. He highlighted the luxurious athlete accommodations, such as stocked hotel fridges, tracksuits, and trading cards, which created a professional sports atmosphere. The conversation also covered coaching strategies, specifically the importance of focusing on an athlete's individual performance and executing a clean, eight-for-eight lift strategy rather than reacting to competitors. Patrick also reviewed the stellar performances of lifters like Nataleigh Hunter and Cassidy Conaghan, who secured personal records and strong podium finishes. The discussion also touched upon the evolution of powerlifting, exploring how frequent high-stakes invitational meets are shaping the sport's future, shifting athlete mentalities, and demanding higher levels of coaching expertise.TSG Coaching: https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/TSG IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguysPatrick IG: https://www.instagram.com/coachpatrickcarr/

On this episode of the TSG podcast, veteran powerlifter Meg Scanlon discusses her journey of balancing an elite athletic career with motherhood. She explains her decision to delay having children until she reached the World Championships, eventually returning to the sport after having twins. Scanlon emphasizes the importance of flexibility and time management, sharing how she adapted her training sessions to fit around her family’s schedule. She also highlights the mental health benefits of lifting, viewing her gym time as a necessary outlet that allows her to be a better parent and coach. The conversation explores the resilience of the body post-pregnancy and the value of exposing children to a lifestyle centered on physical strength. Finally, she provides practical advice on using timers and home gyms to maintain consistency amidst the unpredictability of raising children.TSG's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguysMeg's IG: https://www.instagram.com/megscanlift/

This podcast features Coach Matt Gary, the head coach for Team Great Britain, discussing the strategic nuances of game day coaching and attempt selection during high-level powerlifting competitions. He breaks down specific battles from the IPF World Championships, explaining how coaches use athlete monitoring systems and detailed psychological profiles to prepare for international stages. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the ethics of handling multiple athletes in the same weight class and the mathematical precision required to secure podium placements. The conversation highlights the importance of consistency, the strategic use of "chips" to gain weight advantages, and the necessity of prioritizing a total over individual personal records to win medals. Matt also shares his three-decade journey in the sport, offering a professional perspective on how coaching philosophies evolve from local meets to elite global events. Finally, the source touches on the risks of aggressive attempt selection, illustrating how mismanaged goals can lead to missed opportunities for world records and titles.TSG Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguysMatt's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mlgary72/SSPT Game Day Coaching Manual:https://sspt-game-day-coaching-manual.dpdcart.com/

In this episode of the TSG Podcast, Coach Arian is joined by Coach Jayne and Coach Hendrik to break down major takeaways from the 2026 IPF Sub-Junior and Junior World Championships. Evaluating platform performance, attempt selection strategy, and national coaching models based on live stream and scoresheet data, the episode highlights several critical insights for lifters, coaches, and powerlifting fans:Training Totals vs. Platform RealityA major recurring theme is the massive performance drop between Instagram/gym training totals and competition totals. Factors like international travel, strict weigh-in cuts, referee depth/command standards, and platform pressure cause significant hits to performance.Tactical Attempt Selection & Game TheoryWinning lifters consistently prioritize high-percentage made attempts over chasing single maximum numbers. Statistical data shows championship winners average 7.5 to 7.7 made lifts out of 9.Lot Number & Chipping Strategy: In the Junior 52 kg battle, France’s Pauline used lot-number advantage and minimal world-record chips (0.5 kg) to secure total gold.Calculated Hail Marys: Big deadlift jumps can pay off when timed right, such as Cardin (USA, Junior 59 kg) making a 25 kg jump to 297.5 kg on his final deadlift to snatch gold.Centralized Coaching vs. Individual Coaching ModelsNations with centralized head coaches and established team culture (such as France and Germany) achieved much higher attempt success rates and podium conversions. Team France won the women’s team title with only four lifters.Conversely, decentralized models like the US—where personal coaches and athletes often dictate strategy individually—suffered from lower overall attempt success rates and friction over conservative versus aggressive numbering.Bench Press Technical VolatilityBench press proved to be the most technically sensitive lift. Strict start commands, elbow depth, and butt-lift refereeing led to unexpected bomb-outs.In the Subjunior 59 kg class, gold favorites Justin (USA) and Itto (Japan) both bombed out on bench press due to technical calls and command restarts, completely altering the podium outcome.Joshua Ngoka (Great Britain, Junior 120 kg): Named overall male best lifter after a flawless 9-for-9 day, putting up a massive 980.5 kg total.Eva Infantino (France, Junior 57 kg): Secured female best lifter honors with 116.5 GL points, leading France's dominant junior women's squad.Tereza Brezkova (Czechia, Junior 84+ kg): Set a world record with a 280 kg squat and a 620 kg total.Giada Spadaro (Italy, Sub-Junior 63 kg): At just 16 years old, posted an open-level 470 kg total.TSG Sub-Junior & Junior Sponsorship: We’re looking for Sub-Junior & Junior athletes ready to take their powerlifting to the next level. This is your chance to join a world-class coaching team, with expert coaching, tailored programming, and dedicated 1-on-1 support to help you reach your full potential.⏳ Applications close September 30th.https://forms.gle/HbLvKGD8dVGBkSvV7TSG Coaching: https://thestrengthguys.com/coaching/https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthguysJayne Jones: https://www.instagram.com/jaynekate_/Hendrik Becker: https://www.instagram.com/hendrik_ksc/