AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers

Welcome to the “AFL Performance Tips for Strength & Conditioning Coaches & Footballers" your go-to resource for invaluable insights into the world of elite sports. We're here to empower footballers and high-performance staff with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the AFL arena. Prepare to take your game to the next level with our expert guidance. In this podcast, we tackle a range of burning questions often asked by those striving for excellence in the AFL. From understanding the distance AFL players cover and their training regimen to breaking into elite sports as a strength & conditioning coach and exploring pathways to the AFL, we've got you covered. Every Monday, we release a new episode that provides updates on upcoming live interviews and fresh insights from AFL players, senior coaches, sports psychologists, strength and conditioning coaches, sports dietitians, and other leading figures in the industry. These experts share their career journeys, success stories, and practical tips for athletes and high-performance staff alike. Don't miss our weekly live conversations on the Prepare Like a Pro YouTube channel, where you can watch these discussions and get notified about new content. For more resources, freebies, and blog posts, join our newsletter, and stay connected with us on Instagram. Your feedback matters, so let Jack know how we can make our podcasts even better and suggest the topics you'd like us to cover next. To explore the wealth of information we offer, visit our website at https://preparelikeapro.com/, and if you're ready to take your training to the next level, join our academy membership at https://preparelikeaproacademy.com.au/. Get ready to prepare like a pro and unlock your full potential in the world of AFL high performance! Also don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@PrepareLikeAPro to get more high performance value!

#bitesize - Why Footballers Get Concussions: The Hidden Factors Coaches Overlook

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ Why neck strength ratios may influence concussion risk ✅ How tackle technique and developing neck strength reduce concussion risk ✅ Why anxious athletes may be more vulnerable to concussion ✅ What the 14-day concussion protocol actually looks like ✅ The key supplements that support brain repair during recovery ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/why-footballers-get-concussions-the-hidden-factors-coaches-overlook/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field! ‎ Book a FREE footballer discovery call ‎ at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min ‎ 🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition. ‎ 🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone! Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!

11-27
04:57

#355 - Ryan Clayton: Breaking Silos & Driving Team Success

👉 Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ How an integrated model truly works ✅ Why silos appear and how leaders pull teams back together ✅ Choosing the right number of game model priorities ✅ How preseason and in-season integration actually differ ✅ The unpopular belief about army camps and mental toughness ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‏‏‎ ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/ryan-clayton-breaking-silos-driving-team-success/ ‏‏‎ ‎‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

11-23
43:40

#bitesize - Chris Miller’s Insights From Training Elite Athletes in the NBA and Ski Teams

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ Asking the right questions to read a new team ✅ Using simple check-ins to judge daily readiness ✅ Adapting warmups across sports and time demands ✅ How athlete behavior shapes the real team culture ✅ Balancing tech, feedback, and KPIs in performance programs ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/chris-millers-insights-from-training-elite-athletes-in-the-nba-and-ski-teams/ ‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

11-20
06:36

#156 - How S&C Coaches Build Real Industry Connections and Mistakes to Avoid

Highlights from the episode: ‎‎ ✅ Why adding value first builds real industry connections ✅ How name dropping quietly hurts your long-term credibility ✅ Why preparation makes or breaks conference networking ✅ When training content boosts your brand and when it damages it ✅ The big five networking groups every coach should focus on ✅ Where to start developing strong references early in your career ‎‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‏‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/how-sc-coaches-build-real-industry-connections-and-mistakes-to-avoid/ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‏‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

11-16
12:24

#bitesize - Mastering AFL Periodization for Optimal Season Performance

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ Why periodization isn’t as complicated as it sounds ✅ Why periodization matters in AFL ✅ Breaking down the key phases of periodization ✅ What a well-structured AFL training week looks like ✅ The biggest in-season mistake that limits performance ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/mastering-afl-periodization-for-optimal-season-performance/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

11-13
05:54

#354 - Simon Jones on Game Speed – Why Top Speed Isn’t the Holy Grail

👉 Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ Why the fastest players don’t always perform best ✅ How testing reveals true game speed potential ✅ The key to building long-term deceleration ability ✅ Simple rotational drills that boost multidirectional control ✅ How to align speed development with coaching priorities ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‏‏‎ ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/simon-jones-on-game-speed-why-top-speed-isnt-the-holy-grail/ ‏‏‎ ‎‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

11-09
52:02

#bitesize - How Alex Sakadjian Rose from Rehab Coach to Head of High Performance

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ What high-performance managers really look for in S&C coaches ✅ The evolution from injury rehab to holistic reconditioning ✅ Why managing rehab programs builds leadership and collaboration ✅ Building trust and autonomy within a high-performance team ✅ How to break into the AFL as a strength and conditioning coach ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/how-alex-sakadjian-rose-from-rehab-coach-to-head-of-high-performance/ ‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

11-06
05:56

#155 - S&C Coaches: How Are We Measured?

Highlights from the episode: ‎‎ ✅ How S&C coaches are really evaluated in football clubs ✅ How players evaluate your impact and credibility ✅ What the medical team looks for in performance staff ✅ How management evaluates your influence and professionalism ✅ What fellow S&C coaches value when assessing your work ‎‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‏‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/strength-conditioning-coaches-how-are-we-measured/ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‏‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

11-02
09:07

#bitesize - The Truth About Lifting Every Day in AFL: How to Prioritize Football Performance

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ Why football performance must always come first ✅ The shift from conditioning to game fitness ✅ How to adapt strength and power around football ✅ Common mistakes that derail in-season performance ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/the-truth-about-lifting-every-day-in-afl-how-to-prioritize-football-performance/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

10-30
03:52

#353 - Spencer Goggin: From Gym to Game Speed Programming

👉 Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ How better questions transform athlete relationships ✅ Why surfing challenges traditional strength programs ✅ Profiling athletes for speed: lessons from James Wild’s framework ✅ Rib-pelvis connection and the power of hip lock training ✅ Co-designing sessions: how athlete insights reshape coaching ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‏‏‎ ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/spencer-goggin-from-gym-to-game-speed-programming/ ‏‏‎ ‎‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

10-26
51:19

#bitesize - Ted Rath Shares How the Growth Mindset and Mamba Mentality Drive Success

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ The Power of Passion and Skill ✅ Growth Mindset and Consistency ✅ Understanding Player Motivation ✅ Mamba Mentality: Lessons from Kobe Bryant ✅ Leadership and Extreme Ownership ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/ted-rath-shares-how-the-growth-mindset-and-mamba-mentality-drive-success/ ‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

10-23
06:06

#154 - Gymnastics Centre: The Secret to Developing Explosive Power

Highlights from the episode: ‎‎ ✅ Why choosing the right gym center defines your athletes’ progress ✅ How to structure exercises across different training floors ✅ A success story on transforming performance through gymnastic centers ✅ Inside a real sample program that drives elite-level results ‎‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‏‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/gymnastics-centre-the-secret-to-developing-explosive-power/ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field! ‎ Book a FREE footballer discovery call ‎ at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min ‎ 🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition. ‎ 🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone! Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!

10-19
13:43

#bitesize - The 5 Phases of Return to Running Performance Post-Injury

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ Why every injury recovery needs five distinct phases ✅ The frustrating recovery phase and understanding “good vs bad” pain ✅ What the “run before you run” phase really trains in your body ✅ How to measure progress in the reloading phase using real match data ✅ How high intensity actions prepare athletes for real game chaos ✅ The biggest mistake athletes make when re-integrating into training ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/the-5-phases-of-return-to-running-performance-post-injury/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your game? Our program is designed to propel footballers, like yourself, towards more excellent fitness, speed, and strength, ensuring you’re fully prepared to dominate on the field! ‎ Book a FREE footballer discovery call ‎ at https://calendly.com/plp2/15min ‎ 🚀 Ready to level up your gaming skills in record time? Join our exclusive Game Speed Coaching Program today! With personalized coaching, you'll unlock your full potential and dominate the competition. ‎ 🕒 But hurry we're only accepting 10 participants for this round! Secure your spot now before it's all gone! ‎ Click here to join and reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/game-speed-coaching-program ‎ Don't miss this opportunity to take your speed to the next level. Act fast and start your journey towards becoming the fastest player on game day!

10-16
04:15

#352 - Colin Griffin: From Achilles and Calf Injury to Reconditioning and Peak Lower-Leg Performance

👉 Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ The role of fear and perception in injury recovery ✅ The most overlooked mistakes in calf and plyometric training ✅ Why calf injuries keep coming back and how to fix them ✅ Using ultrasound to guide calf and Achilles rehab ✅ Measuring tendon strain for smarter, individualized loading ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‏‏‎ ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/colin-griffin-from-achilles-and-calf-injury-to-reconditioning-and-peak-lower-leg-performance/ ‏‏‎ ‎‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

10-12
41:37

#bitesize - Derek Hansen, Sprint Coach and Return-to-Play Specialist

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ What sprint splits can tell you about acceleration and top speed ✅ How slow-motion video exposes hidden movement inefficiencies ✅ Why pushing at “10 out of 10” can actually make you slower ✅ When helping everyone costs your own wellbeing as a coach ✅ Why great coaches are rarely praised for preventing injuries ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/derek-hansen-sprint-coach-and-return-to-play-specialist/ ‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

10-09
06:29

#351 - Adriano Arguedas Soley Reveals Smarter RTP Solutions with Submaximal Testing

👉 Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ What is submaximal testing ✅ How Adriano’s 3-minute, 13k/h protocol simplifies monitoring ✅ Pete Cavanagh’s research about Kenyan runners ✅ How sub maximal testing can measure improvement in performance ✅ Tips for coaches to implement an accurate submaximal test ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‏‏‎ ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/adriano-arguedas-soley-reveals-smarter-rtp-solutions-with-submaximal-testing/ ‏‏‎ ‎‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

10-05
58:00

#bitesize - Effective Approach to Athlete Profiling and Speed Development

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ Inside the high-performance certificate ✅ Breaking down speed development essentials ✅ How jump testing profiles athletes ✅ When athletes jump high but lack quickness ✅ What it means to jump quick and high ✅ When athletes are quick but lack height ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/effective-approach-to-athlete-profiling-and-speed-development/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S& Coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

10-02
07:12

#153 - What Coaches Often Miss About ACL Injury Prevention

Highlights from the episode: ‎‎ ✅ Top three tests every coach need before clearing an athlete to play ✅ Why reactive training with chaos beats traditional rehab methods ✅ The strength markers that determine when athletes can start sprinting ✅ How to monitor athletes after they return to prevent re-injury ✅ Expert resources that will transform your ACL prevention program ‎‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‏‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/what-coaches-often-miss-about-acl-injury-prevention/ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

09-28
22:20

#bitesize - Greg Haff on The Truth About Periodization and Athlete Development

Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ What periodization actually means for long-term athlete success ✅ Why the best coaches work with junior athletes, not elite ones ✅ How parents accidentally create or destroy athletic potential ✅ Why we're drowning athletes in useless data and losing coaching instincts ✅ The truth about velocity-based training for strength coaches ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/greg-haff-on-the-truth-about-periodization-and-athlete-development/ ‏‏‎ ‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

09-25
06:10

#350 - Tom Tombleson on High Performance Reconditioning

👉 Highlights from the episode: ‎ ✅ Why mentors shape better coaching decisions ✅ How to identify when an athlete is performance ready ✅ How he measures his technical model ✅ Exercise for hamstring strain ✅ How RTP differs for development athlete’s vs elite professionals ‎ Do you have feedback on the show? We would love to hear from you. Send us your feedback and tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a review. ‏‏‎ ‎ Feedback: https://preparelikeapro.com/contact/ Review: https://link.chtbl.com/PLPlivechats/ ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Show notes: https://preparelikeapro.com/tom-tombleson-on-high-performance-reconditioning/ ‏‏‎ ‎‎ Are you ready to enhance your coaching? Uncover the strategies to build a thriving online platform, liberating yourself from the time-for-money constraints while pursuing a career as an AFL S&C coach. ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Book a FREE coaches discovery call https://calendly.com/plp2/15min

09-21
42:56

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