Adam is the Executive Director of Player Health and Performance for the Seahorses Mikawa in Japan's B League. He shares his career journey, which took him from the high school, collegiate, NBA, and now overseas. The discussion covers his approach to entering and leading a new department (with a language barrier). We also delve into his research on change of direction performance in basketball athletes, the methodologies involved, and the implications of these findings on training and performance. Additionally, we discuss the integration of biomechanical and tactical insights into coaching, the role of technology in performance analysis, and his book 'Basketball Mechanics,' which examines the key factors in the games' top performers. The conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in sports performance, biomechanics, and basketball coaching. 00:15 Adjusting to Life in Japan 03:50 Establishing Leadership in a New Role 07:26 Career Journey and Passion Projects 09:48 Research on Change of Direction Performance 26:43 Developing a Needs Analysis for the Team 31:03 Key Performance Tests for Basketball Players 39:44 Understanding Asymmetries in Athletic Performance 45:00 Future Trends in Sports Performance and Technology 46:43 Insights from the Book 'Basketball Mechanics' 50:42 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationContact Adam at: adampetway@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-petway-166a01b7/IG: https://www.instagram.com/adampetway/
In this episode, Dr. Jordan Sabourin, Head Strength Coach for the Detroit Pistons, shares his journey from playing college basketball, to a professional career in Germany, and transitioning into coaching in the NBA. Jordan discusses his initial exposure to high-performance training in the league, his diverse professional experiences, and adapting to the evolving landscape of sports science and conditioning within the NBA. Reflecting on his 13-year tenure with the Detroit Pistons, Jordan emphasizes the importance of developing strong relationships with athletes and details his balance of traditional strength training with modern techniques like blood flow restriction (BFR). Highlighting the completion of his PhD and its focus on BFR, Jordan reveals key findings regarding fatigue management and its practical applications in an NBA setting. He also previews his upcoming comprehensive BFR course aimed at bridging academic knowledge with real-world sports application. 01:10 Jordan's Basketball Journey 02:22 Transition to Strength and Conditioning 06:04 Joining the Detroit Pistons 08:30 Evolving Role of Strength Coaches 10:17 Building Player Relationships 18:19 Pursuing a PhD 26:03 The Value of a PhD in Today's World 28:22 Introduction to Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) 29:27 Implementing BFR in NBA Training 36:19 Practical Applications of BFR 42:43 Managing Tendinopathy with BFR 49:39 Future Endeavors and Contact InformationContact Dr. Sabourin:Email: jsabourinphd@gmail.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jordan-sabourin-phd-713a1628X.com: @jsabs44
Mike Robertson is, and has been, a leader in the physical preparation industry for over two decades. Mike is the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST), the creator of Robertson Training Systems, and one of the most respected performance coaches in the field with experience training NBA pros as well as leading the physical preparation of young developing basketball athletes. Mike Robertson shares his journey and expertise in the field of physical preparation, discussing his move from a powerlifting and soccer background to focusing on basketball training. He emphasizes the importance of foundational training, recovery strategies, and the integration of movement assessments. Mike also covers the challenges faced by young coaches today and the importance of mentorship in the current world of endless information. Additionally, Mike sheds light on his current projects and the value of in-person workshops for optimizing learning and training methods.01:24 Transition to Basketball05:15 Working with Developmental Athletes08:03 Assessment and Intake Process12:24 Movement and Performance Testing20:04 Training Strategies for Pros and Young Athletes24:26 Summer Training Success Stories24:55 Managing Tendinopathies in Athletes28:57 Off-Season Training Blocks32:34 Balancing Training and Court Time41:16 Advice for Young Coaches45:00 Resources and Future ProjectsRobertson Training Systems: https://robertsontrainingsystems.com/IFAST Basketball Insiders: https://ifastbasketballinsiders.com/Contact Mike: IG: https://www.instagram.com/robtrainsystems/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobTrainSystems
In this episode, Ramsey Nijem, delves into his career journey from being the youngest Head Strength Coach in the NBA to joining Kansas University men's basketball as the Director of Sport Performance. He discusses his career path, the nuances of off-season strength training, and how he builds meaningful relationships with his basketball athletes. Ramsey emphasizes the importance of a solid foundational training block, evolving with new technologies and testing methods, and how to adapt coaching styles as one progresses in their career. He also touches on the challenges young coaches face in the era of information overload and underscores the value of critical thinking over credentials. Additionally, Ramsey talks about his Applied Performance Coach course and other upcoming projects aimed at improving training methodologies in basketball. 00:38 Early Career and NBA Journey 01:21 Basketball Passion and Training Philosophy 02:38 Testing and Profiling New Players 05:16 Evolving Testing Methods 10:00 Force Plate Technology and Applications 13:03 Interpreting Force Plate Data 22:32 Offseason Training Program 27:12 Relationship with Coach Self 27:43 Managing Player Workload 29:13 Building Relationships with Players 29:37 Challenges of the Transfer Portal 30:06 Transparency and Accountability 33:03 Adapting to Generational Changes 38:07 Developing Quality Coaches 41:52 Creating the Applied Performance Coach Course 45:19 Future Projects and Personal Life Applied Performance Coach courses: https://www.appliedperformancecoach.com/Contact Ramsey:Website: ramseynijem.comIG: @dr.ramsey.nijem
Legendary Strength Coach, Erik Helland, who has a storied career spanning both the NBA (including the iconic 90's Chicago Bulls) and collegiate basketball at the University of Wisconsin, shares invaluable insights into the evolution of coaching, the importance of mentorship, and building team cohesion. Helland reflects on his time spent bonding with athletes and coaches, his appreciation for the influential mentorship of Al Vermeil, and the crucial transition moments in his career. He emphasizes the significance of consistent, high-quality training, effective communication, and creating a culture that prioritizes both athletic and personal development. Helland also touches on the administrative challenges of the expanding staff sizes in today's league, the interplay between athletic training and strength conditioning, and the timeless qualities necessary for becoming a successful coach.Erik's Email: erikhelland63@gmail.com00:58 Mentorship and Professional Growth03:04 Impact of Al Vermeil06:56 Chicago Bulls in the 80s and 90s11:41 Training Philosophy and Team Culture14:40 Challenges of Modern NBA Staffs20:24 Collaboration with Training Staff23:15 Injury Rates and Factors24:56 Innovative Team Lifts in the NBA25:37 Consistency and Quality in Training28:23 Challenges and Adaptations in Collegiate Coaching31:39 Building Strong Relationships with Athletes36:23 Timeless Art of Coaching44:15 Current Endeavors and Future Plans
Dr. Jess Elis is the founder of Rehab Code, and the former Vice President of Player Health with the New York Knicks and before that the Director of Player Health and Performance with the Trailblazers. He is someone that has mastered both the science and art of high-performance sports medicine and leadership.In this episode, Jess shares his journey from starting with minimal network connections to leading multiple departments in the NBA. The discussion covers key moments in his career, the value of sacrifice, being realistic in your education pursuits, and avoiding the arrogance that comes with the titles.Jess also highlights the underbelly of the NBA, the real challenges professionals face in high-performance settings, and not tying your identity to your job.We wrap up discussing his company, Rehab Code, aimed at offering community-based sports rehab education and mentorship as well as his other initiatives.Rehab Code: https://www.therehabcode.com/Jess Elis on Instagram: @physio_elis00:00 Introduction00:51 Journey into Professional Sports02:02 Breaking into the Industry04:43 Challenges and Sacrifices12:10 The Importance of Personality in Pro Sports16:36 Arrogance vs. Mastery20:10 Communication and Collaboration in Pro Sports22:31 Staff Size and Role Definition25:13 Player Relationships and Role Dynamics25:47 Athlete-Led Experience vs. PT-Led Model28:22 Realities of Working in Pro Sports33:36 Mentorship and Professional Growth37:02 Introducing Rehab Code39:46 Future Ventures and Opportunities42:39 Connecting with Rehab Code
Maggie Bryant, President of Performance, Health, and Wellness for the LA Clippers joins us today to share her career story and how she has evolved to lead a highly reputable medical & performance department within the league. Maggie discusses her early interest in basketball, the injuries that led her to physical therapy, and her progression through various roles within the NBA. She provides deep insights into handling complex relationships and communication strategies within the team. The conversation also explores the importance of role clarity, continuing education, and the use of biomechanics to enhance player performance and injury prevention. Maggie's experience and strategies offer valuable lessons for both current and aspiring professionals in the field. This episode is brought to you by Vald and Teambuildr Contact Maggie: Email: maggieibryant@gmail.comIG: maggsb55X: bryant5maggie00:00 Introduction and Background 02:45 Entering Professional Sports 04:09 Role with the Clippers 06:14 Staff Development and Team Dynamics 11:50 Handling Player Relationships 16:35 Challenges and Strategies 21:45 Communication and Decision Making 29:08 Innovations and Future Directions 34:22 Personal Insights and Advice 36:22 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode, I sit down with Lee Taft, widely known as "The Speed Guy."With over 35 years of experience, Lee is a renowned authority on athletic movement and multidirectional speed training. His methodologies, drills, and principles are used by NFL, NBA, and MLB teams, top NCAA programs, and performance facilities across the globe.Lee’s coaching roots run deep — he has coached basketball teams and athletes at all levels and does an exceptional job at simplifying complex concepts into digestible skills that can directly apply to the game.He has a deep passion for the game of basketball, and is an incredible advocate for developing athletes and bridging the gap between coaches and players.01:09 Importance of Language in Coaching 02:14 Guest's Background and Journey 05:32 Common Misconceptions in Basketball Coaching 12:42 Developing Locomotion Literacy in Athletes 17:18 Rehabilitation and Return to Play 21:01 Using Bands for Deceleration Training 23:43 Using Bands for Lower Body Emphasis 25:23 Importance of Skill Development and Free Play 29:40 Incorporating Skill Development in Team Settings 35:28 Conditioning and Skill Training Integration 39:17 Balancing Play and Training for Young Athletes 44:08 Conclusion and Resources for Further LearningThis episode is powered by Teambuildr. TeamBuildr PRACTICE is running a limited-time pre-sale. Secure 25% off by heading to teambuildr.com/practice before May 31, 2025.Learn more from Lee at his website: https://leetaft.com/Follow Lee on IG: https://www.instagram.com/leetaft/
Erik is a nationally recognized physical therapist, consultant, and educator based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in sports rehabilitation and applying science to sports medicine, with his current focus on supporting professional and elite collegiate athletes.In this episode, he shares his observations on the gaps medical & performance professionals typically have when it comes to applying science into their practice. The conversation delves into what is really "evidence-based practice" and the critical appraisal of new technology in high-level basketball. Speaking from over two decades of experience, he advocates for the role of practitioners as guides rather than "fixers", stressing the need for transparency, hammering the basics well, and keeping interactions centered around the athlete's values.Learn more about Erik and his courses at: www.thesciencept.comRegister for the Elite Rehab Basketball Conference at: https://basketball.eliterehabconferences.com/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------01:05 Starting the PT Inquests Podcast 02:37 Journey into Physical Therapy 04:42 Developing a Unique Practice 06:00 Engaging with Higher-Level Athletes08:02 Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy 09:06 Challenges in Research and Application 22:13 Efficacy vs. Effectiveness in Therapy 28:18 Critically Appraising New Technology 29:22 Identifying and Addressing Performance Gaps 30:23 Challenges with High-Tech Solutions in Sports Science 32:50 The Importance of Simplicity in Athletic Testing 33:53 Athlete Perception and Technology 35:03 Focusing on Fundamentals Over Cutting-Edge Tech 36:57 Addressing Basic Issues in Athletic Performance 43:46 The Role of Medical Providers in Sports 52:32 Elite Basketball Rehab Conference and Networking 56:15 Online Courses and Resources for Professionals
Dr. Keith D'Amelio has an extensive background in elite sports, including roles with such organizations as the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Stanford University as well as being the former Director of Athlete Performance at Nike,In this episode, Keith shares his background on the evolution of the basketball landscape over his career as well as the changes in athlete expectations and relationships with training staff. He shares his opinions on the current structure of medical/performance departments as well as providing advice to professionals feeling the pressure of inevitable departures. We wrap up the conversation discussing the missing untapped aspect of player development that can give your athletes the competitive advantage. Best contact to reach Keith is via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-d-amelio-phd-2166b54/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finish_strong_hoops/
Finish Strong Hoops is your premiere source for industry insights into basketball athletic performance and health. This podcast will bring exclusive interviews with leading experts in sports science, performance training, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Each episode will unpack the latest science and turn it into real-world strategies to help you deliver high-quality services to your athletes.