Talkin' Pitt by Pitt Sports Performance

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The Strength and Conditioning and Sports Science staff at the University of Pittsburgh sit down to discuss the evolution of sports performance

  1. 3d ago

    Talkin' Pitt #66 Coach Alonzo Webb Jr. - Pitt -"55 Years of Coaching: Lessons in Speed, Strength & Building Belief"

    In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, I sit down with Pitt Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Coach Alonzo Webb for a conversation built on more than 55 years of coaching experience.   Coach Webb shares his journey from starting his coaching career at 17 to becoming head coach at the University of Pittsburgh, where he is now in his 24th year. We talk about his passion for coaching, the mentors who helped shape his career, and why, even after more than five decades in the profession, he still considers himself a student of the sport.   From there, we get into the relationship between track and field and strength and conditioning, why working with track can be such a valuable experience for young strength coaches, and the challenge of developing athletes across the many different event groups within the sport.   Coach Webb also breaks down his approach to sprint development and why some of his training may look very different from what other sprint coaches are doing. We discuss high-volume sprint training, building strength to improve force application, preparing athletes for the actual demands of competition, and why there can be more than one successful way to develop an athlete.   One of my favorite parts of the conversation is our discussion about coaching experience versus sports science. Coach Webb explains what he calls "mother wit": learning through observation, trial and error, and years of coaching athletes while staying open to new information and continuing to evolve his philosophy.   We also talk about athlete buy-in, building confidence through difficult training, reflecting on your program at the end of each season, mentorship, and why the best program on paper means little if your athletes don't believe in what they're doing.   This episode is a great conversation for strength coaches, track coaches, and anyone interested in what more than five decades in the coaching profession can teach us about developing athletes and developing ourselves as coaches.   Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                            Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  2. Aug 28

    Talkin' Pitt #65 Josh Bray "Gamification, Generalism & the Art of Coaching"

    In this episode of Talkin Pitt, I sit down with strength and conditioning coach and author of The Athletic Blueprint, Josh Bray, for a wide-ranging conversation on coaching, programming, and developing young athletes.   Josh works primarily with high-level youth hockey players, which creates an interesting challenge: how do you develop a well-rounded athlete when their sport becomes increasingly specialized at such a young age?   We dive into Josh’s generalist approach to training and why he intentionally exposes his athletes to movements and activities they aren't getting from hockey. From gamifying training and developing physical literacy to adjusting programs around growth and maturation, Josh shares how he tries to build adaptable athletes rather than simply creating better weight-room performers.   We also get into the realities of programming that don't always show up on paper. We talk about working with limited equipment, why logistics should influence program design, how Josh filters new training information, and why something that doesn't work with one group of athletes doesn't necessarily need to be thrown away.   Throughout the conversation, we come back to the importance of context. There isn't one perfect system or training method. Good coaching is understanding the problem in front of you, having enough tools available to solve it, and knowing when and why to use them.   We also discuss: Gamification and using competition to drive intent and engagement Developing general athleticism in highly specialized youth athletes Balancing sport demands with what athletes are not getting from their sport How Josh structures his training into prep, plyometric, strength, and accessory work Adjusting training around growth and maturation Simple strategies Josh uses for foot and ankle development with hockey players Filtering the massive amount of training information available to coaches Learning from coaches like Joe Padula and Hunter Eisenhower Why logistics and available resources have to influence programming Knowing when to regress, progress, or simply choose a different training tool The value of coaches openly sharing their ideas and processes Finding balance and longevity within the strength and conditioning profession This was one of those conversations that moves naturally from programming into philosophy and ultimately into what it means to continue developing as a coach.     Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Josh Bray Contact Instagram: @jbraythecoach   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                            Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  3. Aug 7

    Talkin' Pitt #64 Conor Cantwell - William & Mary - "Using Data Without Losing the Art of Coaching

    In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, I sit down with Conor Cantwell from the College of William & Mary to talk about one of the biggest challenges in strength and conditioning: making informed decisions without overcomplicating the process.   Connor shares how he's using heart rate monitoring with women's basketball, why he's pursuing a PhD in the area, and how objective data can help coaches better understand training load, fitness, recovery, and readiness throughout a long competitive season. We dive into practical ways to monitor athletes without adding unnecessary fatigue, why submaximal fitness testing may become a valuable tool, and how heart rate data can improve communication with sport coaches.   Beyond monitoring, we discuss what effective conditioning actually looks like, the importance of training athletes hard enough to create adaptation, and why coaches shouldn't be afraid of planned fatigue when it's part of the process. We also explore how to make conditioning more engaging through competition and games, how to program plyometrics for basketball and volleyball athletes, and how to balance science, coaching instincts, and athlete development.   Whether you're a strength coach, sport coach, or student looking to improve your understanding of athlete monitoring and performance, this conversation is packed with practical ideas you can apply immediately.   In this episode, we cover: Connor's journey into a PhD focused on heart rate monitoring in women's basketball. How submaximal fitness testing can track aerobic fitness throughout a season. Using heart rate data to guide practice planning and monitor training load. Why recovery, fatigue, and readiness aren't always the same thing. The value of gamifying conditioning to increase athlete buy-in. Programming plyometrics for basketball and volleyball athletes. Whether strength coaches are training athletes hard enough in today's environment. Lessons from mentorship, continuing education, and building a career in collegiate strength and conditioning.     Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Conor Cantwell Contact Instagram: @cantwellconor Email: cjcantwell@wm.edu   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                            Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  4. Jul 24

    Talkin' Pitt #63 Dr. Justin Lima - Owner Strength Coach Network - Building More Than Strong Athletes | Dr. Justin Lima on Coaching, Business & Longevity

    In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Aaron Duvall takes over hosting duties as he sits down with Dr. Justin Lima, owner of Strength Coach Network and former collegiate strength coach, for a conversation that goes far beyond sets, reps, and programming.   Justin shares his journey from coaching in the collegiate setting to becoming a business owner, discussing the challenges of building Strength Coach Network and the lessons he's learned along the way. The conversation explores how many of the skills that make great strength coaches- problem-solving, adaptability, communication, and leadership- also translate directly into running a successful business.   Aaron and Justin also dive into what it means to build a long, fulfilling career in strength and conditioning. They discuss why "work-life balance" is better viewed as work-life integration, the importance of creating systems that allow you to be both an effective coach and present for your family, and why coaches should focus less on how many hours they work and more on the results they produce.   Throughout the episode, Justin reflects on the hundreds of conversations he's had with coaches through the Strength Coach Network podcast and explains why the best practitioners are lifelong learners who aren't afraid to ask questions, collaborate, and build relationships. Rather than viewing other coaches as competition, he encourages listeners to connect with former coaches, private performance coaches, and anyone who can help them better serve their athletes.   To close the conversation, Justin shares what has him most excited about the future of sports performance. He explains why aerobic development and energy system training have become a major focus in his own learning and coaching, and why many strength coaches may be overlooking one of the biggest pieces of long-term athletic development. Whether you're an experienced coach, just entering the profession, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical lessons on coaching, business, lifelong learning, and building a career that makes a lasting impact.     Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Dr. Justin Lima Contact Instagram: @dr.justinlima, @strength_coach_network   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                            Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  5. Jun 8

    Talkin' Pitt # 62 Erica Lowery - Director of Ahtletic Performance -University of South Alabama "From Division I Volleyball to Division I Strength Coach"

    This episode of Talkin’ Pitt features Erica Lowery, one of the fastest-rising young coaches in collegiate strength and conditioning. Erica shares her journey from being a Division I volleyball athlete at Texas A&M University and Liberty University to becoming a strength coach at the University of South Alabama, where she works with volleyball, soccer, and cross-country athletes.   Throughout the conversation, Erica dives into the coaches and experiences that shaped her philosophy, including the impact of legendary mentors like Danny Evans and Ray Ellsworth. She opens up about transferring schools, finding confidence through training, and how strength and conditioning completely changed the trajectory of her life and career.   Devin and Erica also delve into volleyball performance training, discussing front squats vs. back squats, low-impact conditioning, force plates, jump prep, deep-tier plyometrics, injury-reduction strategies, and how training has evolved for female athletes. Erica shares why she prioritizes movement quality, athlete buy-in, and keeping athletes healthy enough to perform at a high level year-round.   The episode also explores Erica’s passion for athletic performance outside of coaching, including her experience competing in the growing sport of Apex Competition, a unique event combining sprinting, jumping, strength, and endurance testing. She breaks down how she trained for the event, balancing her competitive goals with her full-time coaching at the Division I level.   This conversation is packed with insight for strength coaches, athletes, and anyone passionate about performance, coaching, and personal growth.     Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Coach Erica Lowery Contact Instagram: @ericalowerystrength Email : ericalowery@southalabama.edu   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                            Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  6. May 15

    Talkin' Pitt #61 Dr. Dillion Martinez - Speed Development, Sprint Mechanics & Coaching Communication

    In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Coach Young sits down with Dr. Dillon Martinez to dive deep into the world of speed development, sprint mechanics, and coaching communication. From breaking down the myth that “speed can’t be taught” to discussing how coaches can create faster, more resilient athletes, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for strength coaches, sport coaches, and anyone interested in athletic performance.   Dr. Martinez shares the story behind his book Breaking the Speed Barrier, how his father shaped his philosophy on sprint training, and why teaching speed is just as important as teaching strength. The conversation also covers sprint technique, agility vs. change-of-direction, max-velocity training for field sports, hamstring injury prevention, isometrics, coaching cues, athlete confidence, and the importance of communication and feedback in coaching.   Whether you work with track athletes, team-sport athletes, or just want to become a better coach and communicator, this episode delivers a ton of actionable insights in a simple, relatable way.     Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Coach Dr. Dillion Martinez Contact Instagram: @martinez_dillion X : @DillionMartinez Email : dillon.martinez@winona.edu   Dr. Martinez Book “Breaking The Speed Barrier” Available on Amazon https://a.co/d/0imWiw5u   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                            Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  7. Apr 10

    Talkin' Pitt #60 Ashley Kowalewski - LSU - Freedom in Programming: Isometrics, Load Management, and Coaching Evolution

    In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Devin sits down with LSU’s Coach AK to dive deep into the evolving landscape of strength and conditioning, challenging traditional norms and exploring innovative approaches to athlete development.   Coach AK shares why she’s currently most excited about implementing year-round isometrics, discussing how overcoming, yielding, and quasi-isometric methods can improve athletes' health, performance, and adaptability within a system. The conversation explores how coaches can balance evidence-based principles with real-world constraints such as facility limitations, training age, and time demands.   Devin and Coach AK discuss the value of being open to professional pushbacks, why differing coaching philosophies can coexist, and how curiosity drives growth within the field. From experimenting with eccentric overload methods to rethinking the necessity of traditional 1RM testing and Olympic lifting for certain populations, this episode highlights the importance of adapting training to meet athletes' needs rather than forcing them into rigid systems. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of health over performance, the role of trust and relationship-building in athlete buy-in, and how coaches can use guided autonomy to help athletes take ownership of their development. Coach AK shares insights on navigating social media as a professional, presenting at conferences, and continuously learning through collaboration with peers.   If you’re a strength coach looking to challenge assumptions, explore new programming ideas, or better understand how to integrate isometrics into your system, this episode delivers both practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives.     Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout.   Coach AK Contact Instagram: @ashleykowalewski Email: ashk@lsu.edu Phone: 225-615-6989   Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                            Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

  8. Mar 27

    Talkin Pitt #59 Devin Young - Young Coaches stepping into their first internship

    In this episode of Talkin’ Pitt, Coach Young breaks down 5 key lessons every young strength and conditioning coach should understand when starting their first internship. Whether you are currently in school, preparing for your first internship, or working through your early experiences in the profession, this episode offers practical insights on how to make the most of these foundational opportunities.   Drawing from nearly 10 years of experience in collegiate strength and conditioning, I share lessons I learned from multiple internships and graduate assistant positions, along with common patterns I’ve observed among interns at several universities. Internships are often the first major step into the profession, and how you approach them can significantly impact your long-term development as a coach.   We discuss the importance of being a sponge, asking questions, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and maximizing the value of the time you invest early in your career. I also talk about how to identify the right internship environments, how to learn from different coaching styles, and why being proactive can separate you from other young professionals entering the field.   If you are looking to build a strong foundation in strength and conditioning, better understand internship expectations, and position yourself for future opportunities such as graduate assistant roles or full-time positions, this episode will provide practical guidance to help you navigate the early stages of your career.     Teambuildr Trial Code Use code PITT at checkout.     Pitt Sports Performance Instagram @pitt_sportsperformance   Pitt Sports Performance Twitter @pitt_science                                                                            Music Credit Music Unlimited, “The Podcast Intro.”

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The Strength and Conditioning and Sports Science staff at the University of Pittsburgh sit down to discuss the evolution of sports performance

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