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The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development

Nathan Parnham

Youth sport is a billion dollar industry. Youth athletic development plays a significant role in this. With such a large investment at stake through various stakeholders, how do you know you're on the right path in setting this generation up for success?
A podcast like no other- The Get Down promises to give you all the answers with incredible insights from Nathan Parnham renowned athletic development coach and author of The Sporting Parent.
For coaches, teachers, and parents involved in the youth sporting landscape this is your key to success!

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 21 min
  • English
  • S4 · E36
    Nov 28, 2024 · 21 min

    EP36: Bonus episode- The ultimate athletic development framework

    Welcome to the final bonus episode of The Get Down podcast, where I guide you through building the ultimate athletic development framework for schools. Over the years, I’ve received countless questions from coaches, parents, and school staff about solving challenges in athletic development settings. This episode is your cheat sheet, breaking down every detail into three stages: the preseason, competition phase, and finals. Together, we’ll create a comprehensive, student-centred program that develops athletic potential and integrates seamlessly into the school’s framework, delivering long-term success. Share your thoughts and questions from this episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network. Key points include: Athletic development is divided into the preseason (12–18 months), competition phase (1.5–3 years), and finals (3–5 years), each focusing on specific areas like staffing, student engagement, and program expansion. Prioritising students’ holistic needs (academic, athletic, and general) is crucial to creating equitable, impactful programs. Success depends on aligning athletic programs with school resources, fostering collaboration with staff, and utilising external partnerships for long-term sustainability. Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ https://plae.us

  • S4 · E35
    Nov 21, 2024 · 29 min

    EP35: Guest episode- Talent ID and the future of youth sport

    In this episode of The Get Down Podcast, we wrap up the season with an absolute game-changer in the world of long-term athlete development. James Baker, the Head of Talent Identification and Athlete Development at Elite Sport UAE and Co-Founder/Director of The LTAD Network, joins us for a live podcast recording. James shares his deep insights into the evolving landscape of youth athletes, the challenges facing traditional sports, and the nuances of talent identification in modern sports science. James has held prestigious roles, including at the renowned Aspire Academy, and recently delivered a standout presentation at the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Annual Conference. From parkour-loving kids to the future of professional development pathways, this episode is a masterclass in understanding the current and future states of sport. Share your thoughts and questions from this episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network. Key points include: Modern distractions and lifestyle changes are impacting movement literacy and engagement in traditional sports. Alternative activities like parkour and e-sports are competing with mainstream sports, and this shapes talent pipelines. James’ take on why interdisciplinary approaches are key to spotting and nurturing athletic potential. How the development pathways today differ from those of 20 years ago, and what this means for aspiring athletes. Connect with James Baker: Website: The LTAD Network Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Listener exclusive!2 months FREE subscription to any package on the LTAD Network resources.Use code “THEGETDOWN” * VIP package will unlock the greatest value of opportunities. Gymaware- Guest Episode Sponsor https://www.instagram.com/gymaware http://gymaware.com/ Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ https://plae.us

  • Nov 14, 2024 · 11 min

    EP34: Schools- Is it all about athletic development?

    In episode 34 of the Get Down Podcast, I delve into the strategies needed to optimize athletic development within the school environment. This final instalment for schools starts with a common scenario where schools hire athletic coaches focusing primarily on top-tier sports, which can lead to challenges when responsibilities grow. I discuss three key strategies: expanding the scope of events beyond coaching, bringing supplementary services like physiotherapy and dietetics in-house, and fostering comprehensive community engagement. These approaches aim to enhance the effectiveness and perception of athletic programs, benefiting not only athletes but the entire school community. Remember, the success of an athletic development program goes beyond just coaching; it requires strategic planning tailored to your school's unique environment. Key points include: Schools should consider events like workshops, student competitions, and parent information sessions to enhance the athletic development role beyond traditional coaching. Bringing services like physiotherapy, dietetics, and medical support on-site or partnering with providers can reduce travel time and improve coordination, making it more convenient for parents and students. Schools should focus on broader community engagement, involving students, parents, and staff to foster positive mental health and physical activity, extending beyond just high-performance sports. A successful athletic development program involves planning for diverse needs and coordinating across various school departments to ensure all students benefit, not just top athletes. Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! See you soon! Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ Website: https://plae.us

  • S4 · E33
    Nov 7, 2024 · 15 min

    EP33: Parents- The high performance managers of the future

    Welcome to episode number 33 of the Get Down Podcast, tailored for parents aiming to set their children up for success in sports. I discuss three main points: selecting sports intentionally during different stages of maturation, emphasizing early and appropriate athletic development, and strategically managing your child's weekly schedule to prevent burnout and maintain passion. I highlight the importance of coordination-based sports in early childhood, team vs. individual sports in adolescence, and having mandatory rest days. This episode is based on insights from my book, The Sporting Parent, and aims to help you become an efficient 'high-performance manager' for your young athlete. Key points include: Choose sports strategically, considering each stage of your child’s growth. Avoid overloading schedules by focusing on one to two sports per season, which allows balanced development and prevents burnout. Athletic conditioning is essential, especially given the decline in unstructured play. Introduce age-appropriate training early to build coordination and motor skills, and adjust as they grow, to set them up for long-term success. Children shouldn’t mirror professional athletes’ schedules, as this can lead to burnout or resentment toward sports. Children’s physical needs change, particularly during rapid growth periods (ages 11-15). Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! See you soon! Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ Website: https://plae.us

  • S4 · E32
    Oct 31, 2024 · 13 min

    EP32: Coaches- Contemporary coaching strategies for this generation

    Welcome to episode 32 of The Get Down Podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in modern coaching: bridging the generational gap with our athletes. I’ll walk through why many traditional coaching frameworks just don’t resonate with today’s athletes and offer up some alternative approaches that have proven effective. We’ll dig into three major points: long-term athlete development (LTAD) models and why they’re only effective if they keep athletes coming back, the importance of fluid periodization to prevent burnout and increase buy-in, and balancing specialization with unstructured play in a way that meets both athlete and societal needs. Whether you’re a coach, trainer, or just passionate about athletic development, this episode is packed with insights and strategies for making an impact. Key points include: Long-term athlete development models must focus on immediate outcomes to retain athletes and foster commitment. Coaches should use adaptable periodization to keep training programs fresh and motivating for athletes. Encourage both specialization and unstructured play to promote overall physical activity and enjoyment. Provide opportunities for choice in training to enhance athlete engagement and independence. Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! See you soon! Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ Website: https://plae.us

  • S4 · E31
    Oct 24, 2024 · 47 min

    EP31: Guest episode- How to thrive as a youth athlete

    We welcome Ben Pullen, PhD paediatric strength and conditioning and Founder of Youth Exercise Centre, to discuss the intricacies of coaching young athletes and the role parents play in this journey. Dr. Ben shares his wealth of experience from working with youth athletes and provides valuable insights for parents and coaches alike. Key Topics: Dr. Ben discusses how well-meaning parental involvement can sometimes hinder a child's development. Younger children may benefit from their parents being nearby, while teenagers might thrive when given more independence. We break down why parents should avoid looking for instant results in their child’s athletic progress. Consistent, long-term development is key to building strength and improving performance. Tune in to hear practical advice and insights for parents, coaches, and anyone involved in youth sports development! Connect with Ben: https://www.instagram.com/dr.b.pullen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ben-pullen-890079187/ Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Gymaware- Guest Episode Sponsor https://www.instagram.com/gymaware http://gymaware.com/ Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ Website: https://plae.us

  • S4 · E30
    Oct 17, 2024 · 11 min

    EP30: Schools- Identifying the pros and cons of coaching structures

    This time, the focus is on analysing the pros and cons of various coaching structures within school environments. The discussion centres on three primary models: the homegrown coach, outsourced onsite coaches, and external facility providers. Each model offers unique advantages and challenges. The episode encourages schools to weigh these factors based on their unique needs and invites listeners from different coaching domains to share their experiences. The upcoming episode promises a special guest with expertise in development settings. Key points include: Homegrown coaches foster community engagement and provide immediate solutions but can be costly and require time investment. Outsourced onsite coaches offer experience and cost-effectiveness but may lack accountability and continuity. External facilities offer an exciting change of environment and quality staff but introduce logistical challenges and dependency risks. Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! See you soon! Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ Website: https://plae.us

  • S4 · E29
    Oct 10, 2024 · 12 min

    EP29: Parents- Understanding the differences of a generation

    The episode focuses on the generational differences in children's engagement with sports, emphasising play and physical activity changes. I explore how a lack of unstructured play impacts movement competency and the technical development of youth athletes. It highlights issues such as a diminished interest in watching sports and the consequences of early specialisation vs. inactivity. Parents are encouraged to foster a love for sports through outdoor play, structured training, and by creating positive sporting experiences. The episode also provides strategies for parents to improve their children's sporting journey and hints at future topics like school coaching systems. Key points include: ​Parents' well-intentioned actions have shaped today's generation, impacting how children engage in sports and physical activity. ​To improve movement skills, children should engage in unstructured, risk-taking play without constant adult supervision. ​Parents can foster a love for sports by actively participating, watching games together, and creating memorable bonding experiences. Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! See you soon! Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ Website: https://plae.us

  • S4 · E28
    Oct 3, 2024 · 12 min

    EP28: Coaches- The Overtraining Fallacy

    Welcome to Season 4 of The Get Down Podcast series! In this episode, we will debunk the overtraining fallacy among youth athletes. I will explain how my viewpoint has evolved over two decades of coaching, emphasising the importance of year-round athletic engagement and unstructured play to build resilient, well-rounded athletes. Key points include: ​Dangers of seasonal specialisation ​Benefits of multi-sport participation ​Practical strategies for coaches to support ongoing athletic development Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content! See you soon! Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ Website: https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: The Sporting Parent: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ Website: https://plae.us

  • S3 · E27
    Sep 5, 2024 · 32 min

    EP27: Bonus episode- Building world class facilities

    I sat down with Shane Gooneratne from PLAE to discuss the intricacies of constructing high-quality athletic facilities around the globe. From working with sports clubs and tech companies to government agencies and schools, Shane shares his experiences and milestones, highlighting standout projects like Loughborough University and the SHORE School in Sydney. We dive deep into the cultural differences in athletic development between Australia, the USA, and the UK. We also discuss the importance of vision, space, and long-term investment when developing performance facilities. Tune in to learn about common mistakes schools make in these ventures and the key elements to ensure your facility's success.

  • S3 · E26
    Aug 29, 2024 · 36 min

    EP26: Guest episode- Revolutionising school sport

    I sat down with James Godfrey, an influential figure who transitioned from representing schools and rugby teams in Australia to revolutionising the business of sport and financial services. Delving deep into his career highlights, the conversation covers his leadership philosophy, the importance of values, and innovative strategies for enhancing school sports programs. James shares insights on building effective teams, maximising resources, and leveraging sports for character-building and career development. This episode offers invaluable lessons for anyone involved in school sports or leadership roles.

  • Aug 22, 2024 · 15 min

    EP25: Schools- Understanding the real success of establishing an athletic development program

    We explore the real success behind school athletic development programs. Through a personal story emphasising the powerful impact of inclusive gym access, we discuss effective timetabling, distinguishing between student-athletes and regular students, and the critical role of well-being and pastoral care. Discover how to create a supportive and inclusive environment that benefits all students, not just athletes. Tune in for insights on fostering positive schooling experiences and encouraging lifelong fitness habits.

  • S3 · E24
    Aug 15, 2024 · 13 min

    EP24: Parents- The loss of general preparation and why it’s essential

    In this episode, we focus on helping parents set their children up for success in sports. We discuss the critical concept of general preparation, why it's essential, and how it has been lost recently. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls in youth sports, understand the importance of varied physical activity, and why early specialisation may not be beneficial. This episode is a must-listen for any sporting parent aiming to keep their child active, healthy, and on the path to long-term success. Sign up for my Youth Programming Fundamentals Workshop https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-programming-fundamentals-workshop-registration-910192007797?aff=ebdssbdestsearch Connect with me: Instagram Website Order my book: The Sporting Parent Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram Website

  • S3 · E23
    Aug 8, 2024 · 15 min

    EP23: Coaches- ‘Fun’ the most overrated word in the development setting

    This episode is oriented to coaches in the athletic development space. We’ll address why 'fun' is often overrated in youth sports development. We explore the complex layers of fun and the critical need for structured training time. Key points include the importance of training, the various forms and implementation of fun, and how these evolve through different stages of athlete maturation. Stay tuned as we break down these essential topics to enhance your coaching strategies. Takeaways from this episode: - Emphasize balancing fun with structured athletic development to ensure young athletes build their skills. - Use fun elements like games, environment setup, team challenges, and music to keep sessions engaging without losing development time. - Apply different fun strategies across various age groups, such as games for pre-teens, music for mid-teens, and team competitions for late-teens. - Ensure fun activities enhance training without overshadowing essential - development, helping athletes train to their full potential while enjoying the process. Connect with me: Instagram Website Order my book: The Sporting Parent Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram Website

  • S3 · E22
    Aug 1, 2024 · 40 min

    EP22: Guest episode-What it takes in Rugby League

    In this special guest episode, Matthew Jay from the Newcastle Knights delves into the essentials of youth sports development and discusses the importance of nurturing talent through practical and theoretical approaches. Matthew shares his insights on what makes an elite athlete, the significance of intrinsic motivation, and the shift in mental health awareness in sports. He also highlights the rise of specialised academies and the role of technology and gamification in modern sports training. Join me as Matthew provides valuable tips for parents juggling busy sports schedules and discusses the future trends in youth sports. Takeaways from this episode: • While talent is important, success in rugby league also requires hard work, discipline, and good lifestyle choices. • Effective coaching and support staff are crucial in nurturing talent and fostering a disciplined environment. • Engaging in various sports helps young athletes develop diverse skills, and resilience, and reduces burnout, benefiting their overall athletic growth. • Mental awareness is crucial for overall athlete development and performance. • There's a growing recognition in sports for investing in athletes' well-being, not just their physical fitness. • Parents play a critical role in managing their children's busy sports schedules, especially when involved in multiple sports. • Building a support network with other parents and community members is crucial. • There is a rise in specialised sports academies and diverse sporting opportunities for kids. Parents should carefully evaluate these options to ensure they provide quality training and are not just profit-driven. Youth Programming Fundamentals Workshop https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-programming-fundamentals-workshop-registration-910192007797?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term= Connect with me:https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/https://www.nathanparnham.com/Order my book:http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Gymaware- Guest Episode Sponsor 5% code GETDOWN5 Course: https://gymaware.com/courses/vbt_fundamentals/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gymaware/ Educational articles: https://gymaware.com/category/blog/ Educational videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7WTmMMp1R0LYPlDvOhSi8xxipmXiZPx3 Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/ https://plae.us

  • S3 · E21
    Jul 25, 2024 · 9 min

    EP21: Schools- How to retain casual coaches

    Welcome back to The Get Down podcast! This episode focuses on how schools can effectively retain casual coaching staff. Tune in as we discuss three key strategies: fostering ownership among staff, providing professional development opportunities, and nurturing individual career aspirations. Learn how to build a formidable coaching team and advance your program. Also, stay tuned for our next episode featuring a special guest with extensive international coaching experience. Takeaways from this episode: • The issue of retaining casual coaching staff in schools, and the impact on program success and potential. • Encouraging ownership through project assignments, offering upskilling opportunities, and nurturing coaches' career aspirations to enhance commitment. • Programs fail to retain staff when responsibility isn't delegated. Assigning specific roles increases coaches' sense of ownership and pride, leading to better retention. • Supporting individual career aspirations is crucial. Regular meetings to discuss career goals and facilitate advancement foster loyalty and professional growth. Tune in to listen to valuable insights on the development pathway from grassroots to professional sport. Episode 22 promises to be packed with expertise and inspiration! Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/ https://www.nathanparnham.com/ Order my book: http://www.nathanparnham.com/book Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/https://plae.us

  • S3 · E2
    Jul 19, 2024 · 12 min

    EP20: Parents- Five tenets to manage your child’s busy schedule.

    Welcome back to the third season of The Get Down podcast, where today I’ll share expert advice for parents struggling with their children’s busy sports schedules. I’ll outline five essential tips: ensuring one full day off per week, limiting sports to two per season, engaging with children early by participating in their activities, being selective with specialist coaching, and being cautious of back-to-back training days. These strategies aim to balance athletic commitments with the joys of childhood, preventing burnout and fostering long-term engagement and enjoyment in sports. Takeaways from this episode: -Ensure your child has one full day off per week to prevent burnout and allow them to enjoy their teenage years. -Limit your child to participating in two sports per season to avoid overcommitment and stress. -Engage with your child early in their sports activities by participating, which helps build lasting fond memories and keeps them engaged. -Choose one to two specialist coaches for focused improvement rather than overloading with multiple coaches. -Be aware of back-to-back training days to reduce the risk of injury during critical growth periods. -Avoid double or triple sessions on consecutive days to keep the experience enjoyable and sustainable for your child. Stay tuned for Episode 21, where we'll discuss strategies to enhance your school's coaching program. Subscribe to never miss an episode and join me in creating a positive impact in youth sports. See you next time! Connect with me: Instagram Website Order my book: The Sporting Parent Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE InstagramWebsite

  • S3 · E1
    Jul 19, 2024 · 14 min

    EP19: ​​Coaches- Understanding the importance of session flow

    Welcome to the third season of The Get Down Podcast. This episode focuses on the critical concept of Session Flow for coaches, emphasising its impact on the quality of coaching. In the episode, I’ll break down strategies for different age cohorts in the high school development setting, specifically for years 7-8 (12-14 years), years 9-10 (14-16 years), and years 11-12 (16-18 years). Key points include maintaining high engagement with minimal distractions for younger students, fostering greater independence and leadership in older students, and promoting autonomy and individualised programming for the oldest cohort. Tune in to enhance your coaching sessions and ensure both engagement and enjoyment. Takeaways from this episode: 1. Session flow is crucial for coaching success across different age groups. It can significantly impact the engagement, enjoyment, and overall effectiveness of coaching sessions. 2. Different age cohorts have distinct coaching requirements. 3. Coaching should evolve to empower students with greater autonomy as they mature. 4. Each age group presents opportunities for developing leadership skills among students. 5. As students progress through high school, coaching becomes more specialised and tailored to individual and team needs. Connect with me: Instagram Website Order my book: The Sporting Parent Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE InstagramWebsite

  • S2 · E18
    Jun 13, 2024 · 32 min

    EP18 - Bonus Episode: From idea to inception- the GymAware story

    In this special bonus episode of the Get Down Podcast, I interview Evan Lawton, the founder of GymAware, about the origins and development of velocity-based training technology. We dive into the history of GymAware, the advancements in sports tech since its inception, and how the company has evolved over the years to become a gold standard in the strength and conditioning industry. Evan shares insights into the creation of their Flex device, its applications in high school settings, and the importance of adapting to coaches' and athletes' needs. We also discuss GymAware's commitment to education and community, with Evan highlighting their efforts to continually improve training methods and support the development of athletes at various levels. Takeaways from this episode: Originating from the Australian Institute of Sport, GymAware was born out of Evan's background in engineering and athlete testing, revealing the necessity for dependable measurement tools. GymAware's development aimed at closing the gap between sports scientists and coaches, prioritizing portability and user-friendliness in performance monitoring. GymAware was a pioneer in internet-based data syncing in 2002, despite initial hesitance from users towards cloud storage. GymAware's success is attributed to ongoing coach feedback, which informed product evolution to suit various needs over its 22-year history. Evan underscores the importance of adapting to coaches' requirements, advocating for a gradual approach starting with basic features and progressing to more advanced functionalities. Safety is paramount in high school settings, with GymAware devices aiding coaches in establishing and enforcing safe lifting practices through limit setting and real-time feedback. Integrating GymAware into physical education curriculums offers students a deeper understanding of strength training principles and performance factors, translating theoretical concepts into practical applications. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to the Bonus Episode 00:02:23 The Origins of GymAware 00:04:24 Challenges and Innovations in Early Development 00:06:44 The Evolution of GymAware Technology 00:08:56 Impact and Adaptation in Strength and Conditioning 00:14:02 Flex Device: Making Technology Accessible 00:20:12 GymAware in High School Settings 00:27:07 Educational Initiatives and Future Directions 00:30:12 Conclusion and Gratitude Connect with me: Instagram Website Order my book: The Sporting Parent Follow Evan Lawton: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lawton-4774412b/?originalSubdomain=au Gymaware- Guest Episode Sponsor 5% code GETDOWN5 Course: https://gymaware.com/courses/vbt_fundamentals/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gymaware/ Educational articles: https://gymaware.com/category/blog/ Educational videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7WTmMMp1R0LYPlDvOhSi8xxipmXiZPx3 Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram Website

  • S2 · E17
    Jun 6, 2024 · 34 min

    EP17: Guest episode- Contemporary Practices in Swimming

    Join me on the Get Down podcast as I dive into an inspiring conversation with Bobby Jovanovich, the renowned head coach of Brisbane Grammar School's swimming club. Reflecting on his journey from swimmer to an influential coach, Bobby shares invaluable insights on athletic development, technical training, and the importance of strength and conditioning (S&C) from a young age. We’ll discuss how he balances developing young athletes in a digital age and the role of multi-sport engagement in creating well-rounded and resilient swimmers. Take advantage of Bobby's thoughts on the keys to long-term success and patience in competitive swimming. Join me in this new episode, and don’t forget to share, review and subscribe to the podcast! Takeaways from this episode: Bobby Jovanovic played a crucial role in welcoming me to Brisbane Grammar School, helping me transition and settle in smoothly with my family, which I greatly appreciate. The importance of incorporating S&C from a young age. A shift in youth physical activity over the years, and the need to adapt training programs to counteract the sedentary lifestyle associated with the digital age. The importance of integrating gym work with pool sessions to ensure a holistic training approach that enhances swimmers' physical health and performance without causing burnout. Balancing when to push and when to ease off in training, focusing on long-term athletic development. Engaging in different sports can contribute positively to a swimmer's physical and mental development, ultimately leading to better performance in swimming. The importance of patience, gradual progression, and enjoyment in the sport, ensuring that swimmers remain motivated and capable of handling the demands of high-level competition as they mature. Allow children time to develop swimming skills and resilience. Success often peaks in the late twenties, and modern training focuses on strategic, sustainable development. Participating in multiple sports enhances overall athleticism and prevents burnout. Swimming provides fitness while other sports develop coordination, teamwork, and social skills. Swimmers must be accountable for their actions and communicate effectively. This fosters resilience and helps navigate challenges like plateaus during maturation. Success in swimming requires long-term commitment and gradual progress. Educating swimmers and parents about the process helps maintain motivation and focus on long-term goals. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to Bobby Jovanovic 00:02:32 Bobby's Journey from Athlete to Coach 00:03:32 Innovative Approaches to Athletic Development 00:04:59 Strength and Conditioning in Swimming 00:07:52 Balancing Training and Competition 00:12:07 Long-Term Athletic Development 00:15:33 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation 00:26:53 Attributes of Successful Swimmers 00:29:48 Challenges in Modern Swimming 00:32:25 Power Round and Conclusion Connect with me: Instagram Website Order my book: The Sporting Parent Follow Bobby Jovanovic: Linkedin: Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE Instagram Website

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