GAINcast with Vern Gambetta
275 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 43 ratingsAthletic development pioneer Vern Gambetta dives into one training question each episode.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
280: Training trends and current events
March 11, 2024 16:00 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBOn this week's episode we discuss some recent training trends and current events, including the World Indoor Championships, competition scheduling in an Olympic year, zone 2 training, the NFL combine, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/03/gaincast-episode-280-training-trends-and-current-events/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: ...
279: Athlete profiling (with Jason Hettler)
February 05, 2024 17:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBWhat sport you play is different than how you play that sport. In the game of tennis, for example, vastly different styles of play emerge, which require a different approach to preapre for. On this week's GAINcast Jason Hettler of IMG Academy Tennis explains their process of profiling athletes, matching to game style, and individualizing training. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/02/gaincast-episode-279-athlete-profiling-w...
278: The New Year's roundtable
January 08, 2024 17:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBTo kick of 2024 we're putting together a spectacular roundtable featuring guests Dr. Michael Joyner, Grace Golden, and Randy Ballard. We take a look back at trends from 2023, as well as what we see ahead in 2024. In addition we dive into the value of tribes, rethinking monitoring, soft skills, and much more to kick off the year. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2024/01/gaincast-episode-278-the-new-years-roundtable/ The follow...
277: Books, travels, and Olympic preparations
December 04, 2023 15:46 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBOn this week's GAINcast Vern shares his top 6 books of 2023, key insights after recent travels to Europe and Australia, plus thoughts as we look ahead at preparing for the 2024 Olympics. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/12/gaincast-episode-277-books-travels-and-olympic-preparations/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsore...
276: Thoughts on strength
November 06, 2023 09:04 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBA recent interview on HMMR Media shared some of the weight room numbers of the hammer throw world champion. After hearing them, everyone asked: how can a champion be so weak? Strength is complex. Strength is contextual. On this week’s podcast we share some ideas about the role of strength in athletic performance, transfer of strength, training strength, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/11/gaincast-episode-27...
275: Championship behaviors (with Hugh McCutcheon)
October 01, 2023 10:44 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBChampionship results require championship behaviors from both athletes and coaches. Having guided multiple men's and women's teams at the highest levels, volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon knows a thing or two about what championships behaviors are. On this week's GAINcast he joins us to share his input on finding intention, putting skill acquisition into practice, coaching, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/10/gain...
274: Lessons learned
August 14, 2023 16:00 - 32 minutes - 30.4 MBWe take a look at some current events and current happenings in our own training to reflect on some lessons learned on this week's GAINcast. To start with we debrief the USWNT's disappointing performance at the World Cup, before sharing lessons on how to best draw parallels from past experiences to working with new sports, including some examples from new sports we've been introduced to in the last year. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmr...
273: The ACL
July 31, 2023 16:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBThe start of the recent women's World Cup in soccer has turned focus to the rash of ACL injuries in the sport, and the particular impact it has had on female players. On this week's GAINcast Vern looks at the structure of the knee, risk factors for injuries, and what coaches can do to help reverse trends for women and men. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/07/gaincast-episode-273-the-acl/ The following links were also refe...
272: Beyond dichotomies (with Kevin Becker)
July 10, 2023 09:04 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBWe live in the age of polarization. We get into long debates about whether things are black or white, but when it comes to topics like training and motor learning, the reality is often a shade of grey. Professor Kevin Becker is looking to create a conversation beyond dichotomies. On this week's GAINcast he shares some ideas around motor learning and attentional focus that attempt to color in the areas in between. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://...
271: Lessons from GAIN
June 26, 2023 07:21 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBThis year's GAIN has come and gone and what an experience it was. On this week's GAINcast Vern and Martin share the biggest learnings at this year's GAIN. Plus they discuss in detail the key characteristics of a training system. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/06/gaincast-episode-271-lessons-from-gain/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: T...
270: Competition skills
June 12, 2023 11:38 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBJust like other parts of sport, competing is a skill that can be trained. On this week's GAINcast we explore what makes up the skill of competing and how to best train it. In addition we discuss the winning difference, creativity, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/05/gaincast-episode-269-force-and-sprinting-with-dan-cleather-and-jon-goodwin/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide som...
269: Force and sprinting (with Dan Cleather and Jon Goodwin)
May 29, 2023 12:04 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBWhy are some athletes faster than others? And how do we make athletes faster? In their new book Dan Cleather and Jon Goodwin argue that the answer begins and ends with a consideration of force production. Both of them join this week's podcast to discuss key drivers in sprint performance, what factors are modifiable, and how we often get distracted from what really matters. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/05/gaincast-epis...
268: Implements and injuries
May 15, 2023 13:10 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBAnother baseball season is underway and, once again, the injuries are piling up. On this week’s GAINcast we speculate about what might be causing the injuries, how training is related to injuries, and where using heavy and light implements can go right or wrong. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/05/gaincast-episode-268-implements-and-injuries/ The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additi...
267: From east to west (with Bogdan Poprawski)
May 01, 2023 17:45 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBThe 1980s were a time of global awakening in track and field. As coaches experimented with new training methods, ideas started spreading all over the blog. Coach Bogdan Poprawski was at the center of that process, moving as a young coach from Poland to Canada and helping Gerard Mach set up a new system. On this week's GAINcast he joins us to share some stories about becoming a coach in a different era and culture, the transition to Canada, and much more. For more information on this topic,...
266: Training camp (with Chris Webb)
April 17, 2023 12:08 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBThe training camp is an integral part of the training process in many sports. But how can you get the most out of it? On this week's GAINcast we share ideas around planning training camps to get the most out of them with swim coach Chris Webb. In addition, we look at optimal planning of multiple short training sessions, strategies to increase training quality, how much warmup is needed, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.co...
264: Redefining LTAD (with Joe Eisenmann)
March 20, 2023 08:09 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBLong-term athlete development models are often packaged with convincing narratives and buzzwords. But they're also full of a few myths as well. Dr. Joe Eisenmann's career has combined his academic interests in pediatric physiology with his practical experiences in youth coaching. Combined he's helped bring some common sense to the topic of LTAD. On this week's podcast he talks about some of the history and misconceptions of LTAD, as well as his own approach to the area. For more informatio...
263: Odds and ends
March 06, 2023 09:57 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBCompetition season is starting up again in many sports. We start this week's GAINcast off by looking at how to best structure training in the days before a competition and how to learn what works best for your individual athletes. In addition we also talk about pre-meet workouts, psychological preparation, GPS data, single-factor models, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/03/gaincast-episode-263-odds-and-ends/...
262: The sprint lab (with Emily McClelland)
February 20, 2023 07:35 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBThe SMU Locomotor Performance Lab is at the cutting edge of researching practical questions on sprinting and jumping. On this week's GAINcast Emily McClelland joins us to discuss her latest research on vertical jumping and sex differences in short sprints. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/02/gaincast-episode-262-the-sprint-lab-with-emily-mcclelland/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or pr...
261: Building and rebuilding the amateur athlete (with Donie Fox)
February 06, 2023 14:40 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBWe often talk about developing elite athletes, but the amateur sporting world is even bigger and more demanding in many ways. On this week's GAINcast coach and physiotherapist Donie Fox joins us to discuss how his team have implemented athletic development structure into their local GAA club. In addition we discuss the differences between building and rebuilding athletes, and how the mental side of physiotherapy is the real difference maker. For more information on this topic, read the com...
260: The network
January 23, 2023 11:22 - 40 minutes - 37 MBGAIN stands for the Gambetta Athletic Improvement Network. Most people think it is all about Gambetta, but the Network is the most important word in GAIN. On this week's GAINcast, three original GAIN members join us to discuss the power of mentorship, and how the network has evolved their own coaching careers, and some lessons learned from past GAIN events. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/01/gaincast-episode-260-the-netwo...
259: Top books of 2022
January 09, 2023 14:45 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBVern is a notorious reader on a wide range of topics. On this week's GAIN cast he looks back at his top books of 2022, breaking down more than 20 titles for listeners. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2023/01/gaincast-episode-259-top-books-of-2022/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN. GAIN 2023 will take...
258: State of the sport (with Nick Garcia)
December 26, 2022 08:48 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBThe year is coming to end, which means it is time for our annual combined episode of the GAINcast and HMMR Podcast to discuss the state of training for sports. We share highlights from our favorite episodes of the year, discuss training trends like isometrics, microdosing vs. split training, and what we'll be trying out in 2023. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/12/gaincast-episode-258-state-of-the-sport-with-nick-garcia/ ...
257: Rethinking agility (with Bill Knowles)
December 12, 2022 07:34 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MBThe debate about the transfer of change of direction and agility training is a bit like the debate about general and specific training. Specificity is a critical factor, but not all general training is the same. And specific training can also be counterproductive if you don’t understand what you’re training for. On this weeks GAINcast, Bill Knowles joins us to discuss how he sees the spectrum of agility training and how a purposeful approach can improve performance all along the spectrum. ...
256: Live Q&A
November 28, 2022 13:43 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBOn Vern's recent visit to Switzerland we did a live Q&A, answering questions and exchanging ideas on a variety of topics including: measuring strength, building connections, enhancing training transfer, best practices for combining different training methods, rethinking overload, strength training for endurance athletes, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/11/gaincast-episode-256-live-qa/ Further reading The follow...
255: On testing
November 14, 2022 18:40 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MBTesting is a crucial part of the training and coaching process. On this episode of the GAINcast Vern walks through his approach to testing and shares his best practices, including a walk through of how he set up and implemented the testing program at the Chicago White Sox in the 1990s. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/11/gaincast-episode-255-on-testing/ Further reading The following links were referenced in the podcast o...
250: LTAD
September 05, 2022 12:31 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBLTAD has almost become a cliché. Everyone has an LTAD program and they all look the same. How can that be? Because the models assume a linear march to the top of the athletic achievement pyramid. In reality it is a very chaotic process at best, full of detours, false starts and redirection. On this week's episode we look at rethinking long-term athlete development with some practical examples from yesteryear and the present. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes ...
249: The training session
August 22, 2022 09:14 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBThe individual session is the core element of training. It is how coaches deliver their programs, build athletes, and connect with people. On this week's GAINcast we look in detail about how we can rethink and improve upon training session and microcycle design. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/08/gaincast-episode-249-the-training-session/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional read...
248: The championships
August 08, 2022 15:10 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBThe World Championships in track and field recently finished, with some amazing performances and storylines. On this week's GAINcast Vern and Martin break down some of the action, including the planning challenges of multiple championships in one season, hurdling technique, the role of speed in the jumping events, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/08/gaincast-episode-248-the-championships/ The following lin...
247: The process
July 25, 2022 07:26 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBCoaches love to talk about the value of process, but what exactly is that? Process is often shrouded in vague explanations and misleading concepts. On this week's GAINcast we dive into process, what it is, what it isn't, and why it is so crucial to coaching success. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/07/gaincast-episode-247-the-process/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading m...
246: Preparing for load (with Chris Chase)
July 11, 2022 07:59 - 58 minutes - 54.1 MBLoad management is a hot topic with evolving viewpoints in many sports, especially basketball. A few years ago coaches seemed to think of loads as a poison to be avoided, but many coaches are advocating a new paradigm instead: loads are best managed when you are prepared for them. Chris Chase of the Memphis Grizzlies joins this week's GAINcast to discus how he prepares athletes for the demands of the long NBA season, including his use of some non-traditional methods such as flywheel training...
245: It depends . . .
June 27, 2022 11:10 - 23 minutes - 22 MBPerhaps the two most important words in programming are: it depends. We often focus on the exercise or structure, forgetting about the context. But the context is what makes or breaks training. On this week's GAINcast we look at finding context in training. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/06/gaincast-episode-245-it-depends/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on...
244: Coloring outside the lines
June 13, 2022 10:39 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBGAIN 2022 starts tomorrow and our theme this year is coloring outside the lines. On this week's GAINcast we share some ideas on coaching, what the lines are, and when to know when to color outside the lines. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/06/gaincast-episode-244-coloring-outside-the-lines/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Further reading The ...
243: Keep it simple (with Dr. Michael Joyner)
May 30, 2022 12:10 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBLooking back on successful people, coaches, training programs, and processes, one thing keeps showing up over and over: simplicity. Dr. Michael Joyner has wide-ranging experience at the forefront of medicine, research, public health, elite performance, and coaching. Across these domains he keeps seeing the reductionists move ahead. On this week's GAINcast he shares examples of how simple approaches can be effective when it comes to planning, data collection, performance models, load manageme...
242: The jump man (with Jeremy Fischer)
May 16, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBWhen it comes to the jumps in track and field, it is hard to beat the track record of coach Jeremy Fischer. Over the last two decades, Fischer has guided numerous world champions and Olympic medalists across the long jump, triple jump, and high jump. On this week's podcast he breaks down how he puts together a training week, his strength training philosophy for jumping, and much more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/05/ga...
241: Jump assessment (with Warren Young)
May 02, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBOver the last several decades Professor Warren Young has been at the forefront of redefining how coaches test jumping ability, reactive strength, and agility. The tools he developed, such as the reactive strength index, have helped coaches better measure and train the physical abilities needed in their sport. He joins us on this week's podcast to discuss his career, best practices for assessment, and how to bridge the gap from testing to training design. For more information on this topic,...
240: The sports sciences
April 11, 2022 07:04 - 33 minutes - 31 MBWhen we used to think about sports science we would think about the sports sciences: fields like biomechanics and exercise physiology. Now, more often than note, the term sports science is shorthand for data collection and analysis. On this week's GAINcast we look at how coaches can go back to the roots and get the most from science in sport. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/04/gaincast-episode-240-the-sports-sciences/ Th...
239: On learning
March 25, 2022 09:52 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBBecoming the best is about getting the most out of yourself as a coach and as a person. It's about learning. On this week's GAINcast we explore the nuances of learning and some overlooked methods to learn and improve. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/03/gaincast-episode-239-on-learning/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: GAIN 2022 will take place ...
238: Athletic development paradigm
March 14, 2022 10:33 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBWhere do you start when training athletic development for a new sport or athlete? Vern Gambetta's athletic development paradigm gives coaches a 4-pronged analytic tool to make sure you develop a plan that fits the sport, position, and athlete. On this week's GAINcast he breaks down all four elements with examples from his experience working in a variety of sports at the highest level. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/03/ga...
237: Coach the person (with Debbie Strange)
February 28, 2022 08:30 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBAll throwing events are different. But more importantly all athletes are different. When we devise training we have to remember we're coaching people, not machines. This is central to the philosophy of throws coach Debbie Strange. On this week's GAINcast she joins us to discuss her coaching philosophy, the unique demands of the javelin throw, training plan design, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/02/gaincast-epis...
236: Learning to move (with Rob Gray)
February 14, 2022 09:12 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBThe world of motor learning is often populated by complex jargon and impenetrable concepts. But at its root it is about something simple: learning to move. Professor Rob Gray is one of the world's best in translating these concepts into terms we all can use. On this week's podcast he joins us to help coaches understand non-linear pedagogy, constraints-led approach, repetition in training, feedback, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www....
235: It's GAIN time!
January 24, 2022 09:42 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBIt's been almost 3 years since GAIN last took place in person. But in 2022 that will change. GAIN is back! On this episode of the GAINcast we're happy to formally announce the full details of GAIN 2022 and open up applications for participants. We hope to see you there. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/01/gaincast-episode-235-its-gain-time/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional read...
234: New Year’s special
January 17, 2022 08:35 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBWe’re kicking off the year with our annual combined episode of the GAINcast and HMMR Podcast to discuss the state of training for sports. A lot has changed over the past year, so we sit down to discuss some of the biggest issues facing sports, the hot topics on our mind, and what we’re looking forward to in 2022. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/01/gaincast-episode-234-new-years-special/ The following links were reference...
233: Top books of 2021
December 25, 2021 11:46 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBVern is a notorious reader and he's only gaining steam with age. This year he had 151 books on this week's podcast he shares some key takeaways from his 17 favorite books of the year. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/01/gaincast-episode-233-top-books-of-2021-gain/ The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic: Our monthly GAIN Master Class Series features spe...
232: Science at the track (with Esa Peltola)
December 20, 2021 15:06 - 1 hour - 65 MBThe best sports scientists bridge the gap between theory and practice. They bring coaching experience to the table and help help solve the real problems athletes are facing. This describes Esa Peltola. His diverse experiences in coaching, physiology, talent identification, and sports science helped him drive athletes to the next level, including coaching the first Australian to break 10 seconds in the 100 meters. On this week's GAINcast he shares his journey. For more information on this t...
231: Training talk
December 06, 2021 10:41 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBAs we enter the final month in the year, it's a good time to look back and share some of our recent thoughts about training and coaching. On this week's GAINcast we cover a wide variety of topics including coaching and athlete specialization, finding a process, tips on organization, athleticism, sprint technique, and more. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2021/12/gaincast-episode-231-training-talk/ The following links were re...
230: The dawgfather (with Ken Shannon)
November 22, 2021 14:33 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBOver three decades of coaching at the University of Washington, coach Ken Shannon quietly developed one of the most successful and diverse stable of field event athletes in the country and was a key influence on Vern's own approach to training and weight lifting. On this week's episode coach Shannon joins us to discuss his own development as a coach, throwing technique, and advice for young coaches. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia...
229: The coach's coach (with Kevin McGill)
November 15, 2021 09:35 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBBehind every coach are their influences. When it comes to the throwing events, one quiet coach behind the scenes has been one of the most influential voices in closing the gap between America and the rest of the world in the hammer throw and other throwing events. Kevin McGill has been on a lifelong quest to learn about the throwing events and share his knowledge with others. On this week's GAINcast he shares some stories and lessons from his journey. For more information on this topic, re...
228: Fitting the event (with Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows)
November 01, 2021 08:12 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBToo often we have a concept of how to train for a sport or event and use that as the starting point for the plan. We fit the athlete to the event. That works in some cases, but other times you need to fit the event to the athlete. In no event is that more important than the 800 meters, where athletes come from a wide variety of training and physiological backgrounds. On this week's episode coach Trevor Painter and former elite 800 meter runner Jenny Meadows join us to share some examples of ...
227: Game speed (with Dean Benton)
October 18, 2021 17:26 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBDeveloping faster athletes for team sports doesn't just mean training them like sprinters. Both sports require fast athletes, but in completely different contexts. Like anything, developing speed in a new context comes down to how you train and Dean Benton has spent his career trying to unlock the methods that can make his teams play faster. On this week's GAINcast he joins us to share to discuss the significance of speed, how he defines the key elements of team speed, and his approach to de...
226: Paralympic prep (with Adam Bleakney)
October 04, 2021 12:44 - 39 minutes - 36.7 MBThe Olympics were not only action in Tokyo this summer. Last month the Paralympics took place there several GAIN community members made the trip. On this week's GAINcast we look back at the most recent Paralympics with coaches Adam Bleakney and Troy Engle to get their impressions on preparing for the most recent games, as well as general considerations when training wheelchair athletes. For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2021/10/g...