S&C Chit Chat | Podcast on RSS.com

S&C Chit Chat

by James Burk

Careers Fitness

Season 3

Orie Sahlfeld - Akron Football

In this episode, James Burk is joined by Orie Sahlfeld to break down the operational realities of collegiate strength and conditioning. Moving past generic programming, the conversation focuses on the "how" and "why" behind building a program that prioritizes long-term athlete development over short-term results. Key Topics Covered: Off-Season Methodology: A deep dive into the use of Triphasic training and Velocity Based Training (VBT) to reset movement quality, enforce squat depth, and manage intensity through data-driven cluster sets. Building Accountability: Insights into how to foster a player-led culture using tools like "Finish Fridays" and shared training responsibilities to move beyond ego-driven coaching. In-Season Management: Strategies for navigating the transition from summer into fall camp, including weekly training splits, reducing volume to preserve joint health, and managing the logistics of mid-week game schedules. The Human Side of Coaching: An honest discussion on the state of the industry, why coaching impact is often overvalued, and the necessity of focusing on the "human being" while simultaneously advocating for professional respect and compensation. Whether you are navigating staff dynamics or looking to refine your programming for different developmental stages, this episode provides a candid look at the challenges and rewards of the profession.

Doug Castleberry - Southlake Carroll HS

Join us for an insightful conversation with Coach Doug Castleberry from Southlake Carroll on the realities of high school strength and conditioning. In this episode, Coach Castleberry shares his journey from navigating school firewalls to building a cohesive, safe, and technologically-integrated training environment. We dive into practical strategies for managing large athletic programs, including: Operational Success: How to effectively delegate sessions to assistant coaches and utilize digital tools like RackCoach to maintain programming integrity. Philosophy over Ego: The importance of tier-based programming and the "Training Max" approach to prioritize long-term athlete safety over ego-lifting. Technology Integration: Balancing VBT and GPS data without overwhelming staff or athletes with excessive analysis. Facility Upgrades: Using data and photographic evidence to secure necessary support and improvements for athlete safety. Whether you're a coach managing multiple teams or looking to streamline your weight room operations, this episode offers actionable advice on leadership, communication, and creating a culture of consistent intensity.

Eric Cash - Dorman HS

In this episode of the S&C Chit Chat Podcast, James Burk sits down with Dr. Eric Cash to explore the practical implementation of the Prilepin-Based Alternating Volume System (PAVS) and the integration of Velocity Based Training (VBT) in a large-scale high school athletic program. Dr. Cash details how he successfully manages strength and conditioning for 500 to 600 students daily through a tiered training framework, utilizing "Rack Coach" software and standardized movement protocols to maintain efficiency and safety. The conversation covers the transition from rigid programming to a flexible 10-week cycle, the philosophy of "training with intent," and strategies for building a competitive, high-culture environment in the weight room.

Adam Vogel - Homewood-Flossmoor HS - Part 1

In this episode of S&C Chit Chat, host James Burk discusses strength and conditioning methodologies and organizational strategies for high school athletic programs with Adam Vogel, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School. Key topics covered include: Training Readiness: Implementing self-myofascial release techniques, Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR), and neural resets to improve movement patterns and performance before training sessions. Velocity Based Training (VBT): Integrating VBT to optimize load assignment, tracking metrics to individualize exercise intensity, and adapting training for different skill levels. Program Organization: Strategies for managing large groups, including zone-based coaching, assigning staff autonomy, and organizing athletes by training age and movement demands. Athlete Motivation: Using key performance indicators and visual systems, such as colored silicone wristbands, to gate access to advanced training tools and drive engagement. Program Sustainability: Practical approaches to fundraising, including collecting annual maintenance fees, volunteering for events, and generating revenue through summer training programs to support equipment needs

Nic Giblin - TCA

In this episode, we sit down with Nic Giblin, the new Strength and Conditioning coach at Trinity Christian Addison (TCA), to discuss his recent move to Texas and his strategic mission to revitalize the school’s athletic program. Nic shares his philosophy on moving beyond "average" standards and building a culture rooted in mental toughness, precision, and high-performance training. Key Highlights: Building a Championship Culture: How Nic is working to shift the athletic culture at TCA by prioritizing high standards, accountability, and a winning mindset across all sports. Small-Sided Games: Why Nic utilizes small-sided games as a primary diagnostic tool to assess athlete commitment, spatial awareness, and agility in a competitive environment. Data-Driven Performance: An inside look at the implementation of "Run Rockets" for acceleration training and why he uses these tools to track performance metrics like speed and peak power. Coaching Philosophy: Nic’s approach to direct coaching, the value of "controlled roughhousing" for building physical toughness, and the importance of thorough due diligence before adopting new training technology. Mental Preparation: Insights into the mental side of performance, including book recommendations for coaches looking to bolster their mental coaching toolkit. Leadership Impact: The role of Athletic Director Beck Bryan in supporting the vision with a "phase two" facility development plan and a commitment to competitive excellence. Whether you're looking to refine your own strength and conditioning protocols or interested in the complexities of managing a total athletic program overhaul, this episode provides a blueprint for raising the athletic ceiling of your student-athletes.

Kyle Keese - Denton Guyer

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of high school strength and conditioning with Kyle Keese from Denton Guyer. We discuss how to balance efficiency and athlete accountability while managing high volumes of training, focusing on the practical application of movement systems and performance technology. Episode Highlights Efficiency through Systems: An in-depth look at "The Grid," a movement system designed to manage large athlete volumes while promoting student accountability and maximizing coaching time. Technology Integration: Strategies for utilizing velocity-based training (VBT), Shredmill hardware, and AI tools to enhance performance monitoring and athlete safety across different training levels. Cognitive Development: The importance of integrating cognitive load drills—such as the "Goat Drill"—to improve athlete adaptability and assist in early identification of potential injury symptoms. Sport-Specific Conditioning: A breakdown of how to shift away from traditional conditioning toward patterns that mimic sport-specific demands, including retreat runs for hip mechanics and small-sided games for tactical development. LINK TO COACH KEESE YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@kylekeese4163?si=thpVZASAo4x2R4YB

Brian Sutton - William and Mary

In this episode of S&C Chit Chat, we sit down with Brian Sutton, Director of Football Performance at William & Mary, to discuss the nuances of athletic development and summer programming. A key focus of our conversation is the specialized training and conditioning required for offensive linemen. We break down the "strength-aerobic" methodology used to build the necessary capacity for linemen to thrive in the trenches, handle the physical demands of constant grappling, and maintain performance during high-intensity, long-drive scenarios. Beyond the line of scrimmage, we explore: Summer Programming: Strategies for building a general physical foundation and preparing athletes for the high-frequency demands of fall camp. Collaboration: How to bridge the gap between performance staff and position coaches to better align training terminology and specific movement techniques. Workload Monitoring: Practical approaches to assessing athlete fatigue and intensity through visual assessment and communication in the absence of advanced technology. Whether you're looking to refine your off-season protocols or better integrate strength training with practice stressors, this episode provides actionable strategies for your program.

Monte Sparkman - Haltom HS

Join James Burk as he sits down with Coach Monte Sparkman to discuss the evolution of high school strength and conditioning programs. In this episode, they dive into shifting coaching philosophies that prioritize speed and movement quality over raw weight room numbers.They also explore practical strategies for managing successful athletic programs, including: Effective use of velocity-based training and diverse equipment, such as multi-grip bars. Logistics for grouping athletes of varying skill levels. Innovative motivational techniques, like performance-based shirt badges. The importance of staff collaboration and professional development in the strength coaching community. Tune in for insights on building a program that balances long-term performance gains with athlete engagement.

Connor Myers - Birdville HS

In this episode of the S&C Chit Chat Podcast, James Burk sits down with Connor Myers to discuss the realities of installing a comprehensive strength and conditioning program at a new school. They share practical insights on navigating the professional transition, building culture, and managing logistical challenges with limited staff and resources.The conversation dives deep into technical methodologies, including the implementation of the Badger Protocol and Triphasic elements, alongside the practical use of APRE for autoregulation. They also explore effective coaching strategies like using command weights to manage groups and integrating contact prep and short-sided games to maximize athlete development and decision-making on the field.

Stephen Antley - Mansfield Timberview

Join us on this episode of the S&C Chit Chat Podcast as James Burk sits down with Strength and Conditioning Coach Brandon Antley for a candid conversation about the realities of high school athletic development. This episode explores both the technical and cultural aspects of running a successful weight room program. In this episode, we cover: Program Culture: Strategies for building a program culture from scratch versus inheriting and evolving an existing one. Technical Proficiency: Why Olympic lifts remain non-negotiable and how to coach them effectively using manual observation and visual demonstration, even without advanced tracking tech. Programming Adaptability: Managing training sessions when faced with varying student experience levels, facility constraints, and complex schedules. Career Growth: Insights on networking, mentorship, and why every day on the floor functions as a professional job interview. Whether you're looking to refine your technical coaching cues or develop your professional path in the strength and conditioning industry, this episode offers actionable takeaways straight from the field.

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