The evolution of American Football training and its impact on all collision sports with Kurt Hester

This episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast sees engaging in a fascinating conversation with Kurt Hester, Head of Sports Performance for Football at Tulane University. This episode delves deep into the ever-evolving world of athletic development, offering valuable takeaways for coaches.

Kurt emphasizes the importance of adaptation in training, steering away from rigid approaches and instead focusing on the individual needs of athletes. He challenges the prevalent obsession with strength numbers and highlights the significance of a more comprehensive athlete-centered approach to preparation.

Drawing from his expertise, Kurt shares his innovative incorporation of sports science, particularly the transformative impact of breathing techniques on performance. By embracing this aspect of training, he explains how it optimizes recovery, enhances focus, and prepares athletes for the rigors of their sport.

Throughout the episode, the discussion revolves around striking a balance between data-driven methodologies and intuitive coaching. Kurt advocates for coaches to spend time observing athletes in action, creating a meaningful correlation between data and on-field performance.

If you are a coach seeking new insights to elevate your athletes' performance or a sports enthusiast curious about the future of American football training, this episode is a must-listen.

Main talking points:

• Reassessing our obsession with strength
• Impact of absolute strength on output
• Challenging conventional conditioning approaches
• Kurt's biggest frustrations with strength and conditioning
• The biggest thing he has added to his programme in the last 12 months
• The biggest thing he has removed from his programme in the last 12 months
• Breathing techniques to enhance athletic performance
• Balancing sports science and observation