Athletic Performance Podcast

Are Coaches Killing Creativity in Athletes? with Joel Smith Ep 57

In this episode, Coach Ryan Patrick sits down with Joel Smith to break down what athleticism actually means—and why modern training often misses the mark. From over-structured youth sports to the loss of rhythm, creativity, and autonomy, this conversation challenges conventional strength and conditioning and offers a more integrated approach to developing real athletes. Inside this podcast: *  Why strength ≠ athleticism  *  The role of play, rhythm, and environment in performance  *  How over-coaching is limiting athlete development  *  Why early specialization can backfire  *  The difference between training outputs vs training transfer *  Practical ways to integrate rhythm and movement variability Connect with Joel Smith *  https://www.just-fly-sports.com [https://www.just-fly-sports.com] * Just Fly Performance Podcast  [https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/] *  @justflysports [https://www.instagram.com/justflysports/] Connect with Coach Ryan Patrick *  @coachryanpatrick  [https://www.instagram.com/coachryanpatrick/]

From Rehab to Performance: Fixing the Biggest Gap in Training w/ Alex Effer Ep 56

In this episode, Coach Ryan Patrick sits down with performance consultant Alex Effer to break down the missing link between rehabilitation and performance training — and why many coaches struggle with exercise selection despite having more information than ever. They explore how assessment, movement constraints, and exercise progressions can work together to simplify programming while improving outcomes for athletes. Topics include: * The “gray zone” between rehab and performance * How exercises can function as assessments * Center of mass and smarter progressions * Why more mobility isn’t always better * Rethinking foam rolling and tissue work * Simplifying complex coaching concepts About Alex Effer Performance consultant and educator helping coaches bridge movement, rehab, and strength training through practical systems. Connect * IG: @alex.effer [https://www.instagram.com/alex.effer/] * Resilient Education [https://www.resilientedu.com/] * IG: Coach Ryan Patrick [https://www.instagram.com/coachryanpatrick/]

Built to Last: Confidence, Creativity, and Durability in Athletic Development w/ Erica Mulholland Ep 55

What separates athletes who last from those who burn out?  In this episode, Coach Ryan Patrick sits down with strength coach and former D1 soccer standout Erica Mulholland to unpack the real D1 Durability Formula. They dive into the psychology and physiology of building durable and resilient athletes. They explore how confidence, creativity, and consistent exposure build athletes who can handle the demands of elite sport.  From ACL recovery realities to youth sport specialization, this conversation bridges science and coaching experience to help parents, coaches, and athletes understand what truly drives long-term performance. Here's what we tackle: * The role of free play and creativity in developing movement confidence * How to prevent burnout and overuse injuries in youth athletes * Why strength training is the foundation of athletic durability * What "never go to zero" means for in-season training * How to balance intensity, recovery, and joy for sustainable performance 🎧  Watch or listen to the full episode to learn how to build athletes who are not just strong, but built to last. Guest:  Erica Mulholland | Strength & Conditioning Coach | Former Johns Hopkins All-American | ACL Prevention Specialist  📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fitsoccerqueen/] | Website [https://ericasuter.com/] | Book [https://www.amazon.com/Female-Athlete-High-Performance-Building/dp/B0CN8NJF2F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6NTWGVHAOMJI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.51_swexdbi55fXwb2VG1ES3pOpV29_wlt_fZmbG0REA.iGNe0mmztKtBBNd3GFfzj9wKme4zP6fyhUthYkNBDdc&dib_tag=se&keywords=female+athlete+high+performance+erica+suter&qid=1761574397&sprefix=erica+suter%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1] Connect with Ryan:  Instagram → @coachryanpatrick [https://www.instagram.com/coachryanpatrick/] ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Introduction: What is the D1 Durability Formula?  2:45 – Erica’s journey from D1 soccer to strength coach  6:10 – Why today’s youth athletes lack confidence  10:25 – The role of play and creativity in development  14:40 – The lie of early specialization  19:25 – How fear and comparison kill progress  23:05 – ACL injury realities and return-to-play mistakes  27:30 – Why "cleared" doesn’t mean "ready"  32:15 – Managing preseason spikes and overtraining  36:50 – What strength training really does for durability  41:20 – "Never go to zero" and the truth about in-season training  45:15 – Balancing joy, discipline, and longevity  49:30 – How to pick the right coach and program  54:10 – Final thoughts on building athletes who last

Dunks on Demand: The Physics of Flight w/ Dr. Sam Liu

In this episode, Coach Ryan Patrick sits down with Dr. Sam Liu, biomechanist, researcher, and movement specialist with the Miami Marlins organization, to break down the true physics behind jumping, dunking, and speed. They dive into what most coaches misunderstand about impulse, force, and timing — and how understanding the mechanical objective of movement changes everything. From countermovement jumps to approach takeoffs, Sam translates complex biomechanics into simple, actionable concepts every coach and athlete can apply. If you’ve ever looked at a force plate trace or a highlight dunk and wondered what’s really happening there, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Dunks, data, and the science of flight 04:25 – The simple physics behind jumping higher 08:45 – Why more approach speed isn’t always better 12:10 – Force × Time: What coaches get wrong about impulse 17:00 – The “Mechanical Objectives” framework explained 21:40 – How to use biomechanics without overcomplicating training 28:15 – What elite jumpers really do differently 33:50 – Jumping with vs. without a ball: The overlooked factor 39:10 – Translating jump mechanics to pitching and sprinting 47:15 – Absorbing force vs. managing momentum 52:40 – What Sam’s research is revealing about human performance 57:30 – Final thoughts: curiosity, humility, and the pursuit of better coaching 🔗 Links & Resources Follow Dr. Sam Liu on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sam_likes_biomechanics_phd/] Dr. Liu’s research publications [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jun-Liu-227?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIn19]:  Connect with Coach Ryan Patrick:  Key Takeaways ✅ What great jumpers do with force ✅ Mechanical objectives simplify coaching by focusing on outcomes, not aesthetics. ✅ The biggest limiter to jump height  ✅ Force plates are tools → interpretation > data. ✅ The principles that make a better jumper also make a better pitcher or sprinter.

Fabian Salazar’s Speed Hack: Ditch Overtraining for Explosive Gains - Ep 53

In this episode of the Athletic Performance Podcast, host Ryan Patrick dives deep with Fabian Salazar, a veteran trainer with 15 years in the game, co-founder of Fit Factor in Houston, and a master of soccer-specific speed and strength development. Fabian shares his origin story from Bally Total Fitness to building a brick-and-mortar gym with his brother, emphasizing mindset shifts, coordination over max effort, and the power of in-person coaching.  We explore common training pitfalls, balancing speed work with recovery, and the psychological edge for young athletes. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, Fabian's insights on slowing down, using video feedback, and long-term commitment will reshape how you approach performance. Relevant Links: Fabian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabian_salazarcpt/  Fit Factor Gym: https://www.instagram.com/fit_factor_houston/ Athlete Accelerator Program: https://athlete-accelerator.com/ Connect with Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/coachryanpatrick/ Chapters: [00:00:00] Intro and Fabian's origin story [00:06:00] Biggest mistakes in soccer speed training [00:16:30] High-leverage strength moves for athletes [00:24:30] Mindset shifts and using tech in coaching [00:32:00] In-person vs. online coaching realities [00:45:45] Individual differences in acceleration [00:51:30] Balancing family, business, and chaos [00:58:00] Advice for young coaches [01:02:00] Microdosing training experiments [01:07:00] What's next: Athlete Accelerator program