Innovative Practices in Sports Science for Soccer Players with Jordan Webb
04/30/24 • 83 min
For complete episode information, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com
In this conversation, Jordan Webb, a sports scientist at U.S. Soccer, discusses the challenges of managing international soccer players and the integration of data in decision-making. He shares his experience in using GPS data to evaluate player performance and training load, as well as the importance of building relationships with clubs and players. Webb also emphasizes the limitations of injury prediction and the need to focus on making informed decisions rather than relying solely on data. He highlights the challenges of outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience in a data-driven world.
In this conversation, Jordan Webb shares insights on decision-making in high-performance sports and the importance of building relationships and prioritizing wellness. He emphasizes the need for practitioners to understand power dynamics and influence tactics in order to navigate complex environments. Webb also discusses his pursuit of a PhD in decision-making and his research on improving decision-making processes in high-performance organizations. He highlights the value of being present and mindful in both personal and professional settings. Webb shares his favorite cities and stadiums he has traveled to and recounts memorable moments in the locker room.
KEY TAKEWAYS
Managing international soccer players requires building relationships with clubs and players and integrating data from various sources.
GPS data is used to evaluate player performance and training load, but injury prediction remains challenging.
The focus should be on making informed decisions based on the quality of judgment and process, rather than relying solely on data.
Outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience can impact decision-making in sports.
Evaluating the quality of judgment and process requires aligning heuristics and experience with data and managing expectations. Build relationships and prioritize wellness to show up for the people you work with and care about
Understand power dynamics and influence tactics to navigate complex environments
Be present and mindful in both personal and professional settings
Improve decision-making processes in high-performance organizations
Enjoy the perks of traveling to different cities and experiencing different stadiums
Create memorable moments in the locker room that foster camaraderie and celebration
00:00 Introduction and Background
10:02 Integrating Data in Decision-Making
34:12 Making Informed Decisions Based on Judgment and Process
41:51 Building Relationships and Prioritizing Wellness
50:49 Preparing Athletes with Different Starting Points
01:00:46 Prioritizing Wellness for Personal and Professional Success
01:08:20 Experiencing the Perks of Traveling and Representing the US
01:19:04 Creating Memorable Moments in the Locker Room
For complete episode information, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com
In this conversation, Jordan Webb, a sports scientist at U.S. Soccer, discusses the challenges of managing international soccer players and the integration of data in decision-making. He shares his experience in using GPS data to evaluate player performance and training load, as well as the importance of building relationships with clubs and players. Webb also emphasizes the limitations of injury prediction and the need to focus on making informed decisions rather than relying solely on data. He highlights the challenges of outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience in a data-driven world.
In this conversation, Jordan Webb shares insights on decision-making in high-performance sports and the importance of building relationships and prioritizing wellness. He emphasizes the need for practitioners to understand power dynamics and influence tactics in order to navigate complex environments. Webb also discusses his pursuit of a PhD in decision-making and his research on improving decision-making processes in high-performance organizations. He highlights the value of being present and mindful in both personal and professional settings. Webb shares his favorite cities and stadiums he has traveled to and recounts memorable moments in the locker room.
KEY TAKEWAYS
Managing international soccer players requires building relationships with clubs and players and integrating data from various sources.
GPS data is used to evaluate player performance and training load, but injury prediction remains challenging.
The focus should be on making informed decisions based on the quality of judgment and process, rather than relying solely on data.
Outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience can impact decision-making in sports.
Evaluating the quality of judgment and process requires aligning heuristics and experience with data and managing expectations. Build relationships and prioritize wellness to show up for the people you work with and care about
Understand power dynamics and influence tactics to navigate complex environments
Be present and mindful in both personal and professional settings
Improve decision-making processes in high-performance organizations
Enjoy the perks of traveling to different cities and experiencing different stadiums
Create memorable moments in the locker room that foster camaraderie and celebration
00:00 Introduction and Background
10:02 Integrating Data in Decision-Making
34:12 Making Informed Decisions Based on Judgment and Process
41:51 Building Relationships and Prioritizing Wellness
50:49 Preparing Athletes with Different Starting Points
01:00:46 Prioritizing Wellness for Personal and Professional Success
01:08:20 Experiencing the Perks of Traveling and Representing the US
01:19:04 Creating Memorable Moments in the Locker Room
Previous Episode
Bridging Biomechanics and Physiology in Soccer with Mike Young, PhD
For complete episode details, go to www.AdamLoiacono.com
Mike Young shares his journey from opening Athletic Lab to working with the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL. He discusses his background in track and field and the success he had as a coach in that sport. Mike also talks about his transition to working in soccer and the growth of the NWSL. He shares memorable moments with the Courage and defines the culture of the team. Finally, he explains the philosophy and training standards that have earned the Courage a reputation for fitness and excellence.
In this conversation, Mike Young discusses the importance of training control and progression in team sports. He explains how he determines the bend point, or the point at which athletes are pushed to their limits without breaking. Mike also shares his experience in developing a load management system and bringing structure to team sports training. He emphasizes the need for individualization and the use of machine learning in monitoring and adjusting workload. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of ACL injuries in female athletes and the impact of tournaments and games on player health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on finding small wins for high performance.
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:16 Opening Athletic Lab and Working with Track and Field Athletes
03:14 Opportunity in Soccer and Joining a Pro Club
06:06 Transition to Vancouver Whitecaps and Return to Athletic Lab
08:29 Working with the North Carolina Courage
14:30 Memorable Moments with the Courage
26:23 Philosophy and Training Standards of the Courage
32:17 Training Control and Progression
33:12 Determining the Bend Point
34:18 Developing a Load Management System
35:42 Bringing Structure to Team Sports Training
36:37 Individualization and Machine Learning
38:05 Positional Demands and Fitness Levels
38:29 Monitoring and Adjusting Workload
41:32 Overlooking Training Intensity
41:57 Educating and Getting Buy-In
46:28 ACL Injuries in Female Athletes
47:30 The Impact of Tournaments and Games
54:11 Finding Small Wins for High Performance
Next Episode
Managing Return to Play: Strategies and Pitfalls with Chad Kolarcik
For full episode details and content, go to www.AdamLoiacono.com for more!
Chad Kolarcik shares his journey into professional sports and his transition out of it. He discusses the return to play process and the balance between maintaining performance qualities and allowing the injury to recover. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the performance and medical teams, as well as putting the athlete at the center of the decision-making process. Chad also highlights the challenges of working in sports, including the sacrifices required in terms of personal and family life. Chad Kolarcik shares his insights on achieving work-life balance in the sports industry and the importance of clarity and acceptance in professional sports.
He emphasizes the need for clear communication and setting expectations in organizations. Chad also discusses the impact of competition on the sports industry and the emotional toll it can take on individuals. He shares techniques for managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being. Chad reflects on his own journey of self-discovery and the realization that his identity is not solely defined by his work in sports. He offers advice on how to judge success in the sports industry and highlights the importance of foundational principles such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration, and moments of stillness. Chad concludes by discussing the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from winning championships and his favorite cities and stadiums in the sports world.
Collaboration between the performance and medical teams is crucial in the return to play process.
The athlete should be at the center of the decision-making process, with the final say in their own care.
Managing external pressures and helping athletes navigate them is an important aspect of the job.
The end stage rehab process involves replicating the intensities and demands of the sport to prepare the athlete for competition.
Working in sports can be fun and rewarding, but it also requires sacrifices in terms of personal and family life. Clear communication and setting expectations are crucial in achieving work-life balance in the sports industry.
Competition is a fundamental aspect of sports, and the emotional toll it can take on individuals should be acknowledged and managed.
Techniques such as accessing the heart's energetic center can help manage emotional situations and prevent emotional depletion.
Self-discovery and recognizing one's identity beyond their work in sports is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.
Success in the sports industry should be judged based on individual roles and responsibilities, with consideration for the work done outside of team results.
Foundational principles such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration, and moments of stillness are key to improving health and performance.
Choosing moments of discomfort and embracing change can lead to personal growth and success.
Winning championships brings a sense of joy and accomplishment in the sports industry.
Favorite cities include Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, and favorite stadiums include Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta and soccer-specific stadiums like Providence Park in Portland and Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City.
00:00 Chad's Journey into Professional Sports
09:59 Collaboration and Athlete-Led Care
16:26 Balancing Performance and Injury Recovery
31:06 The Joys and Challenges of Working in Sports
37:04 Achieving Work-Life Balance in the Sports Industry
43:18 Techniques for Managing Stress and Emotional Well-Being
50:49 Judging Success in the Sports Industry
56:07 Embracing Discomfort and Personal Growth
01:00:29 The Joy and Accomplishment of Winning Championships
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