265: Why Sprint and Jump Training Transforms Every Athlete

In this week's episode of the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes performance coach Michael Fennell, who brings over 22 years of experience in athletics coaching, specialising in long jump and sprints. Michael shares his journey from athlete to coach, including his work with notable figures like Chelsea and England football star Cole Palmer. Michael discusses the importance of cross-training and how techniques from various sports, including American football and rugby, can enhance an athlete's performance. He emphasises that the fundamentals of running, jumping, and throwing are universal across disciplines, making it essential for athletes to embrace diverse training methods. Gain insights into Michael's training philosophy, which revolves around four key areas: running mechanics, speed, strength and conditioning, and plyometrics. He breaks down how these elements work together to create a well-rounded athlete. He reflects on the visibility of field events compared to track events, sharing his thoughts on the need for role models in the sport. He encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams with patience and an open mind, reminding them that enjoyment is at the heart of athletic development. Tune in to discover how Michael's passion for coaching and his wealth of knowledge can inspire the next generation of athletes. About Michael Fennell Michael Fennell is an accomplished performance coach with over two decades of experience in athletics, specialising in long jump and sprints. With a rich background that includes coaching athletes across various sports, including notable football star Cole Palmer, Michael harnesses his expertise to cultivate well-rounded athletes. His coaching philosophy integrates essential elements such as running mechanics, speed, strength and conditioning, and plyometrics to maximise performance. Michael is passionate about the importance of cross-training and encourages aspiring athletes to embrace diverse training methods. Through his enthusiastic and engaging approach, he aims to inspire the next generation to pursue their athletic dreams while enjoying the journey along the way. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 ​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively ​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery ​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In ​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese ​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More ​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance ​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes ​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify Stitcher