Psychology of Speed: Joseph Geletko - Owner TKO Performance

Join Coach U as he sits down with Joseph Geletko, owner of TKO Athletic Performance in San Diego, for a fascinating deep dive into the psychological and neurological aspects of speed training. Joe brings a unique perspective as both a speed coach and licensed psychotherapist, working with youth athletes in baseball and soccer while also treating veterans with PTSD. This conversation explores how understanding the nervous system transforms how we train speed, why relaxation matters as much as stiffness, and how coordination beats pure effort every time.Key Topics CoveredThe Dual Coaching-Therapy Perspective (0:00-8:00)How psychotherapy training influences coaching philosophyWorking with veterans and PTSD vs. coaching youth athletesUnderstanding the human experience across different contextsWhy viewing speed training in perspective reduces pressure and increases enjoymentThe Nervous System & Speed (15:00-35:00)Why speed is fundamentally a nervous system activityHow external factors (sleep, nutrition, stress, hydration) affect sprint performanceThe non-linear nature of speed progression vs. linear strength gainsTeaching sprinting as a coordination skill, not just physical outputsStiffness vs. Relaxation (35:00-50:00)The critical difference between ground contact stiffness and flight phase relaxationWhy facial tension affects whole-body performance through fascial connectionsTactile feedback techniques for teaching relaxationThe importance of breathing and spinal mobility in nervous system preparationPractical Training Philosophy (50:00-END)"Once you start, never stop" - consistency over intensityOptimal training frequency: 2x per week for youth athletesWhy more effort doesn't always equal better resultsCreating environments for maximal intent through competition and timingThe 360-degree feedback approach: verbal, tactile, visual, and data-drivenNotable Quotes"Speed training is not that important... and recognizing that helps me remove myself from taking myself too seriously as a coach.""Speed is a function of the nervous system, and the nervous system is affected by so many other things outside of training.""Sprinting is the highest level of coordination of nearly any human movement pattern... viewing it as a skill that needs to be learned changes everything.""With sprint training, the more effort that an athlete gives, sometimes the slower they get. Teaching them how to relax and coordinate is actually the key."Guest BioJoseph Geletko is the owner of TKO Athletic Performance in San Diego, specializing in speed training for baseball and soccer athletes, as well as ACL reconditioning. He's also a licensed psychotherapist working with veterans and active duty service members dealing with post-traumatic stress. This unique combination gives him profound insights into human performance across vastly different contexts.ResourcesTKO Athletic Performance: San Diego, North CountyCONTACT INFO Support the show