Jo Clubb - Implementing Change in Sports Science

Episode 159: Dr Andy McDonald chats to Jo Clubb. Jo is an international Sports Science Consultant with extensive experience in elite professional team sports through her company Global Performance Insights. Jo has over a decade in applied sports science, she has worked with top teams including the Buffalo Bills (NFL), Buffalo Sabres (NHL), and Premier League clubs Chelsea FC and Brighton and Hove Albion FC.  In this conversation Andy & Jo discuss the fundamentals of Sports Science and how to implement new technology or systems in high-performance environments. 

Topics Discussed 

• Role of a Sport Science Consultant
• Bringing clarity to Sport Science
• Implementing technology
• Cultural readiness to change
• Athlete data ownership
  
  

Key Points

• The perception of sports science is shifting, with an increasing focus on data analytics and technology. While these elements are important, it is essential to remember that sports science encompasses a broader range of applications beyond just metrics and dashboards. Practitioners must advocate for a more comprehensive understanding of their discipline.
• Core principles of effective sports science practice include applying a scientific mindset, embracing uncertainty, and fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. These principles should guide practitioners in their work, ensuring that technology serves as a tool to enhance the scientific process rather than dictate it.
• Sports scientists often function as in-house consultants within their teams, addressing the specific needs and questions posed by various departments such as medical staff and coaching personnel. This role involves translating research findings and data into actionable insights that support decision-making across different areas.
• The effective implementation of sports science practices within a team environment is heavily dependent on cultural readiness. Sports scientists must be adept at assessing the existing culture and tailoring their approach accordingly. This involves understanding the team's openness to scientific methods, the level of trust in data-driven decision making, and the willingness of coaches and athletes to integrate new practices. A sports scientist's ability to navigate these cultural nuances is crucial for successfully translating scientific insights into practical applications that are embraced by the entire organization.
• The concept of interventional periodization is emerging as a crucial aspect of sports science practice. This approach involves strategically planning and implementing various interventions throughout a season or training cycle, similar to how physical training is periodized. Sports scientists must consider: 
  • The timing of introducing new technologies or methodologies
  • The cognitive load on athletes and staff when implementing changes
  • The potential impact on performance during different phases of competition
  Interventional periodization requires sports scientists to balance the desire for continuous improvement with the need for stability and consistency in team routines. It emphasizes the importance of thoughtful, strategic implementation of sports science practices rather than constant change. This approach helps ensure that interventions are introduced at optimal times to maximize their effectiveness and minimize disruption to the team's performance.

Where you can find Jo:

• Youtube
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram

Sponsors

VALD Performance: makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training

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