In this episode of the Athletic Edge podcast, I speak with Joe Pedulla, a strength coach at the University of Oklahoma, about his journey from working as a physical therapy aide to coaching collegiate athletes. Joe shares insights on balancing strength training with skill development, understanding an athlete's training age, and the misconceptions about strength’s impact on performance. We dive into topics like rotational power in softball, shoulder health, and innovative testing methods like the Ash test. Packed with practical advice for coaches, athletes, and parents, this episode offers valuable takeaways to elevate athletic performance.

00:00:18 - Guest Introduction: Joe Pedulla

00:01:27 - Joe's Background and Journey to Strength Coaching

00:02:44 - Experiences at NJ FAST and Kansas City Royals

00:04:50 - Differences in Training Ages Among Athletes

00:06:18 - Baseball and Early Specialization

00:08:08 - In-Season Training and Athlete Development

00:10:36 - Criteria for Assessing New Athletes

00:12:42 - Understanding Motor Preferences

00:13:42 - Force Plate Testing and Its Application

00:17:03 - Speed and Power Development in Softball

00:19:32 - Maximal Strength as a Foundation

00:22:09 - Rotational Power and Its Importance

00:25:55 - Shoulder Health and Injury Prevention

00:31:51 - Misconceptions About Strength and Conditioning

00:40:13 - The Role of Strength Coaches in Athlete Success

00:42:45 - Advice for Young Athletes and Coaches

Links:

IG: @pedullaperformance

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

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