The Role of the Strength and Conditioning Coach During a Crisis with Matthew Johnson, Director of Men’s Basketball Strength and Conditioning, Butler University

On this episode, we go Beyond The Whistle with Matt Johnson, Director of Men’s Basketball Strength and Conditioning at Butler University.

Matt and I discuss:

  • The role of the strength and conditioning coach during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Using Instagram to connect with athletes during this time
  • The focus on coaching player’s lifestyle – sleep and nutrition
  • Coach LaVall Jordan’s leadership with the news of no tournament
  • Breakdowns create breakthroughs
  • Tough times reveal the mindset of elite athletes – resilience in body and mind
  • His career journey – be ready when you get the call
  • “The big time is not a place. It’s the state of your heart.”
  • The importance of the interviews AFTER you get the job
  • How his position, being dedicated to one sport, allows him to play a role to skill development, game planning, practice planning and recruiting
  • Causing adaptation and absorbing adaptation
  • Why coaches need their strength and conditioning coach on speed dial
  • The leadership of Ralph Reiff at Butler
  • Progression – The key to a successful return to normal

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