Ep 16 James Wagenschutz: athlete-centered warm-ups, increasing athlete joy and long term development

I had the pleasure of speaking with James Wagenschutz for episode 15 of The Training Ground Podcast. James is a coach and key account manager with Firstbeat. James is a certified strength and conditioning coach, has multiple soccer coaching certifications and has previously worked at the collegiate level as a soccer coach as well as a sport performance professional with Philadelphia Union and most recently with Colorado Rapids.

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To listen on the website click HERE.

In this episode we discuss...

his winding path through the coaching world

His sport science work with US national teams

His advice to young coaches

Blending his soccer coaching and sport science backgrounds

His revelation on a mountain in Argentina

How to increase joy and enjoyment for youth soccer players

How to "win the moment"

Designing engaging and free flowing warm-ups

Insight into academy structure of MLS clubs

First beat technology and how to maximize training

Resources for coaches and parents to increase joy