Vern Gambetta is recognized internationally as an expert in training and conditioning having worked with world class athletes and teams in nine different sports. In athletics, Vern is well known for his role as a consulting coach for the Nike Oregon Project and has served as an editor of both New Studies in Athletics and the USATF’s technical journal. Vern is also the co founder of the USA track and field coaching program. Outside of athletics, Vern has worked with several major league soccer teams and is the former director of conditioning for two major league baseball teams, the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets.

In this interview Vern discusses his outcome orientated approach to strength training and the lessons he learned from his mentor Bill Bowerman. He also discusses how he trains the spectrum of strength using various blocks described as foundation, basic, power endurance, strength endurance, recycle and hybrid. From there Vern talks about specific movements to be included in each microcycle as well as exercises that have a high transfer to speed and speed endurance type events. Finally he finishes with talking about strength and coaching principles for developmental coaches to apply to be more effective.

This interview can be accessed via our Media On Demand feature.