Episode 37: Season 7, Episode 5- Matt Aldred: "I don’t think we win games in July"

This week we welcome Matt Aldred of the University of Michigan to The Podcast to discuss preparing basketball athletes for performance—and what it means to be a strength and conditioning coach beyond the weight room. Matt shares how he adjusted summer training after a long season, why he prioritizes keeping players fresh, and how he builds individualized plans around each athlete’s goals, movement, and needs.In this episode, the focus is on thoughtful coaching systems that support both athletes and coaches: managing training volume, adapting programs, creating athlete buy-in, and explaining the purpose behind the work. Matt and Jay also have an honest conversation about the emotional demands of coaching, the pressure to make work your identity, and the importance of protecting relationships and life outside the profession.

Time Stamps
00:00 - Welcome and why this conversation matters for young strength coaches
01:40 - Matt’s coaching journey from Alabama Huntsville to Michigan
04:21 - How a long postseason run affected the offseason
05:46 - Reducing summer training intensity and session length
07:12 - Keeping summer work in perspective and preparing for the season
10:03 - Adapting training around travel and player availability
10:58 - Using coach feedback and movement observations to individualize programs
11:56 - Setting specific summer goals with athletes
13:12 - Aligning player, coach, and program priorities
14:41 - Listening to athlete ideas while staying grounded in training principles
15:10 - Explaining training choices and building trust
16:31 - Making athletes co-authors in their development
18:41 - Building relationships through intentional one-on-one conversations
19:38 - Using visuals and practice examples to explain the purpose of training
21:19 - Shifting the conversation from coaching to identity
22:30 - Coaching as experimentation and learning
23:00 - How work follows coaches into life outside the gym
24:26 - Separating professional success from personal identity
25:52 - “Leasing the jersey” and letting go of ego
27:20 - The challenge of switching off after work
28:48 - The uncertainty of evaluating strength and conditioning work
31:16 - Why coaches keep thinking about work during personal time
32:13 - The emotional swings of wins, losses, and close games
33:36 - The value of talking openly about the strain
34:03 - A reminder to keep family and personal priorities in view
35:55 - Supporting relationships through the demands of coaching
36:08 - Communicating when work changes family plans
37:17 - Checking in with your partner and creating boundaries
38:16 - Being present instead of letting work and ego take over
39:50 - Matt’s suggestion for a future podcast guest
41:38 - Finding practical ways to help athletes
42:56 - Closing thoughts and thanks