300: Training Through Disruption: Managing Load, Time, and Performance in Winter with Michael Fennell

In this episode of the Science for Sport Podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes back Michael Fennell for a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood periods of the performance calendar: winter training.

With the competitive season behind us and Christmas disruptions in full swing, Michael shares a practical, experience-led perspective on how elite athletes and practitioners should approach December and the early winter months. From managing training load and avoiding premature peaks, to maintaining performance standards through smart programming, this episode is packed with real-world insight from the track, the runway, and the training ground.

Drawing on his work across elite athletics, football, rugby, and para sport, Michael breaks down how training priorities shift between individual and team sports, why fundamentals still matter in an age of performance technology, and how micro-sessions can be used to maintain progress when time and facilities are limited.

This is an honest, grounded conversation about perspective, planning, and patience, and why doing the basics exceptionally well still underpins elite performance.

In this episode you will learn:

How elite athletes should approach December training without peaking too early

Why maintaining performance is more important than chasing PBs in winter

How to structure micro-sessions when time, facilities, or routine are disrupted

The key differences in winter training for team sports vs athletics

How and when to prioritise plyometrics, speed, strength, and conditioning

Why fundamentals like ground contact time, elasticity, and movement quality still matter

How to balance data, technology, and coaching eye in modern performance environments

The importance of coach collaboration and open-minded learning

What elite preparation looks like heading into major championships and qualification periods

About Michael Fennell

Michael Fennell is an experienced performance coach working across elite athletics, team sports, and para sport. With close to two decades of coaching experience, he has supported athletes at national and international level, including British champions and elite performers progressing toward major championships.

Michael’s coaching philosophy blends technical excellence, physical fundamentals, and athlete-centred planning, with a strong emphasis on sprint mechanics, jumping performance, plyometrics, and long-term development. He is known for his collaborative approach, regularly working alongside other coaches, strength and conditioning practitioners, and support staff to ensure athletes are prepared for the demands of elite competition.

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