IGCT Episode #51: David Tenney-Overplayed and Undertrained




Iron Game Chalk Talk with Ron McKeefery show

Summary: David Tenney enters his first season as Sports Science Performance Manager after spending the previous five seasons as fitness coach. He is one of Major League Soccer’s most respected and progressive minds in sports science.Tenney implemented the Catapult GPS pro- gram which measures player movement in games and practices, as well as the Omegawave technology that tests player’s heart rate variability and state of readiness before and after participation.Prior to joining Sounders FC, Tenney served as both fitness and goalkeeper coach in Kansas City in 2007 and 2008, helping the Wizards reach the post- season both years. Kansas City reached the Conference Finals in 2007. He also holds an ‘A’ license from the Czech Republic F.A. and NSCAA 'Premier' Diploma.Prior to MLS, Tenney held the same dual role with the George Mason University men’s and women’s teams for two seasons. In 2006, Mason advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 12 years.While at George Mason, Tenney also served as director of coaching for the Washington Freedom youth teams from 2004-06 and as Maryland’s girls director of ODP, winning two ODP National Championships (2005 and 2006). Tenney’s playing career features both collegiate and indoor profes- sional honors. At Virginia Tech (1989-91), he served as team captain the final two seasons. As the Hokies’ goalkeeper, he was voted Metro Conference Defensive MVP in 1989.His professional career began overseas with Germany’s SV Linx (1992-93) and FC Rastatt (1993-94). He returned home to play for the Washington Warthogs of the Continental Indoor Soccer League from 1994-97 and held franchise records for saves, wins and minutes played for goal- keepers. He was with the Baltimore Blast of the NPSL from 1998-2000 and also starred for the Baton Rouge Bombers, earning second team All-EISL in 1998. Tenney is married to Allison, who is an assistant coach of the Seattle University women’s soccer team. They have two daughters, Quinn, and Cameron. He earned a master’s degree in Exercise Science-Performance Enhancement from California University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor's in Coaching Science from George Mason University.In this episode we discuss:His journey into Strength and Conditioning.The High Performance Model.Glycolytic Conditioning vs. Aerobic Training in Soccer.His Inseason Soccer template.His Injury Prevention Model.His favorite quote, Book/App/Website recommendation