514: Ryan Banta on Evolving Speed Training Systems

514: Ryan Banta on Evolving Speed Training Systems

Author: Joel Smith, Just-Fly-Sports.com May 7, 2026 Duration: 1:30:32
Today’s podcast guest is Ryan Banta. Ryan is a leading sprint coach at Parkway Central High School, known for blending sport science with practical training. He has guided athletes to multiple state championships and national-level success, and is the author of The Sprinter’s Compendium. In this episode, Ryan shares his unconventional path from politics to coaching, and how early success, and failure, shaped his evolution. He reflects on moving from ego-driven outcomes to athlete-centered development, emphasizing joy, community, and long-term retention. Banta dives into the growth of his “critical mass” system, blending speed, rest, and adaptability, while highlighting the importance of mentorship, self-reflection, and continual learning in building both performance and meaningful athlete experiences. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and Lila Exogen.

If you're an athlete, coach, or simply fascinated by what makes the human body excel, there's a conversation waiting for you. The Just Fly Performance Podcast digs into the nuanced world of athletic training, where the pursuit of speed and raw power takes center stage. Host Joel Smith doesn't just offer theories; he connects directly with the people who apply science on the field, in the weight room, and inside the athlete's mind. Each episode features in-depth discussions with a diverse range of performance experts, from strength coaches and track specialists to professionals who understand the psychological components of competition. What you'll hear is a practical, evolving dialogue that cuts through the noise, offering actionable insights into modern training methodologies. This podcast serves as a reliable resource for anyone looking to understand the full spectrum of what drives athletic potential, blending physiology, coaching wisdom, and the sheer love of sport into every conversation. Tune in to explore the intricate details that separate good performance from truly flying.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Just Fly Performance Podcast
Podcast Episodes
503: Flow, Force, and the Art of Change in Athletics with Dan Cleather [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:41
Today’s guest is Dan Cleather. Dan Cleather is a sport scientist, author, and lecturer specializing in biomechanics and strength training. He has worked across elite sport and higher education, helping coaches apply rese…
501: Athlete Archetypes and Isometric Standards with Tanner Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:17
Today’s guest is Tanner Care. Tanner Care is a high-performance specialist, currently serving as the Director of Player Performance for the BC Lions (CFL) and the Director of Athletic Performance for the Vancouver Bandit…
500: How Rhythm and Isometrics Transform the Warm-Up with Paul Cater [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Today’s guest is Paul Cater. Paul is a veteran strength and conditioning coach with over 25 years of experience spanning professional baseball, collegiate athletics, and high-performance team environments. Paul is known…
499: Martin Bingisser on Specific Strength and Training Transfer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:21
Today’s guest is Martin Bingisser. Martin is the founder of HMMR Media, one of the most trusted independent voices in throws and track & field education. A former competitive hammer thrower, Martin blends firsthand exper…
498: Aaron Uthoff on Backwards Running and Linear Sprint Speed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:26
Today’s guest is Aaron Uthoff. Aaron Uthoff, PhD, is a sport scientist and coach whose work sits right at the intersection of biomechanics, motor learning, and sprint performance. His research digs into acceleration, for…
495: Kevin Secours on Rituals of Strength and Movement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:35
Today’s guest is Kevin Secours. Kevin is a veteran martial arts coach, author, and former security professional with decades of experience across Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Russian Systema. Holding five black belts…