Hamstring Strains, Groins Pulls, and How to Stop Them with Ian Oskar Katanec

Hamstring Strains, Groins Pulls, and How to Stop Them with Ian Oskar Katanec

Author: Mike Robertson December 12, 2025 Duration: 50:18

Whether it’s due to the increased pace of play, stronger and more explosive athletes, or poor management of the training and recovery process, it should come as no surprise that soft-tissue injuries are on the rise.

And if you’ve ever worked in soccer or basketball, you know that hamstring strains and groin pulls can easily shut your athletes down for weeks – or even MONTHS.

So what kinds of things can WE do as trainers, coaches or even rehab professionals to address these issues?

Well from his roots as a professional motoscross driver, to working with elite, International-level soccer players, Ian Oscar Katanec has a unique perspective on athletic development and injuries.

Not only is he a hands-on manual therapist – which is a really rigorous and intensive program in Slovenia – but also a strength coach, so he really sees all sides of the rehab-training continuum.

And in this episode, we’re going to try and figure out why we’re seeing so many hamstring and groin pulls in sports!

 

Quotable Quotes:

When things get hard, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, so keep going

 

It’s not about doing exercises again, it’s about doing them the right way

 

The best way to stay fit is to go after something, even when you’re busy.

 

This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:

  • Ian’s unique journey from professional motocross to manual therapist, coach and business owner.
  • Why biomechanics are such a foundational area to learn, whether you’re focused on injury-reduction or sports performance.
  • The story behind the Levo Belt, and why he created it to help people move and feel better.
  • Some of the challenges he faced as the head strength and conditioning coach for an International-level soccer team.
  • His thoughts on why we’re seeing so many hamstring strains and groin pulls in sports like soccer and basketball.
  • An anatomical overview of the pelvis, and why the mantra of “more strength” isn’t always the answer!
  • Areas OUTSIDE OF the hamstrings and groin you should probably focus on to get better results.
  • The role manual therapy can play in improving performance and reducing injuries.
  • Why there’s more to rehab than low-level “correctives,” and what he uses alongside those to improve buy-in and get better results!

 

 

Connect with Ian:

 

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via FacebookTwitter, and Instagram or visit our website.

The post Hamstring Strains, Groins Pulls, and How to Stop Them with Ian Oskar Katanec appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.


Mike Robertson hosts the Physical Preparation Podcast, a space dedicated to the intricate craft of building better athletes and more effective coaches. Instead of quick fixes or fads, conversations here focus on the principles and practical details that form the foundation of sustainable performance. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading experts from the health and fitness world, breaking down complex concepts into actionable strategies. You’ll hear honest explorations of training methodologies, injury prevention, and the nuanced decisions that separate good programs from great ones. This podcast serves as a continual education for anyone serious about understanding the ‘why’ behind physical preparation, whether you’re designing regimens for others or refining your own athletic journey. The dialogue is grounded in real-world application, aiming to sharpen your critical thinking and provide tools that can be implemented immediately. Tune in for a consistently insightful look at how intelligent training philosophy translates into tangible results, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and science of human performance.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Physical Preparation Podcast
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