478: Michael Schofield on Tendons, Fascia and Elastic Recoil in Athletic Movement

Today’s guest is Dr. Michael Schofield. Mike is a New Zealand sports scientist and track and field coach with a PhD in biomechanics and strength and conditioning. He has coached athletes to Olympic, World Championship, and Commonwealth Games finals in the throws, while also developing national-level sprinters and weightlifters. His strength and conditioning work spans multiple sports, from golf to stand-up paddleboarding. Mike has done substantial research in, and is a subject matter expert in the role of connective tissues in athletic movement and force production. This podcast explores the crucial functions of connective tissue in athletic performance. We examine how tendons, ligaments, and fascia support movement, prevent injuries, and contribute to force production. Mike also disperses exactly what fascia and connective tissue does, and does not do in animal (and human) movement profiles. Through the podcast, Mike reveals the mechanisms of connective tissue and how understanding it can improve training outcomes. Today’s episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength. View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 2:10 – The Role of Connective Tissue 5:27 – Exploring Elasticity in Motion 7:25 – Muscle vs. Fascia: A Complex Debate 16:14 – Understanding Strength and Sequencing 23:49 – The Importance of Movement Literacy 36:13 – Fascial Lines and Their Impact 44:31 – Training the Fascial System 49:14 – Functional Training Insights 54:31 – The Role of Balance in Performance 57:26 – Understanding Tendon Stiffness 1:14:04 – Compliance vs. Stiffness in Athleticism 1:18:55 – Training Strategies for Different Athletes Michael Schofield Quotes “Connective tissue is not just scaffolding—it’s an active part of how force is transferred and how movement is sequenced.” “Elasticity is rhythm. It’s the ability to recycle energy instead of relying on constant muscular effort.” “When we talk about strength, we’re really talking about sequencing. If you load too heavy too soon, you can actually break the sequence.” “Movement literacy comes before strength. If an athlete can’t explore movement, then the strength they build is fragile.” “Fascial lines are not rigid anatomy—they’re adaptable patterns. They change depending on how you move.” “The fascial system responds to rhythm, variability, and oscillation. It’s a spring system, not a muscle system.” “Functional training is not about copying sport skills. It’s about training qualities that transfer.” “Balance is contextual. Sometimes you challenge it, sometimes you support it. Machines can actually help you wire high rates of force by providing stability.” “Tendon stiffness isn’t about being tight—it’s about efficiency. It’s how well you can store and release energy.” “Every athlete needs a different recipe of compliance, stiffness, sequencing, and raw strength. There’s no one-size-fits-all.” About Michael Schofield Dr. Michael Schofield is a sports scientist and track and field coach from New Zealand, specializing in biomechanics and strength and conditioning. He holds a PhD focused on track and field throws and a Master’s degree in strength and conditioning with an emphasis on golf performance. Over his coaching career, Dr. Schofield has guided athletes to Olympic, World Championship, and Commonwealth Games finals in shot put, discus, and hammer, while also developing national-level sprinters and weightlifters. His expertise as a strength and conditioning coach spans a diverse range of sports, from stand-up paddleboarding to golf, applying a scientific yet practical approach to improving athletic performance. Driven by a passion for both research and applied coaching, Dr. Schofield continues to bridge the gap between cutting-edge sports science and the daily realities of high-performance sport.