It seems like everybody and their mother is talking about force plates these days.
And I’m obviously guilty of it myself…but only because I feel like force plates are the single-most impactful thing I’ve added to my coaching in the past five years.
But what if you’re not a sports scientist – how do you get started?
What tests should you use?
And what metrics should you be looking at?
Well if you’re curious at all about force plates or how to use them, you’re going to love today’s episode with Dr. John McMahon!
Dr. McMahon is the Director of Research and Education at Hawkin Dynamics. He is also an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Salford, where he previously worked for more than a decade as a biomechanics researcher and educator.
John has authored over 100 published journal articles and has presented his force assessment research at multiple international conferences spanning the fields of strength and conditioning, sports biomechanics, and sports science.
And in this episode we’re going to take a deep dive into force plates and how to use them!
Testing should feel like part of coaching.
Dr. John McMahon
12 Quick Takeaways from the Physical Prep Podcast:
Force plates provide valuable insights into athletic performance.
Start with basic tests to build confidence in using force plates.
Key tests for performance include counter movement jumps and isometric pulls.
The ODS framework helps link output metrics to performance drivers.
Athletes need to be educated on how to interpret their performance data. Communicating results to athletes is crucial for understanding.
Relative forces are more significant than absolute forces.
Tracking metrics helps refine coaching programs.
Athlete motivation and effort are key to accurate assessments.
Observing athletes during tests is essential for accurate data.
Engaging with athletes during testing enhances the experience.
Reducing the number of metrics can prevent overwhelm.
Focus on the human aspect of coaching, not just data.
Supercharge Your Decision-Making and Program Design with Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates!
Hawkin Dynamics designs and builds performance hardware and software the right way.
Their dual wireless force plates give you the most accurate, real-time data on athletic performance.
You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths, weaknesses and readiness for that day’s training session.
Their software is designed in house and continually updated to ensure the interface is clean, intuitive and easy to use, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance.
And Hawkin Dynamics is built around their customers and provide industry-leading support and training services to ensure you get the most out of their solutions.
With options to lease or buy, coupled with a 5-year warranty, Hawkin Dynamics force plates can take your performance facility to the next level.
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: Mike Robertson
Language: en-us
Episodes: 100
If you wanted to become a better coach… …open your own gym… …or just be happier and more successful in life, how amazing would it be to learn from someone with 20+ years practical, in-the-trenches experience? My guess is…
It has been an AWESOME week my friend! I’m just wrapping up Spring Break here in Arizona, and needless to say, it’s been an awesome experience. Between the zoo, hiking, Jeep tours and some amazing food, Team Robertson ha…
I’ve been asked some iteration of this question A LOT lately… “Yo Mike – what’s new? And why haven’t you been posting as much?” And frankly, I wish the answer were something short and sweet! But sometimes life just isn’t…
My friend you’re in for a treat today! In this episode, we’re bringing back the man, the myth, the LEGEND – Joe Kenn, aka Big House Power. It’s been so cool watching this guys’ journey over the past 15 years. From top-ti…
Well it only took 500-some episodes, but I finally made it happen! Today we welcome the one and only Megan Young to the Physical Prep Podcast. This conversation was so much fun, especially learning more about her journey…
If you’re a strength coach or personal trainer right now, there’s a good chance a client or athlete has come in and said something like this: “Yo Mike… what do you think about PRP?” Or, “My doctor mentioned stem cells.”…
If you’re a strength coach or personal trainer and you’ve worked with a golfer, you can probably relate to one – or ALL – of these. You want to unlock their mobility, so their swing feels effortless and smooth. You want…
If you work with athletes who travel, tell me if you’ve seen this before. They fly across the country, and when they show up, something just feels off. Reaction time is slow. They’re moody and irritable. OR they’re just…
A lot of coaches and serious lifters know VO2 max matters… but they’re not totally sure how to train it correctly. Some people are hammering HIIT circuits and hoping that’s enough. Others are living in Zone 2 because tha…
Okay my friends, today we’re trying something 100% and completely NEW with this podcast! Yes, even after 500 episodes, I’m still looking for ways to keep it fresh and exciting, so I really hope you enjoy it. In today’s M…
