Today on the podcast we’re joined by Dr. Lance Brooks, a biomechanist and physiologist whose work focuses on how force is actually produced and expressed in sport. Dr. Brooks serves as a faculty member at Bridgewater State University—which is also my alma mater—and he brings a rare combination of high-level research and real-world performance application.

In this episode, we talk about sprint mechanics, acceleration, stretch–shortening cycle performance, and why some of the metrics coaches rely on may not mean what we think they mean. We dig into his critique of the Reactive Strength Index, the development of the Dynamic Rebound Index, and what it really means to evaluate force production in a mechanically sound way.

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From our sponsors:

Hawkin Dynamics

Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/

Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer.

Vitruve VBT

Site: https://vitruve.fit/

Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology.

Power Lift

Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/

Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment.

Dashr

Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/

Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS.

PlayerData

Site:https://www.playerdata.com/en-us

PlayerData is Strength Coach Network’s trusted GPS provider and a FIFA Quality–certified system, used by coaches at every level to quantify training load and understand movement demands. PlayerData delivers reliable, actionable data at a strong value point, with seamless syncing that saves coaches precious time—so the focus stays on coaching, not managing technology.

TeamBuildr

Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en

TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way.

Doug Gray is the President of Gray Institute and Director of GIFT, the Institute’s flagship mentorship program. As the son of founder Dr Gary Grey, Doug has spent his career advancing Applied Functional Science® (AFS), a system rooted in the integration of physical, biological, and behavioural sciences to optimise human movement.

Founded in 1978, Gray Institute is recognized worldwide as the leading authority on AFS, educating more than 250,000 movement professionals through certifications, live events, digital education, and mentorship.

Doug’s leadership focuses on preserving the scientific integrity of AFS while expanding its practical application across performance, rehabilitation, and training environments.

https://grayinstitute.com/ftm

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From our sponsors:

Hawkin Dynamics

Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/

Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer.

Vitruve VBT

Site: https://vitruve.fit/

Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology.

Power Lift

Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/

Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment.

Dashr

Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/

Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS.

PlayerData

Site:https://www.playerdata.com/en-us

PlayerData is Strength Coach Network’s trusted GPS provider and a FIFA Quality–certified system, used by coaches at every level to quantify training load and understand movement demands. PlayerData delivers reliable, actionable data at a strong value point, with seamless syncing that saves coaches precious time—so the focus stays on coaching, not managing technology.

TeamBuildr

Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en

TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way.

Justin Ochoa is the founder of Gem Sessions, a high-performance basketball development organization based in Indianapolis. He works with athletes ranging from youth prospects to professional players, blending elite skill development with evidence-based strength, speed, and performance training. After recognizing the gaps that limited his own playing career, Justin committed to building a system that fully prepares athletes for the physical and mental demands of the game. In addition to coaching, he founded the Gem Sessions Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping youth athletes with the academic, athletic, and life resources needed to succeed beyond basketball.

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🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/

From our sponsors:

Hawkin Dynamics

Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/

Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer.

Vitruve VBT

Site: https://vitruve.fit/

Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology.

Power Lift

Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/

Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment.

Dashr

Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/

Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS.

PlayerData

Site:https://www.playerdata.com/en-us

PlayerData is Strength Coach Network’s trusted GPS provider and a FIFA Quality–certified system, used by coaches at every level to quantify training load and understand movement demands. PlayerData delivers reliable, actionable data at a strong value point, with seamless syncing that saves coaches precious time—so the focus stays on coaching, not managing technology.

TeamBuildr

Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en

TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way.

This is Dylan's mission: As the Founder & CEO of G-TEC, I'm dedicated to revolutionizing sportswear and recovery products for athletes around the globe. My journey began as a professional American Football player, competing at the highest levels in the US, Sweden, Austria, and Germany. This experience gave me unique insights into the needs of athletes, which inspired me to establish G-TEC in 2021 with just € 300.

Since then, G-TEC has become one of the fastest-growing sports brands in the world, with headquarters in The Netherlands and a US base in both Dallas, Texas & Miami, Florida. Our mission is to provide athletes with the best gear to enhance their performance, needs and

$1 Trial Membership to SCN

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CONNECT:

🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/

From our sponsors:

Hawkin Dynamics

Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/

Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer.

Vitruve VBT

Site: https://vitruve.fit/

Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology.

Power Lift

Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/

Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment.

Dashr

Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/

Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS.

PlayerData

Site:https://www.playerdata.com/en-us

PlayerData is Strength Coach Network’s trusted GPS provider and a FIFA Quality–certified system, used by coaches at every level to quantify training load and understand movement demands. PlayerData delivers reliable, actionable data at a strong value point, with seamless syncing that saves coaches precious time—so the focus stays on coaching, not managing technology.

TeamBuildr

Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en

TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way.

Jacob Ricketts, is a performance coach whose career spans Power Five college football and large-scale corporate wellness systems.

Jacob currently serves as Health and Wellness Manager at BARD Materials, where he leads health, fitness, and performance initiatives for a non-traditional athletic population. In this role, he applies principles from high-performance sport to workforce health, resilience, and long-term well-being.

Prior to transitioning into corporate wellness, Jacob spent nearly a decade in collegiate athletics working primarily in football. His experience includes roles at University of Colorado Boulder, Temple University, Northern Illinois University, and Stanford University.

$1 Trial Membership to SCN

🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial

Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs

🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU

CONNECT:

🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/

From our sponsors:

Hawkin Dynamics

Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/

Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer.

Vitruve VBT

Site: https://vitruve.fit/

Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology.

Power Lift

Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/

Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment.

Dashr

Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/

Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS.

PlayerData

Site:https://www.playerdata.com/en-us

PlayerData is Strength Coach Network’s trusted GPS provider and a FIFA Quality–certified system, used by coaches at every level to quantify training load and understand movement demands. PlayerData delivers reliable, actionable data at a strong value point, with seamless syncing that saves coaches precious time—so the focus stays on coaching, not managing technology.

TeamBuildr

Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en

TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way.

Today’s guest is Kosta Telegadas, a strength and conditioning coach whose career spans elite sport, tactical performance, and international human performance operations.

Kosta holds a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology (University of Miami). Early in his career, he gained hands-on experience through roles with VCU Sports Performance and EXOS, developing a strong foundation in programming, rehabilitation, and applied sports performance.

He later transitioned into the tactical space, working as a S&C Specialist under the U.S. Department of Defense’s Optimizing Human Weapon Systems contract, first with Solvere Technical Group and currently as a Site Lead with LMR Technical Group.

Kosta now serves as Associate Director of International Business for the National Council on Strength & Fitness, where he helps expand education and professional standards globally.

$1 Trial Membership to SCN

🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial

Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs

🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU

CONNECT:

🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/

From our sponsors:

Hawkin Dynamics

Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/

Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer.

Vitruve VBT

Site: https://vitruve.fit/

Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology.

Power Lift

Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/

Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment.

Dashr

Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/

Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS.

PlayerData

Site:https://www.playerdata.com/en-us

PlayerData is Strength Coach Network’s trusted GPS provider and a FIFA Quality–certified system, used by coaches at every level to quantify training load and understand movement demands. PlayerData delivers reliable, actionable data at a strong value point, with seamless syncing that saves coaches precious time—so the focus stays on coaching, not managing technology.

TeamBuildr

Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en

TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way.

Today’s guest is Ryan Duey, the CEO and co-founder of Plunge, a company that has played a major role in bringing cold-water immersion and recovery practices into the mainstream.

Ryan helped found Plunge with a focus on making high-quality, durable cold-plunge systems accessible to athletes, coaches, and everyday consumers alike. Under his leadership, Plunge has grown from a niche recovery concept into a widely recognized brand used across professional sports, fitness facilities, and homes worldwide.

With a background rooted in entrepreneurship and product development, Ryan has been instrumental in bridging the gap between evidence-based recovery practices and real-world application. His work has helped normalize recovery as a foundational pillar of performance, health, and lifestyle, not just an afterthought.

$1 Trial Membership to SCN

🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial

Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs

🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU

CONNECT:

🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/

From our sponsors:

Hawkin Dynamics

Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/

Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer.

Vitruve VBT

Site: https://vitruve.fit/

Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology.

Power Lift

Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/

Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment.

Dashr

Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/

Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS.

PlayerData

Site:https://www.playerdata.com/en-us

PlayerData is Strength Coach Network’s trusted GPS provider and a FIFA Quality–certified system, used by coaches at every level to quantify training load and understand movement demands. PlayerData delivers reliable, actionable data at a strong value point, with seamless syncing that saves coaches precious time—so the focus stays on coaching, not managing technology.

TeamBuildr

Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en

TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way.

Today’s guest, Sam Feldman, is a strength and conditioning coach who works across traditional team sports and high-performance racing environments, applying a holistic approach to physical preparation, physiological development, recovery, and long-term athlete health.

His background spans high school, collegiate, and professional sport, with previous roles at The Paideia School, Cressey Sports Performance, and the University of Georgia. From 2019 to 2021, he served as a Minor League Strength & Conditioning Coach within the Atlanta Braves organization, where he oversaw all aspects of physical preparation for professional baseball athletes.

In that role, he was responsible for program design, weight room and coaching supervision, performance monitoring, conditioning, nutrition organization, budgeting, and in-season arm care for pitchers.

$1 Trial Membership to SCN

🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/Trial

Save on your re-certification to the NSCA and CSCCa with best price CEUs

🏫CEUs: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/CEU

CONNECT:

🌎Site: https://strengthcoachnetwork.com/

From our sponsors

Hawkin Dynamics

Site: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/

Hawkin Dynamics is the world leader in force plate solutions. Wireless hardware, intuitive software, and powerful analysis make Hawkin Dynamics the best choice for any coach or trainer.

Vitruve VBT

Site: https://vitruve.fit/

Join the over 7,000 coaches that trust Vitruve VBT. Vitruve makes Velocity Based Training simple and effective with reliable, affordable and easy to use technology.

Power Lift

Site: https://www.powerliftusa.com/

Power Lift is an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of American-made strength and conditioning equipment. They understand that your Brand is important and offer several diverse ways to incorporate that Brand into your strength equipment.

Dashr

Site: https://www.dashrsystems.com/

Dashr is a performance testing company best known for its laser timing, but also integrates with Teambuildr and offers a free Player Profile app used by 6k+ athletes. Beyond timing, they provide a full suite of testing solutions including verticals, broad jumps, RSI, biometrics, reaction, and AMS

PlayerData

Site:https://www.playerdata.com/en-us

PlayerData is Strength Coach Network’s trusted GPS provider and a FIFA Quality–certified system, used by coaches at every level to quantify training load and understand movement demands. PlayerData delivers reliable, actionable data at a strong value point, with seamless syncing that saves coaches precious time—so the focus stays on coaching, not managing technology.

TeamBuildr

Site:https://www.teambuildr.com/en

TeamBuildr is a platform for any coach in any setting. Every day, thousands of coaches log into TeamBuildr to write training programs, build questionnaires and access athlete training in a simple and manageable way.