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

$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.

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.

$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.