Barbell

Beyond Bar Speed Part 2: VBT Considerations and a Case for Propulsion Metrics

You can think of data points as dots in an Impressionist painting. The more you provide, the better the overall picture. Adding propulsion numbers to VBT is one way of improving this painting.
Read more
Swimmer Diving into Pool

How Coaching Science Can Set a 50m Freestyle World Record

Modeling a method of setting a new world record in the 50m freestyle can transfer over to other sports. The actual modeling involves terminology, chronology, constraints, and variables. With those in place, coaches can focus on the “3 E’s”: effectiveness, efficiency, and execution.
Read more
Sprint Coach Pierre-Jean Vazel

Lessons from Genius Sprint Coach Pierre-Jean Vazel

Crossing paths with sprint coach Pierre-Jean Vazel eight years ago resulted in a wealth of invaluable information that remains relevant today. It includes stride development, how to develop close relationships with athletes, and the necessity of careful record-keeping. P-J’s work with African 100m recordholder Olusoji Fasuba provides clear evidence of the success of his approach.
Read more
Test Tubes

Testosterone, Testing, and Training: Freelap Dishes with Marco Cardinale

The progress and success of your athletes depend on a number of factors. Testing, testosterone levels, and sleep patterns are some of them. Noted sports physiologist Marco Cardinale provides information and insights you can incorporate into your program.
Read more
1080 Sprint Resistance Training

How to Test and Train Speed without Pulling Muscles

Training and testing speed can be a game-changer. The key to doing that while avoiding injury is minimum resistance sprinting. More and more coaches are discovering its benefits.
Read more
Athlete Prepares to Lift Barbell

How to Use Barbell Trajectory Analysis to Improve Performance

The current practice of using barbell speed measurements in the weight room is at a critical mass. Several pioneers in applied sport science and the coaching profession have moved the needle significantly, for both elite athletes and gym rats, with practical research and cutting-edge methodology. While Velocity Based Training (VBT) is a major factor in training the primary lifts, it’s the tip of the iceberg with what can be done by using comprehensive barbell analysis.
Read more
Soccer Player Hamstring Injury

6 Steps to Reduce and Rehabilitate Hamstring Injuries Like a Pro

This proven and adaptable 6–step process dealing with hamstring injuries starts with intensive screening. It proceeds through testing, assessment, profiling, and evaluation. The final step involves following the RTP algorithm and making whatever tweaks seem necessary.
Read more
Eccentric Flywheel

How to Use the kMeter to Develop Eccentric Power

The kMeter takes raw data from the flywheel and converts it into usable scores in real time. These scores include a variety of metrics. This provides objective feedback. As more coaches begin using it, increasing dialogue will decrease injury risk and increase performance levels.
Read more
Foot Pressure Mapping

The Science of Force Plates and Pressure Mapping

Force plates are a means of measuring ground reaction forces over a period of time. Pressure mapping shows the interaction between the foot and lower extremity and the ground. The best way toof take advantage of both technologies is in conjunction with other metrics and interpretations by skilled professionals.
Read more
Squat Rack Platform

Why Bar Displacement Is a Hidden Gem in the Weight Room

Bar displacement helps evaluate technique, improve the quality of work, and increase safety. It facilitates orthopedic assessment, exercise setup, coaching assistance, and long-term analysis. It removes the guesswork and saves valuable coaching and athlete time by collecting important information.
Read more
A shirtless man stands on a dark surface, holding a barbell with both hands. He is wearing black shorts and athletic shoes. The background is a neutral gray, giving the image a minimalist, painted appearance.

The Top 5 Tech Tips for Strength Coaches

The most important element in a successful weight room is good coaching. Tech can help or hinder coaches in achieving their goal of maximizing their athletes' potential. These five tips are the “greatest hits” of helpful tech based on years of practical experience.
Read more
Fresh Fruit Smoothie

6 Factors to Look for in a Good Sports Nutritionist

It’s common to devote massive amounts of time to developing a training program while positioning proper nutrition on the periphery. Here are six factors to consider in taking on a good sports nutritionist. Even if you can’t afford one, the qualities they embody will help nourish your program and feed your athletes’ appetite for improvement.
Read more