The following Sportsmith Six article relates to two recent publications by Tyler Collings and Matthew Bourne et al: Your study highlighted that EMG-based exercise rankings do not always agree with muscle force rankings. What should practitioners understand about the limitations of relying on EMG alone when choosing exercises? Electromyography (EMG) is often misinterpreted as a…
We asked this question to six leading practitioners in load monitoring. These were their responses. Hailu Theodros & James Rhodes Physical Performance Coach & Data Scientist, The FA Moving beyond traditional linear GPS metrics toward multidirectional metrics has significantly improved how we monitor and manage athlete load across three key areas: session overview, drill design,…
We asked six industry leaders this question. Here are their responses: Dave Hamilton VP of Performance Science, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Working in high-performance sport requires a brutal shift in perspective, the focus is never on you individually. Winning is everything, and you are just one tiny cog in a massive machine. Your individual contribution or…
If you had to pick a single metric you collect in the weight room that tells you more about a player’s physical state than anything else, what is it and why? Average bar speed at 80% of estimated 1RM back squat. We regularly back squat in our gym programs, and almost always use VBT when we…
You define “functional” as whether an exercise achieves its desired adaptation, rather than the implement used. What does that shift actually change about how coaches should be selecting exercises? The primary change for most coaches would be being open to using constraints. What coaches often refer to as “machines” are simply pieces of equipment that…
Six experts at the forefront of tracking data were asked this question. These were their answers: Clive Brewer Director of Olympic Strength & Conditioning, University of Notre Dame This is an insightful question. Data that we collect which either isn’t actionable or impactful to our decision-making, is a waste of time for our athletes. More…
What does the persistent polarization tell you about how our field thinks about power development, and what does a systems-based approach offer that the either/or framing doesn’t? A lot of the polarization around power development comes from coaches misunderstanding what power actually is. Power is simply work divided by time. It’s a quality, not a…
What assessments did you perform when the players first arrived for preseason? The players underwent medical examinations as well as strength, power, and holistic conditioning tests. As part of their fitness assessment, we conducted an incremental treadmill test to determine maximum oxygen consumption and anaerobic capacity. The neuromuscular testing battery included countermovement jump and squat…
Six leading experts in energy system development were asked this question. This is what they had to say: Jack Sharkey Performance Lead, Football Australia From my experience, the most common misunderstanding when is comes to energy system development is the assumption that the primary focus for performance should be on increasing exercise capacity. In team…
We asked this question to six experts in this field. These were their responses: Harry Routledge First Team Sports Scientist, Brighton & Hove Albion FC In elite sports, expensive GPS and heart rate monitoring are considered the industry standard. However, when resources are limited, monitoring should shift from technology-led external loads to internal physiological response.…
We asked experts who specialise in monitoring and improving hip and groin function these questions, and this is what they responded: Steve Short Vice President of Sports Medicine & Allied Practice, Denver Nuggets A detailed subjective history as part of physical preparation screening will guide the related testing and intervention when assessing hip and groin…
We asked six highly experienced practitioners for their answers to this question, this is what they responded with: Dave Cosgrave Advisor, ORRECO I still remember my first days well: the warm welcome from the head physio, sensible chats with the club doctor and my first player treatments. Everyone made me feel welcome and, even though I…
When you look at daily monitoring data, what signals genuinely influence your programming decisions for individual athletes? The two most important KPIs we monitor daily are load and distance. In 2013, we came up with a practice format that would align with our GPS numbers. The goal was to be fresh on game day. We…
What forms of improper neuroplasticity typically develop after ACL reconstruction? How can velocity-based training help counter them early in rehab? After ACL reconstruction, the problem goes beyond weak quadriceps: it’s a rewired nervous system. One of the key changes is reduced corticospinal excitability to the involved limb. The brain simply doesn’t “drive” that leg as…
We asked six leading members of various organizations this question, this is what they said: Soham Desai Head of Strength & Conditioning, India National Cricket Team The stopwatch has been the most valuable low-tech tool I’ve used throughout my coaching journey. In a world full of high-end tracking systems and smart devices, it may sound…