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…
Blood flow restriction (BFR) has moved from niche rehab tool to a genuine weapon in the recovery arsenal at the top level of professional football, but knowing when, how, and why to use it separates the practitioners getting real results from those just following trends. Join Matt Busby (Hull City FC), Jack Nayler (Everton FC),…
Force plate technology has moved from research labs into everyday practice across the NBA, giving performance staff objective, athlete-specific data to guide training, monitor readiness, and manage return-to-play decisions. In this roundtable, three leading sports scientists share how their organizations put force plates to work on the ground. Joining the discussion are Nick Seme (Charlotte…
Locomotion in team sports is rarely linear: players repeatedly perform accelerations, sprints, changes of direction (COD), and decelerations to create or close space, adjust positioning, and respond to unpredictable game situations [1]. These actions involve rapid transitions in speed and movement direction, placing substantial neuromuscular and mechanical demands on the athlete. Changes of direction and…
For decades, EMG has largely been viewed as a research tool. However, recent advances in technology, combined with the continued challenge of high injury and reinjury rates in sport, have led to growing interest in how EMG can be applied within real-world performance environments. Despite this increased interest, many questions still remain around what EMG…
Stepping into my first season in sprint canoe and kayak—after years in track & field, basketball, and football—was a wake-up call. These sports are not just “power on water.” They are an entirely different strength and therapy ecosystem. The asymmetry, the instability, the shoulder-trunk-hip demand—everything about them forces you to rethink how you build athletes…
The margins between a good team and a great one are often decided before a single snap of the regular season. In this roundtable, Emma Beanland of the Buffalo Bills, Josh Nelson of the Atlanta Falcons, and Zac Woodfin of the Tennessee Titans pull back the curtain on exactly how NFL organizations identify and attack…
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…
Hip and groin pain are frequent and often persistent issues in players engaged in high intensity multidirectional sports. High velocity movements place substantial mechanical demands on the hip adductor complex, predisposing players to adductor related groin pain and underlying hip dysfunction that limits mobility, reduces strength, and impairs performance. Players commonly continue to train and…
“Mechanics change the loads your tissues experience, and that should change how you prepare the athlete” In episode #495 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob speaks with Chris Bramah about one of the most contentious, yet most actionable topics in speed and rehab: whether sprint mechanics matter for hamstring injury risk, and what you can…
“Asymmetry is noisy, inconsistent and often misunderstood. Before you act on it, you have to understand what is real and what is simply variation” In episode #461 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob speaks with Chris Bishop, Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University and one of the most recognisable names in asymmetry research. Chris discusses what…
Several years of mixed results forced a fresh look at my testing, programming, and training decisions. Pretty much all athletes were getting stronger in the gym, and most were improving their jump heights. But only some improved their speed. That raised a few questions. How can an athlete improving their maximum strength have no impact…
The foot and ankle complex plays a critical role in movement efficiency, injury resilience, and performance, but it often remains an overlooked area of assessment and training. In this roundtable discussion, Romain Tourillon, Colin Griffin, and Athol Thomson share their insights on how our understanding of this region is evolving across research and applied practice. The conversation explores modern…
“Movement is basketball, not something separate from it” In episode #401 of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob chats with Adam Petway, Executive Director of Player Health & Performance at the SeaHorses Mikawa in Japan. He has also previously held roles as the Director of Biomechanics at the University of Louisville and Director of Athletic Performance…
What are the key considerations when selecting the most appropriate isometric hamstring test for team sport athletes? Single joint isometric testing using force plates or strain gauges is increasingly popular. This is likely because force plates and strain gauge devices are increasingly accessible, remove the limitations associated with handheld units, and address the criticisms around…