Inside The Numbers: RockDaisy Sports Performance Podcast

Host Ron McKeefery sits down with long-time friend and pioneer Dr. Bryan Mann (Texas A&M) to unpack how sports science and technology have evolved from pen-and-paper to force plates, GPS, VBT, and AI-driven training.If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to share it on X, Instagram, and YouTube, and tag us @RockDaisyAMS What you’ll learn (quick hits):• Tech → smarter training, not noise• Science first, gadgets second• Spot reliable vs. shaky devices• VBT, force plates, GPS—what matters• Simple tests, better decisions⏱️ Episode highlights:02:00 – From pen & paper to force plates04:30 – Why science must guide the tech06:45 – The evolution of VBT devices08:20 – Avoiding the “sports tech trap”09:00 – Testing batteries that actually matter09:45 – How to judge reliability & validity

Inside the Numbers, powered by RockDaisy, Coach Ron Mckeefery sits down with Tony Villani founder of XPE Sports and creator of the Shredmill. We dig into game speed vs. maxspeed, the big 3 metrics (broad jump, 5–10 fly, 20→10 fly), and how a “smart is better” approach turns data into on-field performance. What You’ll Hear• Game speed vs. max speed • The Big 3: broad jump, 5–10 fly, 20→10 fly• Predicting 40 times without running a 40• Smart post-season testing that avoids injuries• Force vs. form — and where the Shredmill fits• Small tweaks to keep athletes fast in-season• Simple metrics that drive athlete buy-in & competition00:30 – Sports science proving early adopters right02:00 – Game speed vs. max speed05:00 – Why elite players sometimes slow down08:00 – Group-friendly metrics that predict performance12:00 – Convincing athletes to “work less”14:00 – Predicting 40 times from 20→10 fly16:30 – The big 3: broad jump, 5–10 fly, 20→10 fly18:00 – Where the Shredmill fits in programming21:30 – Chasing “blink-of-an-eye” gains25:00 – Advice for young coaches: keep it simple

Maryland Football’s Coordinator of Sport Science Dustin Plankey joins host Ron McKeefery to break down how a data-first, athlete-centered approach actually works on the floor and on the field. From blending athletic training with S&C to simplifying GPS/force-plate chaos into a few actionable KPIs, Dustin shares how to earn athlete buy-in, shape practice loads, and turn numbers into better performance—and healthier players.01:00 Why blend AT + S&C into “performance”04:00 Asking better questions in sport science06:30 NFL vs. college: buy-in & athlete choice11:00 Maryland’s Sport Science & Innovation Committee14:30 Cutting the noise: focusing on 5 KPIs18:00 Turning GPS/force plate data into action22:30 Adjusting training loads without cutting practice25:00 Worst-case modeling & density in conditioning33:00 Rapid-fire wrap-up: tools, overrated, underrated

02:00 Cody’s journey from college baseball to strength & conditioning coach06:30 Building Madison Academy’s performance program & moving into admin08:00 New role in Nashville at Farm and Forge Club with Brian Kula11:30 Mentors and career-shaping lessons15:00 Takeaways from hosting the podcast & learning from 100+ coaches20:00 Coaching philosophy: simplicity, intent, and athlete development21:00 Core metrics: body weight, 5–10 fly sprint, vertical jump25:00 Using data to drive athlete buy-in, readiness, and recovery conversations27:30 Communicating performance data effectively to sport coaches36:00 Busting the myth: “More is better” in training38:00 Book recommendation: Crucial Conversations39:30 Core motto: “Health drives performance. Play more, play better.”41:00 Closing thoughts & where to follow Cody

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Rock Daisy and Its Founders03:09 The Origins of Rock Daisy06:16 Transition from NFL to Rock Daisy08:53 Building a Data Visualization Platform12:43 The Evolution of AMS and Customer Needs16:10 Challenges in Customization and Scalability19:27 The Impact of AMS on Athletic Performance21:46 Personal Experiences with Rock Daisy22:29 Building Rock Daisy: A Collaborative Journey23:37 Data Collection in Sports: Bridging the Gap24:53 Innovative Data Entry: Simplifying the Process29:13 Templates and Customization: Tailoring Data Insights31:51 Empowering Coaches: Sharing and Customizing Dashboards35:26 The Future of Rock Daisy: Workout Builder and Beyond40:02 Looking Ahead: AI and New Features for Coaches42:44 Introduction to Rock Daisy and Its Founders43:09 The Impact of Rock Daisy on Performance and Life

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coach Ron McKeefery 01:04 The Evolution of Coaching and Technology 03:43 Understanding Technology's Role in Coaching 07:29 Balancing Technology and Traditional Coaching 11:06 The Impact of GPS and Neuroscience in Training 13:39 Cognitive Skills and Practice Planning 17:50 The Evolving Role of Strength Coaches 21:38 Building Trust and Credibility 24:12 Navigating the NIL and Transfer Portal Era 28:50 Adapting Training Approaches 34:07 The Importance of Mental Strength

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Coach Hunter Eisenhower 03:15 Campus Buzz and Team Dynamics 05:55 Adjusting to Travel and Game Rhythm 08:49 The Role of Force Plates in Performance Monitoring 11:25 Understanding Speed and Jump Metrics 14:11 Teasing Out Fatigue and Adaptation 17:10 Data Consistency and Its Importance 19:56 Practical Applications of Force Systems 22:49 Fast Force vs. High Force Training 29:40 Understanding Reactive Strength and Its Importance 30:46 The Four Jump Test: A Practical Approach 33:09 Metrics for Assessing Elasticity in Athletes 34:05 Balancing Elasticity and Muscular Strength 37:32 Individualization in Training Programs 38:03 Managing Individual Needs in a Team Setting 40:48 The Role of Relationships in Coaching 45:59 Evolving Perspectives on Coaching Impact 51:40 Navigating Personal and Professional Growth 54:31 OUTRO

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Coach Jordan Collins 04:11 Transition to Speed Development and Injury Prevention 07:02 Assessment Process for Athletes 09:54 Utilizing Technology in Training Assessments 12:47 Understanding Asymmetries in Athletic Performance 15:38 The Importance of Horizontal Strength Training 18:22 Integrating Speed and Power Training 21:22 Educating Athletes on Movement Mechanics 24:11 Conclusion and Future Directions 24:45 Unlocking Hip Extension for Athletes 28:04 Navigating Return to Play: Injury Recovery Insights 41:19 Coaching Strategies for Team Settings 44:52 Inside DBC: A Comprehensive Training Facility 48:16 Evolving Perspectives: From Strength to Movement 49:02 Exploring Spinal Engine Theory 50:40 Outro

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Development in Sports 04:43 The Importance of Early Movement Skills 07:28 Creating a System for Youth Training 10:20 Understanding Movement Literacy 13:10 Engaging Parents in Youth Development 15:54 Defining a Good Mover 18:50 Incorporating Movement Principles in High School Programs 32:34 Enhancing Athletic Performance Through Movement 34:30 Innovative Coaching Techniques in Sports 37:24 The Role of Games in Skill Development 39:14 Balancing Expression and Development in Training 42:54 The Importance of Environment in Coaching 47:36 Evolving Perspectives on Training Methods 49:26 Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques in Sports 54:10 Navigating Parenting and Coaching Challenges 56:24 Outro

Chapters 00:00 The Journey of a Coach 06:28 The Importance of Grit and Hard Work 12:15 Navigating Modern Training Challenges 18:07 Finding Balance in Training 23:52 The Role of Environment in Training 33:05 Navigating Youth Environments 38:50 The Importance of Movement Diversity in Youth Training 46:45 Creating Safe Spaces for Play 54:35 Future Directions in Strength Training 01:00:30 Authenticity in Coaching and Social Media 01:02:01 Outro

00:00 Introduction to Coach Seth McFerrin 07:10 Facility Overview and Management 13:00 Facility Features and Design 19:38 In-Season Training Strategies 25:01 Nuances of Olympic Lifting and VBT 31:42 Auto-Regulation and Weight Adjustments 41:16 Weekly Undulating Periodization in Training 46:23 Game Day Training Strategies 54:52 Adapting Training for Young Athletes 01:02:21 Outro

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection 04:28 Transitioning to Florida and Coaching Challenges 06:57 The Importance of Building Relationships in Coaching 09:35 Adapting to New Environments and Technologies 12:32 The Evolution of Coaching Philosophy 15:05 Exploring Neurological Approaches in Performance 17:53 Integrating Technology in Training 20:20 The Role of Heart Rate in Basketball Training 23:11 Utilizing Force Plates for Athlete Development 34:48 The Importance of Play in Development 37:24 Understanding Injury Mechanisms 37:53 The Role of Force in Athletic Performance 40:05 Strength Training: Tools and Techniques 43:44 Max Strength vs. Peak Power 46:15 Defining Strength Beyond the Barbell 48:07 The Art and Science of Movement 51:33 Skill Acquisition in Young Athletes 56:25 Balancing Strength and Skill Development 01:02:38 Future Directions in Athletic Training 01:05:21 Outro

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coach Darren Hansen 07:35 Incorporating Speed Training into the Program 13:15 Session Structure and Training Template 18:37 Understanding Universal Speed Rating (USR) 28:21 Innovative Metrics for Athletic Performance 35:51 Understanding Speed Training and Treadmill Use 48:21 Evolving Coaching Perspectives 53:50 Outro

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Coach Brandon Davis 04:55 Brandon's Journey in Strength and Conditioning 07:40 Transitioning Training Methods: The Clean Debate 10:28 Building Relationships and Adding Value as a Coach 12:50 The Importance of Internships and Career Progression 15:40 Current Training Challenges and Strategies 18:36 Simplifying Training Systems and the Strength Deficit Concept 24:49 Evolving Strength Training Strategies 31:40 Adapting Coaching Philosophies 36:51 Innovative Approaches to Middle School Training 42:35 Refining Movement Patterns for Young Athletes 47:44 Innovative Training Techniques 50:11 Sprinting and Conditioning Strategies 53:23 The Importance of Competition in Training 57:30 Integrating Fun into Conditioning 01:03:08 The Role of Sports Performance Coaches 01:06:37 Outro

Chapters 00:00 The Unconventional Journey of Justin Ochoa 11:21 Building a Basketball-Focused Training Facility 20:18 Individualized Training for Basketball Athletes 29:35 Blending Strength and Skill Coaching 33:47 Taking Responsibility in Coaching 34:40 Jump Development Strategies 36:23 Balancing Strength and Elasticity 38:48 Understanding RSI in Training 47:25 The Value of Velocity-Based Training (VBT) 01:01:05 Outro