It seems like everybody and their mother is talking about force plates these days.

And I’m obviously guilty of it myself…but only because I feel like force plates are the single-most impactful thing I’ve added to my coaching in the past five years.

But what if you’re not a sports scientist – how do you get started?

What tests should you use?

And what metrics should you be looking at?

Well if you’re curious at all about force plates or how to use them, you’re going to love today’s episode with Dr. John McMahon!

Dr. McMahon is the Director of Research and Education at Hawkin Dynamics. He is also an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Salford, where he previously worked for more than a decade as a biomechanics researcher and educator.

John has authored over 100 published journal articles and has presented his force assessment research at multiple international conferences spanning the fields of strength and conditioning, sports biomechanics, and sports science.

And in this episode we’re going to take a deep dive into force plates and how to use them!

Testing should feel like part of coaching.

Dr. John McMahon

12 Quick Takeaways from the Physical Prep Podcast:

1. Force plates provide valuable insights into athletic performance.


2. Start with basic tests to build confidence in using force plates.


3. Key tests for performance include counter movement jumps and isometric pulls.


4. The ODS framework helps link output metrics to performance drivers.


5. Athletes need to be educated on how to interpret their performance data. Communicating results to athletes is crucial for understanding.


6. Relative forces are more significant than absolute forces.


7. Tracking metrics helps refine coaching programs.


8. Athlete motivation and effort are key to accurate assessments.


9. Observing athletes during tests is essential for accurate data.


10. Engaging with athletes during testing enhances the experience.


11. Reducing the number of metrics can prevent overwhelm.


12. Focus on the human aspect of coaching, not just data.

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Connect with Dr. John McMahon:

• Force Plate Coach on IG

Related Links:

• Dr. Paul Comfort on Assessing and Evaluating Force Production


• Drake Berberet: The Beginners Guide to Assessing and Training with Force Plates


• The ODS System: A Guide to Selecting Your Force-Time Metrics

Supercharge Your Decision-Making and Program Design with Hawkin Dynamics Force Plates!

Hawkin Dynamics designs and builds performance hardware and software the right way.

Their dual wireless force plates give you the most accurate, real-time data on athletic performance.

You’ll have the ability to performance test your athletes in a matter of seconds, and give them immediate feedback on their strengths, weaknesses and readiness for that day’s training session.

Their software is designed in house and continually updated to ensure the interface is clean, intuitive and easy to use, so both you and your athletes can visualize what’s going on and how to improve their performance.

And Hawkin Dynamics is built around their customers and provide industry-leading support and training services to ensure you get the most out of their solutions.

With options to lease or buy, coupled with a 5-year warranty, Hawkin Dynamics force plates can take your performance facility to the next level.

To learn more, head over to HawkinDynamics.com or follow them on Instagram @HawinDynamics.

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!

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Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!

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