Sportsmith

What do we really know about speed in team sports? Is slow concentric strength really the key to elite speed? ?? In this Sportsmith Premium Presentation, Cam Josse breaks down the force-time relationship between weight room strength and top-speed sprinting—two vastly different demands. While heavy squats require slow, high-force efforts, sprinting happens in just one-tenth of a second. So how much does traditional strength training actually impact on-field speed? And are we focusing too much on the wrong qualities? ?? Get the answers inside the full presentation. Check it out below ?? https://lnkd.in/ey9E9Z5n

First gear. Second gear. Third gear. Derek M. Hansen's gearing system simplifies sprint-focused return-to-play programming, helping athletes and coaches gradually progress through acceleration phases while managing hamstring stress and force exposure. In this Sportsmith Premium presentation, he shares assessment and rehab strategies that extend beyond sprinting, making them applicable for a wide range of soft-tissue and joint-related injuries. Learn how to use step-over height, force exposure, and controlled sprint drills to optimize RTP timelines while ensuring long-term resilience. Check the full presentation out below ?? https://lnkd.in/eQkgRQPi

Sport specificity throughout rehab: "Front loading" key movements With Jackson McKellar Effective rehab is moving beyond isolated strength tests. Just because an athlete passes an isokinetic test doesn’t mean they’re ready for high-intensity deceleration or reactive gameplay. Front loading helps bridge this gap by preparing athletes for sport-specific stressors through controlled, progressive gym-based drills—before they take them to the field. "Often, an athlete doesn’t have to be regressed to zero for every sport specific skill involvement due to their injury." This method also fosters better integration between medical staff, S&C coaches, and performance coaches to keep rehab aligned with real-game demands. Learn how to implement front loading in rehab with practical examples. Read the full article on Sportsmith Premium. Link below ?? https://lnkd.in/enJ53hVz

Are limb asymmetries actually impacting performance? ?????♂? For years, coaches and practitioners have debated the significance of inter-limb asymmetries. Are they a red flag for injury risk? Do they affect performance? Or are they just noise in the data? In this deep dive, Chris Bishop unpacks decades of research, exploring the real implications of asymmetries and whether commonly used thresholds (like the 10% rule) hold any weight. While some studies suggest that reducing asymmetry improves movement efficiency, the evidence linking it directly to athletic performance remains weak. The key takeaway? Asymmetry alone shouldn’t dictate interventions—context matters. Whether it’s return-to-play protocols or performance monitoring, this article provides a nuanced, evidence-based approach to assessing and managing limb asymmetries. ?? Want the full breakdown? Check the link out below ?? https://lnkd.in/eVn2ixWY

Are You Training the Right Isometric Qualities? Not all isometric exercises are the same—especially in sprinting. While holding isometrics may be more specific to maximum velocity running because of the braking phase, the propulsive phase may require different types of isometric strength. In this presentation, Alex Natera explains how elite sprinters control force application at high speeds and how coaches can integrate run-specific isometric training to develop resilient, high-performance athletes. Check the full presentation out below ?? https://lnkd.in/e68eZkwA

Now on Sportsmith Premium... "High grade hamstring injury rehabilitation – Principles from research to practice" From Fearghal Kerin Hamstring injuries remain one of the biggest challenges in elite sport, with high-grade strains often leading to prolonged absences and increased risk of re-injury. In this must-watch presentation, Fearghal Kerin takes a deep dive into the latest evidence-based strategies for rehabilitating intramuscular tendon (IMT) and T-junction injuries—some of the most complex hamstring pathologies. Through real-world case studies, progressive rehab frameworks, and exclusive rehab videos, this session breaks down why traditional approaches often fail, how to optimize loading strategies, and the critical role of eccentric and isometric interventions in restoring function. Fearghal also shares insights on alternative imaging techniques, activation deficits, and practical solutions to accelerate return to play while mitigating re-injury risks. If you’re working with athletes recovering from hamstring injuries, this is an essential guide to applying cutting-edge research in practice. Check it out below: https://lnkd.in/eHDrRRZU

?? Mastering Plyometric Progression: A Practical Framework ?? Effective plyometric training is not just about jumping higher or moving faster; it necessitates structured progression and adaptation. In his course, Eamonn Flanagan breaks down a four-phase plyometric framework designed to guide logical, reasoned decisions for athletes of all levels. But here’s the caveat: progression isn’t linear. Each phase—Foundation, Development, Realization, and Transfer—has inherent value, targeting different physical qualities and competencies. The goal? To build robust, reactive athletes, not simply rush them through arbitrary stages. ?? Assess, adapt, and adjust—because effective plyometric training isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about meeting the athlete where they are. Want to learn how to progress plyometric training the right way? Check the link out below ?? https://lnkd.in/eD-H288w

Managing recurrent hamstring injuries in an elite sprinter With Brice Pennicott - powered by VALD Performance Recurrent hamstring injuries are a nightmare for sprinters. Research shows that previous injury is the biggest predictor of future injury, yet many rehab programs fail to address the full picture. In this deep dive, Brice walks us through the case of a 22-year-old elite sprinter who battled five hamstring injuries over four years—each one setting up the next. What went wrong? What was missed? And how did they finally break the cycle? Key takeaways: ?? Why tendon healing times matter more than we think ??The role of biomechanics and asymmetries in injury risk ??How load management and sprint exposure influence long-term resilience This is a must-read for coaches, physios, and S&C practitioners working in sprint-dominant sports. Learn how to move beyond symptom management and create a system for lasting injury prevention. Want the full article? Check it out below: https://lnkd.in/eqx5KfHk

Are You Using Plyometrics Effectively? Jump and plyometric training can be a powerful tool for athletic development—but only if used with purpose. Yoeri Pegel's approach to jump training in team sports: Step 1: Reverse engineer sport-specific demands to tailor training Step 2: Categorize jump and plyometric exercises for better programming Step 3: Assess jump ability objectively & subjectively for targeted interventions Whether you’re enhancing robustness to reduce injury risk or building explosive movement qualities, how you implement jump training matters. Want to see how Yoeri applies this in real-world settings? Check the full presentation out here ?? https://lnkd.in/epCBKKgH If you want to learn more from Yoeri, check out his FREE article "Position-specific jump development for soccer goalkeepers" here ?? https://lnkd.in/eVCgy2WC

The line-up for the Sportsmith Return to Play Conference at the Intuit Dome, LA on 27-29 June is now complete. Congratulations to David Power & Carlos del Barrio who's case study submissions were selected and they will present at the event! Alongside them will be Enda King (who will also hold a pre-conference workshop on the Friday evening), Keith Baar Romain Tourillon Bill Knowles Matt Jordan, PhD Tim McGrath Alan Murdoch Maggie Bryant, Brady Green Robin Thorpe Fionn MacPartlin Tyler Lesher Loren Landow Jim Godin & Alex Calder What more do you want...? ? Spectacular location ? World-class speakers ? Unrivalled networking opportunities Join us! https://lnkd.in/e9Nh5ubD This event is powered bby VALD Performance PLAE Output Sports Exos & Teamworks Performance