Move the Needle: The Human Performance Podcast

Rodrigo Alvira: Archetypes, Force Plates, VBT

43 snips
Oct 8, 2025
Rodrigo Alvira, performance coach for the Detroit Pistons and founder of Spaniard Performance, dives deep into the world of sports science. He discusses the intriguing concept of archetyping in athletes, revealing how force-plate data can redefine those archetypes. With a focus on velocity-based training, he shares insights on using velocity targets for optimal training loads and the importance of progress tracking. Rodrigo also highlights how understanding jump dynamics can tailor training for individual athletes, making this conversation a must-listen for sports enthusiasts!
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ADVICE

Dose The Opposite Quality To Improve

  • Train athletes toward the opposite side of their dominant spectrum in small doses to get best results.
  • For elastic athletes use slow/heavy and isometrics; for muscular athletes add high-volume, low-intensity plyometrics.
INSIGHT

Lab Tests Are Communication Tools

  • Constrained lab tests provide communication and benchmarks but don't fully represent on-court expression.
  • Trending maximal unconstrained outputs (e.g., running vertical) helps relate lab numbers to sport performance.
ADVICE

Clean Up Curves With Repeated Testing

  • Make athletes do many jumps until their force-time curves clean up before using the data for decisions.
  • Compare early, mid, and late-season curves to spot genuine changes versus learning effects.
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