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The Force-Velocity Curve Lie & Why Olympic Weightlifting Is Superior w/ Dan Cleather (SSOF Ep 179)

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Feb 9, 2026

Guest

Dan Cleather

Dan Cleather, strength and conditioning specialist and biomechanics author, dives into force, impulse, and training myths. He challenges the classic force-velocity idea and unpack why load is not the same as force. He compares jumps, Olympic lifts, and plyometrics, and explains why impulse and time-specific force production matter for sport performance.

01:03:39

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Early vs. Late RFD Are Different

Early RFD is mainly neural (twitchiness); late RFD relates more to strength/explosive strength.
Different time windows require different training methods and diagnostics.

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ADVICE

Train To Increase Impulse

Use impulse (force×time, area under force–time curve) to predict velocity change directly.
Diagnose and improve movement by targeting more area under the force–time curve, not just peak force.

insights

INSIGHT

More Time Can Mean Higher Jump

Longer joint excursion can increase impulse by providing more time to produce force.
Elite weightlifters often descend deeper to gain time and raise jump height via greater impulse.

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Why the Force–Velocity Curve Misleads

01:12 • 3min

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Load Versus Force: Key Distinction

03:54 • 2min

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Origin of the Curve in Muscle Fibers

Jumps vs Olympic Lifting for Explosiveness

14:14 • 3min

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Force-Time Profile of the Olympic Lifts

17:06 • 1min

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Are Isometrics a Good Substitute?

18:14 • 3min

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Defining True Plyometrics

21:09 • 3min

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Measuring Rate of Force Development

24:21 • 3min

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Early vs Late RFD and Underlying Mechanisms

27:31 • 4min

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Impulse as the Key Variable

31:13 • 4min

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Implications of Impulse on Jump Strategy

35:34 • 2min

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Training Specificity and Time Constraints

37:20 • 2min

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Rethinking Triple Extension Cues

39:40 • 4min

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What Specificity Really Means

43:42 • 5min

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From Squats to Sport-Specific Actions

48:30 • 4min

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Biarticular Muscles and Rotational Effects

52:31 • 5min

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Force Absorption Is a Misnomer

57:38 • 3min

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Eccentric Overload: Trade-offs and Uses

Force, The Biomechanics of Training

Dan Cleather

#8955

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

The Practice of Change

The Art and Science of Training

Dan Cleather

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James and Dan Cleather delve into the intricacies of biomechanics, focusing on the force velocity curve, power development, and the nuances of training methodologies. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding the force velocity curve, the importance of impulse in understanding movement, and the debate between different training modalities such as jumps and Olympic weightlifting.

Dan emphasizes the significance of rate of force development and the role of eccentric training, while also addressing common myths like force absorption. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the importance of specificity in training and how to effectively transfer general capacities into sport-specific performance.

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction to the Force Velocity Curve

00:56 Debunking the Force Velocity Curve

04:28 Understanding Power in Training

08:20 Power Development: Jumps vs. Olympic Lifts

14:37 Rate of Force Development Explained

21:38 True Plyometrics vs. Other Jumping Exercises

28:37 Early vs. Late Stage Rate of Force Development

30:13 Understanding Rate of Force Development

31:37 The Concept of Impulse in Training

35:33 Jumping Mechanics and Impulse

38:32 Training Specificity in Weightlifting

39:53 The Importance of Triple Extension

43:41 Defining Specificity in Training

46:56 Building General Capacities for Sports

52:57 Bi-articular Muscles and Their Role

57:35 Force Absorption: Myth or Reality?

01:00:28 Eccentric Overload Training Insights

Dan's Books: ⁠https://amzn.to/3ZppvyZ

Website: https://www.dancleather.com/

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