Ola Eriksrud: Directional Deceleration Development
Feb 5, 2025
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Ola Eriksrud, Head of Sports Science at 1080 Motion, is a physical therapist and professor with deep insights into performance and biomechanics. He discusses the crucial role of deceleration in sports, challenging traditional training concepts. Ola emphasizes the multifaceted nature of deceleration, especially in sports like basketball and hockey. He also highlights innovative training programs for junior athletes, the impact of motorized resistance, and the importance of data analysis in enhancing performance. Listeners gain valuable insights on refining athletic techniques and minimizing injury risks.
Deceleration is gaining importance in sports performance, requiring a multidimensional assessment of horizontal, vertical, and lateral movements.
Misconceptions about deceleration training highlight the necessity for diverse protocols tailored to athletes' unique strengths across various planes.
The integration of technology, like the 1080 Motion system, revolutionizes deceleration training by providing insights into force management and movement patterns.
Deep dives
The Growing Importance of Deceleration in Performance Training
Deceleration is becoming increasingly recognized as a critical component of sports performance, gaining traction alongside the traditionally emphasized acceleration and sprinting speed. The discussion highlights how deceleration should not be treated as a monolithic concept; rather, it includes various directional elements such as horizontal, vertical, and lateral deceleration. Athletes display different strengths in these areas, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments that can evaluate performance in multiple planes. This multidimensional approach allows coaches to tailor training programs that enhance specific deceleration capabilities based on an athlete's unique skills and requirements.
Misconceptions Around Deceleration Training Techniques
There are prevalent misconceptions about how deceleration training is structured and assessed. Many practitioners might focus solely on linear or vertical deceleration without considering lateral movements, which are equally crucial in sports. Additionally, athletes often have differing abilities across planes, which necessitates varied training protocols, challenging the assumption that proficiency in one area guarantees the same in others. By recognizing these nuances, coaches can avoid pitfalls in their training methodologies, ensuring a more effective approach to developing athlete performance.
Effective Assessment Metrics for Deceleration
When assessing deceleration capabilities, the selection of appropriate metrics is vital for obtaining meaningful data. The podcast discusses various tests such as drop jumps, lateral shuffles, and speed-based drills that can provide insights into how athletes decelerate in practice. It highlights the need for assessments that not only measure deceleration itself but also incorporate effects like approach speed and the transition into re-acceleration. By employing a combination of technologies, such as force plates and GPS tracking, coaches can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their athletes' deceleration profiles.
The Role of Technology in Deceleration Training and Assessment
The integration of technology in evaluating and enhancing deceleration is emphasized as a game changer for trainers and sports scientists alike. Tools like the 1080 Motion system allow coaches to observe and modify forces during deceleration to foster better movement patterns. This can help reduce injury risks by conditioning athletes to effectively handle rapid changes in direction and speed. Coupled with traditional metrics, technological insights pave the way for a more nuanced understanding of an athlete's performance dynamics, leading to optimized training interventions.
The Necessity of a Structured Approach to Deceleration Training
Developing a systematic and structured approach to deceleration training is paramount for achieving desired outcomes. Coaches are urged to start training with simpler movements before gradually increasing complexity and intensity, allowing athletes to adapt safely and effectively. This progression helps in identifying areas needing improvement, as well as reinforcing the importance of execution quality before load application. By focusing on structured dosage and frequency of deceleration training sessions, coaches can maximize performance gains while minimizing injury risks.
Ola Eriksrud - Head of Sports Science for 1080 Motion - joins us for the 84th episode of MTN. Ola has an incredible background in performance. As a professor, PT, and consultant for over two decades, Ola brings a wealth of knowledge to every environment. Today, we specifically dive into deceleration and - specifically - how directionality changes inputs and outputs.
Make sure to look Ola up on Research Gate, follow him on X @OlaAthletic1080 and on IG @olaeriksrud
Find and follow us on social media @mtn_perform and check back each Wednesday for a new episode
Big Thanks to our sponsor Lumin Sports:
Lumin continues to change the game within the AMS realm and recently launched their new strength builder platform. Head on over to luminsports.com - and mention Move the Needle at Check out to receive 20% off your first full year.
& a huge Thank You to our sponsor, Hawkin Dynamics:Hawkin is the world leader in force measuring, and continues to put forth the tools for high-performance practitioners to be exactly that, high performers. If you haven't yet checked out Hawkins - head over to their website at: https://www.hawkindynamics.com/ and check out everything they have to offer
Make sure to check out our sponsor, Samson Equipment: Samson is a leader in manufacturing elite weight room equipment (and have been for nearly 50 years). Founded by Dave and Linda Schroeder, Samson is weight room equipment made by coaches for coaches. Check them out at samsonequipment.com for more information
Shoutout to our sponsor, 1080 Motion. The 1080 Sprint is the single best piece of training equipment in the world & has continually changed the game for training speed, strength, and power. Go to 1080motion.com to learn more.
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