Move the Needle: The Human Performance Podcast Chris Chase: Elite Level Problem Solving
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Oct 22, 2025 In this discussion, Chris Chase, the Director of Performance for the Memphis Grizzlies, shares his insights on elite-level problem solving in sports. With nearly a decade in his role, he dives into how performance evaluations have evolved, particularly in assessing multi-directional speed. Chris emphasizes the importance of kinetic and spatio-temporal metrics over traditional time-based tests and discusses the limitations of dumbbells in professional training. He also highlights how technology enhances strength training and the balance between specific movements and general fitness.
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Career Built By Internships And Networking
- Chris Chase traced his path from UConn and Springfield College into NBA roles via internships and networking.
- He credits mentors and relationships (USC, Atlanta) for landing positions with the Hawks and Grizzlies.
Time Alone Misleads In MDS Testing
- Time-based metrics alone (e.g., 10m times) are often too noisy and uninformative for programming decisions.
- Combining spatio-temporal measures with kinetics (force, impulse, ground contact times) yields far more actionable multidirectional speed data.
Use ADA To Target Early Deceleration
- Use the ADA (acceleration-deceleration ability) test to capture both acceleration and early high-speed deceleration.
- Focus metrics on step-by-step kinetics (early decel steps, impulses, contact times) rather than only overall time.