The Speed Lab Podcast

In a thought-provoking conversation, Matt Hank, Head S&C Coach at Santa Monica College and speed training innovator, shares insights on rethinking acceleration mechanics. He emphasizes the importance of respectful disagreement in advancing coaching practices. Diving into the intricacies of limb velocity over brute strength, Matt challenges conventional coaching cues and drills. He discusses organizing acceleration training effectively and critiques common flexion drills, advocating for a focus on extension timing for elite performance.

Scott Salwasser, Head NFL Combine Coach at EXOS, shares his expertise in training elite athletes for the NFL Combine. He discusses managing over 50 athletes efficiently and the importance of a low-volume, high-intensity approach. Salwasser dives into the use of advanced tech like force plates and the 1080 Sprint system for profiling speed safely. He emphasizes tailoring training based on data, the significance of strength profiling, and the strategies behind tapering as the combine approaches. His insights are a must-hear for anyone interested in athlete development!

In this different type of episode, Les shares the messy, unpolished origin story: from building the first “Speed Lab” in a school closet, to testing elite athletes before the system even existed, to struggling financially while trying to scale something no one had ever built before. He breaks down how analytics, education, business systems, and community became the pillars that carried the company past 200 Speed Labs worldwide.If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Speed Lab, schedule a time with our team at the link below. https://universalspeedrating.com/learn-more-partner-with-universal-speed-rating-speed-lab-podcastEpisode Timestamps00:00 – 01:02: Why this episode is personal + hitting 200 Speed Labs01:02 – 03:40: How COVID, fatherhood, and a school basement led to the first Speed Lab03:40 – 07:15: The first athletes tested & discovering what a “Speed Lab” really was07:15 – 12:10: Standardizing speed, early testing chaos, and building the MPH database12:10 – 17:17: Building software, courses, systems — and why community became the backbone17:17 – 20:35: Burnout, overexposure, money struggles, and NFL players stepping up to invest20:35 – 24:57: Finding his role, rediscovering the excitement, and blending family + business life24:57 – 27:28: Lessons learned: Start before you’re ready & simplify everything you build

Kyle Bolton, the Director of Speed & Performance for Oregon Football, shares his expertise on building elite speed year-round. He discusses the crucial off-season blueprint, the significance of GPS tracking, and how to blend strength with game speed while preparing for the Big Ten. Bolton also unpacks the impact of NIL and the transfer portal on coaching strategies. Plus, he reveals what sets college speed training apart from combine prep and offers vital advice for aspiring athletes aiming for the league.

In this episode, Les Spellman sits down with legendary quarterback developer Jordan Palmer for a deep dive into what it really takes to build elite quarterbacks. Jordan has trained some of the NFL's biggest names - Josh Allen, Sam Darnold, Joe Burrow - and in this episode, he pulls back the curtain on his evaluation process, the mental and physical traits that separate good from great, and why quarterback development is about movement first, mechanics second.Jordan shares never-before-told stories about Josh Allen's breakthrough during the COVID offseason, what Sam Darnold learned from watching Brock Purdy in San Francisco, and why the quarterback coaching industry is 20 years behind golf. Episode Timestamps0:00 – Intro: How Jordan would develop Les into a quarterback3:21 – The mental and emotional filter: What Jordan looks for before anything physical7:41 – How Jordan assesses learning ability and football IQ9:39 – Breaking down film evaluation: Anticipation, accuracy, and spatial awareness13:43 – The Josh Allen question: What changed year over year?19:41 – Sam Darnold's secret weapon: Resilience and routine20:00 – Quarterbacks who've been "counted out" and came back (Baker, Geno, Sam)22:24 – Why Sam's year in San Francisco was more valuable than anyone realizes26:24 – The LPGA swing coach revelation: "Is everyone doing this wrong?"29:22 – The philosophy: Quarterback is about movement, not just mechanics39:57 – Physical development before technique: The missing piece in youth QB training43:11 – The nutrition gap: Parents invest in training but miss the fundamentals53:28 – How youth sports schedules have changed—and why delivery systems must adapt57:38 – Changing the conversation at the kitchen table58:55 – The lowest hanging fruit for elite performance: Nutrition and sleep1:02:12 – Where to find Jordan Palmer and QB Summit services

Brian Buck, a seasoned applied sports scientist with a history at Sparta Science, shares his expertise on force plate profiling and optimizing athletic performance. He reveals the critical connection between movement efficiency and injury risks, emphasizing the stretch-shortening cycle's role. Brian discusses innovative training tools, including plyometrics and resistance devices, and how data from force plates can tailor in-season strategies for athletes. He also highlights the importance of athlete education and the integration of therapy to maximize training outcomes.

Ken Vick, owner of Velocity Sports Performance, shares insights from his extensive coaching background in Olympic weightlifting and athlete durability. He discusses the critical balance between performance precision and athlete health, addressing the concerning rise of injuries in youth and professional sports. Vick emphasizes the importance of coach education and data-driven decision-making to enhance training frameworks. He also highlights how early specialization can lead to long-term injury risks, stressing the need for varied movement exposure.

Hunter Eisenhower, Associate Head Coach for Arizona State men's basketball, discusses his innovative 'Force System' training methodology. He explores the four pillars: High, Fast, Slow, and Human Force, which revolutionize traditional strength training. Hunter explains how to profile athletes using his Archetype Quadrants and the importance of balancing force qualities. Listeners will learn practical strategies for injury prevention and performance optimization, along with insightful practical drills for different athletic needs.

Cici and Danny explore the tough realities of making an NFL roster, emphasizing how personality and timing can outweigh pure talent. They share insights on athlete profiling, tendon efficiency, and the importance of balancing health with performance. T-Mac's training regimen showcases how data tracking can significantly impact player resilience and development. They also discuss the role of leadership and authenticity in sports coaching, as well as the benefits of integrating pro-level strategies into high school training.

Explore the rise in youth sports injuries and how early specialization is harming long-term athlete development. The hosts discuss balancing health and performance, critiquing the NFL Combine's focus on short-term gains. They dive into the importance of smarter stress management, parental oversight, and better communication among coaches and medical staff. Learn about the P3 model's insights into biomechanical risks and why adaptability in training programs is crucial for athlete longevity.