Force plates have evolved from lab-based equipment into portable...
Jo Clubb@JoClubbSportSci
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Dec 27, 2025
~1 min read
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Force plates have evolved from lab-based equipment into portable tools used widely in applied sport. To use them effectively, it is important to understand what they actually measure. Let's dive into it 👇🏼
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At their core, force plates measure ground reaction force using sensors that convert mechanical force into an electrical signal. From this force data, variables such as RFD, velocity, and power can be derived using Newton’s laws of motion.
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By analysing the force–time curve during standardised tests, such as a countermovement jump, practitioners can identify specific movement phases and extract information relevant to profiling, monitoring, and rehabilitation.
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The value of force plates lies not in the volume of metrics available, but in selecting the right tests for the athlete and the context.
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Consistent protocols, stable setup, and repeatable testing conditions remain essential for producing data that can genuinely inform decision-making.
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I've shared a lot about force plates via Global Performance Insights this year, and there's more to come in 2026!
Read more on the Global Performance Insights blog: globalperformanceinsights.com/post/force-pla…
Read more on the Global Performance Insights blog: globalperformanceinsights.com/post/force-pla…
