High school strength and conditioning coaches have systems for tracking progress — max testing, movement screens, wellness surveys. But what if a single rep could capture everything about an athlete’s neuromuscular readiness, mechanical symmetry, and power development? That’s what force plate technology seeks to offer — precise, real-time feedback that drives smarter programming, safer training, and measurable development.

Traditionally found in research labs or elite training centers, force plate technology is becoming increasingly accessible for high school programs. Whether reinforcing Olympic lift form or identifying fatigue, force plates remove guesswork and replace it with data-driven clarity.

The science behind the data

A force plate measures the ground reaction forces produced during a movement, whether it’s a jump, isometric pull, squat, or sprint start. Readings translate into performance metrics like peak force, rate of force development (RFD), eccentric deceleration, asymmetry between limbs, and impulse. This data helps assess if athletes are producing force efficiently, recovering appropriately, or favoring one side after injury. With hundreds of inputs collected in milliseconds, it’s not about how much an athlete lifts, it’s about how they generate power.

Most importantly, this data identifies red flags early. If an athlete shows a significant drop in RFD or impulse symmetry, it shows it’s time to intervene. This allows coaches to adapt training with precision and reduces injury risks. Coaches can dial in volume, intensity, and recovery protocols based on objective feedback, not just athlete self-report or visual observation.

Force Plates in the high school setting

Integration doesn’t need to start as a full-scale overhaul. A countermovement jump (CMJ) test, one plate, one iPad, provides actionable data in less than two minutes per athlete. Platforms like Hawkin Dynamics, Vald ForceDecks, and Output provide user-friendly interfaces that visualize results and generate team reports. Some coaches use CMJ scores to create “green-yellow-red” readiness zones that guide daily training decisions.

Force plates shine in return-to-play protocols. Instead of guessing when a post-ACL athlete is ready to return to play, pre- and post-injury asymmetry scores and force curves determine mechanical restoration. An isometric mid-thigh pull test can be used to track progress across the semester, particularly for multi-sport athletes with limited lifting time.

One force plate is enough to accommodate test groups in small batches — linemen on Monday, skill positions on Tuesday. Showing athletes their data and trends builds trust. When they can objectively see their progression, it boosts their buy-in. The data proves why athletes are doing what they are doing, not just to themselves, but to administrators and boosters as well.

Gaining Support and training staff

Budgets are always tight, but data-rich tools like force plates offer a compelling return. Injury reduction, performance optimization, and concrete tracking of athletic development are powerful talking points when presenting to ADs, principals, school boards, and communities. Force plate data can be used in end-of-year reports, athlete profiles, or college recruiting packets to show real progress.

Next, build a system for using the hardware. Force plate vendors often offer onboarding support and built-in tutorials. Choose a single test (like CMJ) to learn how to read the outputs. Assistant coaches, athletic trainers, and even interns can assist with data collection and analysis once protocols are established.

Involve sport coaches too, especially if the data supports on-field performance. A basketball coach might love seeing pregame readiness numbers. A track coach can use force-time curves to evaluate jumper or sprinter mechanics. Involving sport coaches strengthens interdepartmental collaboration and further validates the tech.

Where to start

Here are the main steps for coaches who think force plates are right for them:

  • Choose one unit that serves multiple purposes from a reliable vendor (Vald, Hawkin, Output).
  • Get acclimated to the software and data collection process.
  • Set up testing per team or position group with a simple test like the countermovement jump.
  • Collect data and share it with athletes to inform training adjustments.
  • Track trends over time to inform readiness and recovery protocols.
  • Expand usage as comfort and needs grow.

Force plates don’t replace a coach’s eye, they inform it. When used thoughtfully, force plates empower coaches to make better decisions, develop stronger athletes, and create trust rooted in data. In a profession where clarity is currency, force plates provide unmistakeable value.