Explore every episode of the podcast Finish Strong Hoops
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 14: Phil Anloague - Foundations of Athletic Archetyping | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:47:03 | |
Dr. Anloague is a nationally respected clinician, educator, researcher, and the founding owner of Orion Physical Therapy. With nearly 30 years of experience in spine rehabilitation and sports medicine, he has worked with athletes from youth and collegiate levels to elite professionals. His research focuses on the utility of functional and clinical testing to reduce injury risk and optimize performance. He has published widely on clinical measures, shoulder injuries in overhead athletes, neurodynamics, and spinal anatomy, and he is a highly sought after national speaker on these areas. Phil is currently a Research Consultant for NBA league initiatives as well as the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Philadelphia 76ers, with prior consulting roles across MLB, NFL, and collegiate athletics. Find Dr. Anloague via: Email: panloague@oriontherapy.com IG: drphil_uddpt 01:04 Phil's Professional Journey 05:50 Entering High Performance Environments 09:17 Framework for Athlete Profiling 16:10 Biomechanical and Functional Testing 18:45 Ankle Sprain Initiative 20:47 Athlete Profiling and Archetypes 30:50 Developing the Athletic Type Continuum Index 36:04 Recovery Strategies Based on Athlete Typing 39:35 Future Projects and Closing Remarks | |||
| Ep 13: Trent Salo - Theory to Practice in Tendinopathy Assessment & Management | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:56:25 | |
Trent Salo is a widely respected physical therapist, strength & conditioning coach, and high-performance strategist and consultant. He is the founder of The Tendon Lab, located in Traverse City, MI, where he leverages advanced tendon imaging to monitor Achilles and patellar tendon health, and then drawing up customized rehabilitation solutions for his athletes and clients. Prior to The Tendon Lab, Trent served as the Senior Director of Performance for the Detroit Pistons, and later as Vice President of Player Health & Performance for the Charlotte Hornets. Currently, Trent is pursuing a PhD focused on tendon health learning from the world’s leading researchers in human tendon health and adaptation. In this episode we chat about all things tendons - the assessment tools available and adapting the current research frameworks into practical management strategies. Be sure to look up Trent's work:
00:12 Career Background and Tendon Health Insights 02:14 Current Focus on Tendon Science 04:30 The Tendon Lab: Bringing Professional Service to the Public 06:25 Diagnosing Tendinopathy: Imaging and Symptoms 10:58 Tools for Examining Tendon Health 15:28 Mechanical Properties and Function of Tendons 24:08 Metabolic Health and Tendon Pathology 26:19 Loading Interventions for Tendon Adaptation 28:14 Understanding Tendon Load Responses 28:44 Feedback Loops and Models in Tendon Training 30:44 Practical Applications and Proxies 33:12 Pain Monitoring and Tendon Adaptation 36:35 Loading Prescriptions and Methods 43:05 Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) in Tendon Health 45:35 Off-Season and In-Season Tendon Management 51:25 Upcoming Tendon Summit and Final Thoughts | |||
| Ep 12: Matt Jordan - Force Plate Testing and Eccentric Capacities in Basketball | 18 Oct 2025 | 00:58:38 | |
In this episode, Dr. Matt Jordan joins the show to discuss his journey and insights into sports science, with a focus on the evolution of force plate technology and its application in athletic training and rehabilitation. Matt reflects on his career steps, mentorship experiences, and pivotal moments that shaped his research and practical approaches. The conversation delves into the specifics of testing and training eccentric qualities, particularly reflexive eccentrics, and the methodologies for improving athlete performance post-injury. Matt also shares his latest projects and the valuable resources available on Jordanstrength.com for practitioners looking to enhance their knowledge and application of strength and conditioning principles. 00:48 Early Career and Mentorship 02:54 Discovering Force Plate Technology 05:02 Advancements in Return to Sport 07:33 Challenges in Return to Play Testing 14:18 Innovative Testing and Training Approaches 20:55 Asymmetries and Benchmark Standards 25:56 Kinematic Assessments and Practical Applications 30:09 Kinematics and Mechanics in Athletic Training 30:53 Exploring Eccentric Abilities in Athletes 31:30 Innovative Robotic Leg Press for Force Measurement 32:36 Challenges in Measuring Eccentric Strength 32:58 Longitudinal Study on Eccentric and Concentric Force 34:22 Understanding Eccentric Force Output 35:19 Braking Mechanics and Injury Prevention 40:36 Reflexive Eccentrics in Rehabilitation 49:11 Future Directions and Exciting Developments IG: @jordanstrength Website: www.jordanstrength.com | |||
| Ep 11: Matt Aldred - Fascial Archetyping and Training in Basketball | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:54:52 | |
Matt Aldred is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Michigan Men’s Basketball. Prior to Michigan, he was the Director of Basketball Health and Performance at Furman for six seasons. In that role, he also worked with Furman’s men’s golf and men’s and women’s cross country. Before Furman, he spent a season at the University of Florida as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, working with both men’s and women’s basketball programs. In this episode, Matt recounts his unique journey from soccer to becoming a strength coach for basketball teams in the U.S. He discusses the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and humility in his professional journey. He also delves into the intricacies of individualized training programs, the impact of NIL on athlete management, and the practical application of fascial mechanics for sports. Throughout, the focus remains on making the weight room a place of growth and enjoyment for athletes while adapting training techniques to meet individual needs and roles within the team. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 03:31 Early Coaching Experiences 09:48 Strength and Conditioning Philosophy 15:00 Individualization and NIL Impact 19:09 Fascial Mechanics and Archetypes 26:53 Seasonal Training Focus 27:48 Force Plate Testing Insights 29:03 Athlete Performance Metrics 29:58 Training Adjustments and Feedback 34:33 In-Season Training Strategies 41:53 New Equipment and Testing Methods 44:52 Future Plans and Professional Development 47:32 Fascial Mechanics Course Overview Contact Matt on IG: sc_aldred Fascial Mechanics for Sport course: https://ruderockstrength.thinkific.com/courses/fascial-mechanics | |||
| Ep 10: Adam Petway - Needs Analysis and Change of Direction Testing | 13 Sep 2025 | 00:55:22 | |
Adam is the Executive Director of Player Health and Performance for the Seahorses Mikawa in Japan's B League. He shares his career journey, which took him from the high school, collegiate, NBA, and now overseas. The discussion covers his approach to entering and leading a new department (with a language barrier). We also delve into his research on change of direction performance in basketball athletes, the methodologies involved, and the implications of these findings on training and performance. Additionally, we discuss the integration of biomechanical and tactical insights into coaching, the role of technology in performance analysis, and his book 'Basketball Mechanics,' which examines the key factors in the games' top performers. The conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in sports performance, biomechanics, and basketball coaching. 00:15 Adjusting to Life in Japan 03:50 Establishing Leadership in a New Role 07:26 Career Journey and Passion Projects 09:48 Research on Change of Direction Performance 26:43 Developing a Needs Analysis for the Team 31:03 Key Performance Tests for Basketball Players 39:44 Understanding Asymmetries in Athletic Performance 45:00 Future Trends in Sports Performance and Technology 46:43 Insights from the Book 'Basketball Mechanics' 50:42 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Contact Adam at: | |||
| Ep 9: Jordan Sabourin - Longevity in the NBA & Practical BFR Integration | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:55:59 | |
In this episode, Dr. Jordan Sabourin, Head Strength Coach for the Detroit Pistons, shares his journey from playing college basketball, to a professional career in Germany, and transitioning into coaching in the NBA. Jordan discusses his initial exposure to high-performance training in the league, his diverse professional experiences, and adapting to the evolving landscape of sports science and conditioning within the NBA. Reflecting on his 13-year tenure with the Detroit Pistons, Jordan emphasizes the importance of developing strong relationships with athletes and details his balance of traditional strength training with modern techniques like blood flow restriction (BFR). Highlighting the completion of his PhD and its focus on BFR, Jordan reveals key findings regarding fatigue management and its practical applications in an NBA setting. He also previews his upcoming comprehensive BFR course aimed at bridging academic knowledge with real-world sports application. 01:10 Jordan's Basketball Journey 02:22 Transition to Strength and Conditioning 06:04 Joining the Detroit Pistons 08:30 Evolving Role of Strength Coaches 10:17 Building Player Relationships 18:19 Pursuing a PhD 26:03 The Value of a PhD in Today's World 28:22 Introduction to Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) 29:27 Implementing BFR in NBA Training 36:19 Practical Applications of BFR 42:43 Managing Tendinopathy with BFR 49:39 Future Endeavors and Contact Information Contact Dr. Sabourin: Email: jsabourinphd@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jordan-sabourin-phd-713a1628 X.com: @jsabs44 | |||
| Ep 8: Mike Robertson - Advice on Training Pros vs. Developmental Players | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:52:54 | |
Mike Robertson is, and has been, a leader in the physical preparation industry for over two decades. Mike is the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST), the creator of Robertson Training Systems, and one of the most respected performance coaches in the field with experience training NBA pros as well as leading the physical preparation of young developing basketball athletes. Mike Robertson shares his journey and expertise in the field of physical preparation, discussing his move from a powerlifting and soccer background to focusing on basketball training. He emphasizes the importance of foundational training, recovery strategies, and the integration of movement assessments. Mike also covers the challenges faced by young coaches today and the importance of mentorship in the current world of endless information. Additionally, Mike sheds light on his current projects and the value of in-person workshops for optimizing learning and training methods. 01:24 Transition to Basketball 05:15 Working with Developmental Athletes 08:03 Assessment and Intake Process 12:24 Movement and Performance Testing 20:04 Training Strategies for Pros and Young Athletes 24:26 Summer Training Success Stories 24:55 Managing Tendinopathies in Athletes 28:57 Off-Season Training Blocks 32:34 Balancing Training and Court Time 41:16 Advice for Young Coaches 45:00 Resources and Future Projects Robertson Training Systems: https://robertsontrainingsystems.com/ IFAST Basketball Insiders: https://ifastbasketballinsiders.com/ Contact Mike: | |||
| Ep 7: Ramsey Nijem - Research to Weight Room Application in Elite Basketball | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:52:17 | |
In this episode, Ramsey Nijem, delves into his career journey from being the youngest Head Strength Coach in the NBA to joining Kansas University men's basketball as the Director of Sport Performance. He discusses his career path, the nuances of off-season strength training, and how he builds meaningful relationships with his basketball athletes. Ramsey emphasizes the importance of a solid foundational training block, evolving with new technologies and testing methods, and how to adapt coaching styles as one progresses in their career. He also touches on the challenges young coaches face in the era of information overload and underscores the value of critical thinking over credentials. Additionally, Ramsey talks about his Applied Performance Coach course and other upcoming projects aimed at improving training methodologies in basketball. 00:38 Early Career and NBA Journey 01:21 Basketball Passion and Training Philosophy 02:38 Testing and Profiling New Players 05:16 Evolving Testing Methods 10:00 Force Plate Technology and Applications 13:03 Interpreting Force Plate Data 22:32 Offseason Training Program 27:12 Relationship with Coach Self 27:43 Managing Player Workload 29:13 Building Relationships with Players 29:37 Challenges of the Transfer Portal 30:06 Transparency and Accountability 33:03 Adapting to Generational Changes 38:07 Developing Quality Coaches 41:52 Creating the Applied Performance Coach Course 45:19 Future Projects and Personal Life Applied Performance Coach courses: https://www.appliedperformancecoach.com/ Contact Ramsey: Website: ramseynijem.com IG: @dr.ramsey.nijem | |||
| Ep 6: Erik Helland - Timeless Strength Coach Qualities for Success in Elite Basketball | 29 Jun 2025 | 00:50:07 | |
Legendary Strength Coach, Erik Helland, who has a storied career spanning both the NBA (including the iconic 90's Chicago Bulls) and collegiate basketball at the University of Wisconsin, shares invaluable insights into the evolution of coaching, the importance of mentorship, and building team cohesion. Helland reflects on his time spent bonding with athletes and coaches, his appreciation for the influential mentorship of Al Vermeil, and the crucial transition moments in his career. He emphasizes the significance of consistent, high-quality training, effective communication, and creating a culture that prioritizes both athletic and personal development. Helland also touches on the administrative challenges of the expanding staff sizes in today's league, the interplay between athletic training and strength conditioning, and the timeless qualities necessary for becoming a successful coach. Erik's Email: erikhelland63@gmail.com 00:58 Mentorship and Professional Growth 03:04 Impact of Al Vermeil 06:56 Chicago Bulls in the 80s and 90s 11:41 Training Philosophy and Team Culture 14:40 Challenges of Modern NBA Staffs 20:24 Collaboration with Training Staff 23:15 Injury Rates and Factors 24:56 Innovative Team Lifts in the NBA 25:37 Consistency and Quality in Training 28:23 Challenges and Adaptations in Collegiate Coaching 31:39 Building Strong Relationships with Athletes 36:23 Timeless Art of Coaching 44:15 Current Endeavors and Future Plans | |||
| Ep 5: Jess Elis - Realities for Success in the NBA | 30 May 2025 | 00:47:16 | |
Dr. Jess Elis is the founder of Rehab Code, and the former Vice President of Player Health with the New York Knicks and before that the Director of Player Health and Performance with the Trailblazers. He is someone that has mastered both the science and art of high-performance sports medicine and leadership. In this episode, Jess shares his journey from starting with minimal network connections to leading multiple departments in the NBA. The discussion covers key moments in his career, the value of sacrifice, being realistic in your education pursuits, and avoiding the arrogance that comes with the titles. Jess also highlights the underbelly of the NBA, the real challenges professionals face in high-performance settings, and not tying your identity to your job. We wrap up discussing his company, Rehab Code, aimed at offering community-based sports rehab education and mentorship as well as his other initiatives. Rehab Code: https://www.therehabcode.com/ Jess Elis on Instagram: @physio_elis 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Journey into Professional Sports 02:02 Breaking into the Industry 04:43 Challenges and Sacrifices 12:10 The Importance of Personality in Pro Sports 16:36 Arrogance vs. Mastery 20:10 Communication and Collaboration in Pro Sports 22:31 Staff Size and Role Definition 25:13 Player Relationships and Role Dynamics 25:47 Athlete-Led Experience vs. PT-Led Model 28:22 Realities of Working in Pro Sports 33:36 Mentorship and Professional Growth 37:02 Introducing Rehab Code 39:46 Future Ventures and Opportunities 42:39 Connecting with Rehab Code | |||
| Ep 4: Maggie Bryant - Evolving Leadership in the NBA | 21 May 2025 | 00:40:14 | |
Maggie Bryant, President of Performance, Health, and Wellness for the LA Clippers joins us today to share her career story and how she has evolved to lead a highly reputable medical & performance department within the league. Maggie discusses her early interest in basketball, the injuries that led her to physical therapy, and her progression through various roles within the NBA. She provides deep insights into handling complex relationships and communication strategies within the team. The conversation also explores the importance of role clarity, continuing education, and the use of biomechanics to enhance player performance and injury prevention. Maggie's experience and strategies offer valuable lessons for both current and aspiring professionals in the field. This episode is brought to you by Vald and Teambuildr Contact Maggie: Email: maggieibryant@gmail.com IG: maggsb55 X: bryant5maggie 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:45 Entering Professional Sports 04:09 Role with the Clippers 06:14 Staff Development and Team Dynamics 11:50 Handling Player Relationships 16:35 Challenges and Strategies 21:45 Communication and Decision Making 29:08 Innovations and Future Directions 34:22 Personal Insights and Advice 36:22 Conclusion and Contact Information | |||
| Ep 3: Lee Taft - Effective Speed & Agility Training in Basketball | 08 May 2025 | 00:48:09 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Lee Taft, widely known as "The Speed Guy." With over 35 years of experience, Lee is a renowned authority on athletic movement and multidirectional speed training. His methodologies, drills, and principles are used by NFL, NBA, and MLB teams, top NCAA programs, and performance facilities across the globe. Lee’s coaching roots run deep — he has coached basketball teams and athletes at all levels and does an exceptional job at simplifying complex concepts into digestible skills that can directly apply to the game. He has a deep passion for the game of basketball, and is an incredible advocate for developing athletes and bridging the gap between coaches and players. 01:09 Importance of Language in Coaching 02:14 Guest's Background and Journey 05:32 Common Misconceptions in Basketball Coaching 12:42 Developing Locomotion Literacy in Athletes 17:18 Rehabilitation and Return to Play 21:01 Using Bands for Deceleration Training 23:43 Using Bands for Lower Body Emphasis 25:23 Importance of Skill Development and Free Play 29:40 Incorporating Skill Development in Team Settings 35:28 Conditioning and Skill Training Integration 39:17 Balancing Play and Training for Young Athletes 44:08 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning This episode is powered by Teambuildr. TeamBuildr PRACTICE is running a limited-time pre-sale. Secure 25% off by heading to teambuildr.com/practice before May 31, 2025. Learn more from Lee at his website: https://leetaft.com/ Follow Lee on IG: https://www.instagram.com/leetaft/ | |||
| Ep 2: Erik Meira - Keeping the Science & Effective Athlete Care | 26 Apr 2025 | 01:01:46 | |
Erik is a nationally recognized physical therapist, consultant, and educator based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in sports rehabilitation and applying science to sports medicine, with his current focus on supporting professional and elite collegiate athletes. In this episode, he shares his observations on the gaps medical & performance professionals typically have when it comes to applying science into their practice. The conversation delves into what is really "evidence-based practice" and the critical appraisal of new technology in high-level basketball. Speaking from over two decades of experience, he advocates for the role of practitioners as guides rather than "fixers", stressing the need for transparency, hammering the basics well, and keeping interactions centered around the athlete's values. Learn more about Erik and his courses at: www.thesciencept.com Register for the Elite Rehab Basketball Conference at: https://basketball.eliterehabconferences.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 01:05 Starting the PT Inquests Podcast 02:37 Journey into Physical Therapy 04:42 Developing a Unique Practice 06:00 Engaging with Higher-Level Athletes 08:02 Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy 09:06 Challenges in Research and Application 22:13 Efficacy vs. Effectiveness in Therapy 28:18 Critically Appraising New Technology 29:22 Identifying and Addressing Performance Gaps 30:23 Challenges with High-Tech Solutions in Sports Science 32:50 The Importance of Simplicity in Athletic Testing 33:53 Athlete Perception and Technology 35:03 Focusing on Fundamentals Over Cutting-Edge Tech 36:57 Addressing Basic Issues in Athletic Performance 43:46 The Role of Medical Providers in Sports 52:32 Elite Basketball Rehab Conference and Networking 56:15 Online Courses and Resources for Professionals | |||
| Ep 1: Keith D'Amelio - Navigating the Professional Landscape in High-Level Basketball | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:57:24 | |
Dr. Keith D'Amelio has an extensive background in elite sports, including roles with such organizations as the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Stanford University as well as being the former Director of Athlete Performance at Nike, In this episode, Keith shares his background on the evolution of the basketball landscape over his career as well as the changes in athlete expectations and relationships with training staff. He shares his opinions on the current structure of medical/performance departments as well as providing advice to professionals feeling the pressure of inevitable departures. We wrap up the conversation discussing the missing untapped aspect of player development that can give your athletes the competitive advantage. Best contact to reach Keith is via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-d-amelio-phd-2166b54/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finish_strong_hoops/ | |||
| Ep 0: Dr. Chris Hart - Introduction | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:01:47 | |
Finish Strong Hoops is your premiere source for industry insights into basketball athletic performance and health. This podcast will bring exclusive interviews with leading experts in sports science, performance training, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Each episode will unpack the latest science and turn it into real-world strategies to help you deliver high-quality services to your athletes. | |||