How LSU Leveraged Technology to Impact On-Field Performance with Tommy Moffitt and Jeremy Jacobs
Learn from Coaches Tommy Moffitt and Jeremy Jacobs about how they used technology and Perch VBT with the 2019 National Championship LSU Tiger Football.
See Summary
Strength & Conditioning Insights from LSU
This webinar, led by Perch CEO Jacob Rothman and LSU's strength and conditioning staff, provided an in-depth look into LSU's use of cutting-edge technology for optimizing athlete performance. Below is a breakdown of the major takeaways and topics covered.
Introduction
- Speakers: Jacob Rothman (Perch CEO), Nika (Head of Sports Science), Jeremy Jacobs (Assistant Strength Coach, LSU), and Tommy Moffitt (Strength Coach with 20+ years of experience at LSU).
- Format: 30-40 minute presentation followed by Q&A.
Overview of LSU’s Training Technology Integration
- Key Technologies:
- Velocity-Based Training (VBT) using Perch.
- Force Plates (for jump and force testing).
- GPS tracking via Polar (for monitoring on-field activity).
- Team Collaboration:
- Each component of athlete monitoring (force plate data, GPS, weight room metrics) is handled by specialized team members.
- Emphasis on data-driven decisions to improve performance and recovery.
Polar GPS Metrics
- Monitors: Practice/game loads, mileage, sprint speeds, and calorie expenditure.
- Usage: Tracks stress to adjust training programs accordingly.
- Impact: Helps tailor training by observing trends (e.g., spikes in mileage leading to altered weight room sessions).
Force Plate Analysis
- Data Focus: Countermovement jump metrics including:
- Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
- Concentric rate of force development
- Eccentric braking force
- Peak power (all normalized by body mass)
- Applications:
- Daily monitoring for Central Nervous System (CNS) readiness.
- Injury rehabilitation through asymmetry tracking.
Velocity-Based Training (VBT) with Perch
- Concept: Replaces traditional weight training based on 1-rep max (1RM) percentages with bar speed metrics.
- Benefits:
- Adapts training intensity to athlete readiness.
- Tracks individual performance in real-time using Perch’s cloud system.
- Supports power development by maintaining optimal bar speeds.
- Example: An athlete might perform squats at a prescribed velocity (e.g., 0.85 meters/second), ensuring appropriate stress for power training regardless of external factors like fatigue or emotional stress.
Data Utilization for Performance
- Force-Velocity Profiling:
- Generates predictive models to gauge 1RM without maximum exertion tests.
- Tracks trends such as power improvements throughout the season.
- In-Season Monitoring:
- Weekly evaluations to maintain performance.
- Adjusts training loads to sustain athlete peak speed and power until critical games, like national championships.
Results and Insights
- Positive trends observed across key performance indicators during the season.
- Players recorded their fastest speeds near the end of the season, confirming effective training adaptations.
- Force and velocity profiling helped customize workloads, preventing both under-training and overexertion.
Efficiency in Data Management
- Delegation of data responsibilities across staff ensures streamlined workflows.
- Real-time data access allows for prompt program adjustments, enhancing athlete monitoring.
Technology Integration & Staff Development
- Training the Staff:
- Coaches and assistants personally experimented with the technology (e.g., jumping on force plates).
- Competitions among staff enhanced understanding of data interpretation.
- Challenges Addressed:
- Managing large datasets with limited staff through prioritization of key metrics.
- Leveraging athlete familiarity with technology to improve compliance and engagement.
Position-Specific Training Approaches
- Focus: Individual strengths, weaknesses, and injury profiles take precedence over rigid position-based protocols.
- Philosophy:
- General exercises like squats provide a strong foundation.
- Targeted interventions (e.g., eccentric loading, asymmetry correction) are implemented based on data.
Post-Pandemic Strategy
- Assessment: Technology will help evaluate athletes’ current fitness levels after time away from structured training.
- Plan: Use VBT and force plate data to adjust starting points and ensure optimal progression without risking injury.
Q&A Highlights
- How do you ensure efficient data analysis with small staff sizes?
- Focus on core metrics, delegate tasks, and avoid unnecessary deep dives into data during peak periods.
- Is technology becoming essential in strength and conditioning?
- While not universally required, it provides objective insights that complement experience and intuition.
- How position-specific are your training programs?
- Programs are individualized based on needs, with general movements (like squats) being central to all athletes.
- Tips for integrating new technology:
- Start with hands-on experience.
- Use practical examples (e.g., competition among staff) to familiarize everyone with data collection and interpretation.
Conclusion
The integration of technology at LSU has transformed athlete training, enabling more precise, individualized, and effective programming. Coaches highlighted the importance of collaboration, ongoing data analysis, and balancing science with coaching intuition to maintain peak performance throughout the season.
Related Webinars

Start Gathering Data With Perch Today!
Reach out to us to speak with a representative and get started using Perch in your facility.