In the world of sports science and biomechanics, the concepts of ground force and kinetic chains have been widely accepted as cornerstones of athletic performance. Coaches and athletes alike have been taught that applying maximum force through the ground, while linking movements across the body in a chain-like fashion, is the key to improving power, speed, and efficiency. But what if this approach is fundamentally flawed? What if we are missing a critical element—the human body's unique coordination patterns and motor preferences—that cannot be reduced to physics equations?
The Problem with Physics-Based Theories in Sports
Ground force and kinetic chain theories are rooted in mechanical physics, where the body is treated like a machine. These concepts rely on the assumption that more force applied to the ground equals more power, or that a perfectly synchronized "chain" of movements from the feet to the hands is essential for success. While these models offer a simplified way to explain human movement, they overlook something crucial: the body is not a machine; it's a dynamic system governed by the brain and nervous system, not just mechanical force.
Motor Preferences recognizes that each athlete’s body moves in its own unique way, driven by individual coordination patterns that are largely subconscious. Instead of focusing on how much force is applied to the ground or how seamlessly the kinetic chain flows, Motor Preferences looks at how athletes naturally prefer to move based on their neurological wiring. These preferences are shaped by personal history, biomechanics, and even the way the brain interprets movement.
Coordination Over Force
One of the biggest flaws in the ground force and kinetic chain theories is their narrow focus on force as the ultimate determinant of performance. But what if your body naturally prefers to move in ways that do not prioritize maximum ground force? What if, instead of generating raw force, your body is more efficient when it capitalizes on coordination and timing to move smoothly through space?
For example, athletes identified as "Aerials" prefer vertical and bouncy movements that do not need a strong connection with the ground. In contrast, ''Terrestrials'' may use more stable, force-driven movements, but even then, the body’s coordination is the primary driver, not the sheer amount of force being applied.
In other words, it’s not about how much force you generate, but how you coordinate your body’s natural tendencies. A well-coordinated movement that is aligned with an athlete’s motor preferences will always outshine a forceful movement that conflicts with how their body is wired to move.
The Illusion of the Kinetic Chain
The kinetic chain concept assumes that there is a "perfect" way for energy to flow through the body—from the ground, through the legs, hips, torso, and arms, and eventually to the hands or feet. But human bodies don’t operate with the rigid consistency of a machine. Every athlete’s body compensates, adjusts, and adapts in unique ways. For some, the so-called "kinetic chain" is never fully connected, yet they still perform at the highest level.
Why? Because their neuromuscular coordination compensates for these gaps in the chain. They move in ways that feel natural and efficient to them, even if it doesn’t align with textbook kinetic chain theory. So, focusing on maintaining a "perfect chain" can actually interfere with an athlete’s natural ability to adapt and perform at their peak.
You Can’t See Coordination
One of the biggest misunderstandings in modern sports training is that what we see externally tells the full story. Coaches often evaluate athletes based on their external movement patterns—like how much force they appear to be applying to the ground or how well they "link" movements in a chain. But coordination happens internally—it’s governed by the brain and nervous system, not by what we can observe from the outside.
This is why Motor Preferences offer a better approach. By understanding an athlete’s internal wiring—how they naturally coordinate their movements—we can tailor training to enhance their efficiency, rather than forcing them to conform to external models like ground force or kinetic chains.
The Bottom Line
Ground force and kinetic chains have become trendy buzzwords in sports science, but they only tell part of the story. Every athlete’s body is unique, and treating them as machines that can be fine-tuned by applying more force or perfecting a chain is oversimplified. Instead, understanding and leveraging Motor Preferences and individual coordination patterns offers a more accurate, sustainable, and effective path to athletic success. Stop trying to force athletes into a rigid model and start listening to how their bodies naturally want to move.