Breaking the Jump Record Plateau | What's Actually Holding Athletes Back

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Why do we keep smashing records in running and lifting—but not in jumping? In this episode of The Progress Theory, Dr Phil Price is joined by elite plyometric coach and founder of Plus Plyos, Matt McInnes-Watson (@mcinneswatson), to break down the science, application, and misunderstood power of plyometrics.

They explore why long-standing records in jump sports like the triple jump remain unbroken, and what needs to change in training, research, and culture to elevate jumping to the next level. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or just interested in human performance, this episode will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about explosive movement.

In this episode, we explore:
🦵 Why plyometrics are critical for sports—and life longevity
📉 Why jump records are rarely broken (and why that matters)
🧬 How flawed definitions and research are holding athletes back
🏃‍♂️ What strength specificity and supramaximal loading really mean
🚀 The difference between power athletes and speed athletes—and how to train both

Episode breakdown:
1:02 Introduction
3:35 Importance of Plyometrics for Health and Longevity
8:35 Gaps and Issues in Plyometric Research
13:44 Why People Still Misunderstand Plyometric Training
16:12 Types of Plyometric Exercises
20:27 Why Jump World Records Aren’t Breaking
25:57 Strength Specificity in Jump Training
30:25 What Needs to Change in the Culture of Jump Sports
35:10 Which Jump Disciplines Are Poised for a Breakthrough
39:08 Power vs. Speed Athletes
44:13 The Role of Supramaximal Loading
50:37 Practical Plyometric Training Advice

Key Takeaways:
💥 Plyometrics = Longevity: It’s not just about performance—it’s about preserving reactive strength as we age.
🧪 Rewriting the Science: Better definitions, clearer visuals, and more contextual research are needed to evolve plyometric programming.
🔄 Speed = Strength (Sometimes): Future breakthroughs in jump events will come from more reflexive, speed-based training methods—not just raw power.

Follow the Podcast & Guests:
@theprogresstheory (  / theprogresstheory  )
@drphilprice (  / drphilprice  )
@mcinneswatson (  / mcinneswatson  )
Plus Plyos – Change the Way You Move (https://www.plusplyos.com/)

🎧 Explore more expert-led episodes on human performance at (https://www.theprogresstheory.com/)

#Plyometrics #JumpTraining #HumanPerformance #ExplosiveStrength