Dunks on Demand: The Physics of Flight w/ Dr. Sam Liu

In this episode, Coach Ryan Patrick sits down with Dr. Sam Liu, biomechanist, researcher, and movement specialist with the Miami Marlins organization, to break down the true physics behind jumping, dunking, and speed.

They dive into what most coaches misunderstand about impulse, force, and timing — and how understanding the mechanical objective of movement changes everything. From countermovement jumps to approach takeoffs, Sam translates complex biomechanics into simple, actionable concepts every coach and athlete can apply.

If you’ve ever looked at a force plate trace or a highlight dunk and wondered what’s really happening there, this episode is for you.

Chapters
00:00 – Intro: Dunks, data, and the science of flight
04:25 – The simple physics behind jumping higher
08:45 – Why more approach speed isn’t always better
12:10 – Force × Time: What coaches get wrong about impulse
17:00 – The “Mechanical Objectives” framework explained
21:40 – How to use biomechanics without overcomplicating training
28:15 – What elite jumpers really do differently
33:50 – Jumping with vs. without a ball: The overlooked factor
39:10 – Translating jump mechanics to pitching and sprinting
47:15 – Absorbing force vs. managing momentum
52:40 – What Sam’s research is revealing about human performance
57:30 – Final thoughts: curiosity, humility, and the pursuit of better coaching

🔗 Links & Resources
Follow Dr. Sam Liu on Instagram

Dr. Liu’s research publications: 

Connect with Coach Ryan Patrick: 

Key Takeaways

✅ What great jumpers do with force

✅ Mechanical objectives simplify coaching by focusing on outcomes, not aesthetics.

✅ The biggest limiter to jump height 

✅ Force plates are tools → interpretation > data.

✅ The principles that make a better jumper also make a better pitcher or sprinter.