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START HERE: This article on Calibre Press provides the foundation for the conversation: “The First Three Steps: Why Sprinting Matters More Than You Think”
In this episode of the ILEETA Learning Lab, Joe Willis sits down with Dr. Richard Hough and Hannah Burkhart from East Tennessee State University to explore a critical shift in how we think about physical readiness in law enforcement.
This conversation begins with a simple but often overlooked truth:
Being “fit” is not the same as being prepared for the job.
Law enforcement officers operate as tactical athletes, required to perform short, explosive, high-stakes movements under unpredictable conditions. Yet much of traditional training still emphasizes general fitness over job-specific performance.
Drawing from their Calibre Press article, “The First Three Steps,” Dr. Hough and Hannah break down why sprinting, acceleration, and rapid force production are foundational to officer performance. More importantly, they explain how these concepts connect directly to real-world tasks like foot pursuits, use-of-force encounters, and casualty movement.
The discussion moves beyond theory into practical application. You’ll hear how different energy systems fuel different types of effort, why most training programs miss the mark, and how simple adjustments can significantly improve outcomes. The concept of “velocity to proximity to control” provides a powerful framework for understanding how encounters unfold, while also highlighting where training gaps often exist.
A major theme throughout the conversation is accessibility. This is not about building elite athletes or requiring hours in the gym. It is about helping the average officer on an average day be better prepared for the realities of the job. From one-hour-per-week training strategies to micro-dosing movement throughout the day, the focus is on realistic, sustainable improvement.
They also address one of the most common concerns in the profession: injury. Many preventable injuries occur not because officers are unfit, but because they are unprepared for the specific demands placed on their bodies. Sprinting, change of direction, and multi-planar movement require exposure and progression, not avoidance.
For trainers, this episode reinforces the importance of translating complex concepts into simple, actionable guidance. Whether you are working in an academy, running in-service training, or influencing culture at the squad level, the message is clear: performance-based training matters, and it can be implemented without overcomplicating the process.
This conversation is designed to challenge assumptions, provide clarity, and offer practical ideas that can be applied immediately. Whether you are just starting to think about performance training or looking to refine an existing program, there is something here for you.
CONNECT WITH THE GUESTS
Hannah Burkhart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-burkhart-m-s-cscs-spt-074b89201
Instagram: @hannaahnichole
Dr. Richard Hough
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-richard-hough-cpp-cchp-shrm-scp-tsac-f-bb873522/
ABOUT THE ILEETA LEARNING LAB
The ILEETA Learning Lab features conversations with trainers and thought leaders across disciplines, focused on sharing practical ideas that improve performance and inspire excellence in law enforcement training.
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