How Pro Athletes Really Train – A Sports Scientist Explains | Ben Thinking Ep. 126

In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr. Cordero Roche, a powerhouse in sports performance, biomechanics, and applied exercise science. They dive deep into how elite athletes actually train, what makes good data useful, and why the “boring stuff” still works best.From D1 football to the New York Mets to founding the SPEED Lab at UNLV, Cordero shares how science and performance intersect, and why many programs still miss the basics. This is a masterclass in modern coaching, research, and real-world athletic development.00:00 – Intro & the role of a speed coach01:00 – The biomechanics behind vertical jump & power03:00 – “Just move” – why simplicity beats overthinking05:00 – Cordero’s journey: from football to strength coach to PhD08:30 – Choosing UNLV & building the SPEED Lab12:00 – Vegas as a rising sports science city15:00 – Are pro teams like the A’s really ready for Vegas?18:00 – The SPEED Lab’s mission and tech toolkit21:00 – Community outreach, pro team collabs & Raiders partnerships25:00 – Why pro teams still need university support28:00 – What excites Cordero most about sports science in 202430:00 – Overcomplicating fitness: IG myths vs real performance33:00 – Basic movements that STILL outperform fancy trends36:00 – Cardio, VO2 max & the weightlifting connection39:00 – How the CSCS and PhD together opened career doors42:00 – Behind the scenes: working with the Mets in NYC44:00 – Why he left pro sports (and might still go back)46:00 – How to get involved with the SPEED Lab & UNLV Innovation🏃 Speed and power come from mastering the basics—not fancy gadgets.🧪 Data without application is noise. Pro teams often collect more than they can use.🌎 Vegas is becoming a sports science powerhouse with real pro access.💼 Combining real-world coaching with research is the future of human performance.👏 The SPEED Lab is shaping the next gen of performance science — and it’s mobile!🔥 If this episode got you thinking deeper about fitness, science, or pro sports — LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more cutting-edge convos.🏈 Want the SPEED Lab at your event or school? Visit the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute site and fill out the interest form.🎧 Follow Ben Thinking on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube for more episodes every week!⏱️ TIMESTAMPS🔑 Key Takeaways📢 CALL TO ACTION