In response to a surge in soft tissue injuries and growing concerns about player health, the NBA has officially launched a comprehensive biomechanics assessment program aimed at optimizing performance and reducing injury risk across the league.
The initiative marks one of the most ambitious health and performance efforts in league history.
“The league is launching a league-wide biomechanics assessment program,” Shams Charania reported. “More than 500 players have already gone through a level of testing. There are four rounds of biomechanics testing that still need to be completed for the rest of the season, and that’s going to be used to optimize performance and try to reduce injuries moving forward”.
The program involves advanced motion capture, force plate analysis, and wearable sensor technology to evaluate how players move, jump, land, and absorb impact. The data collected will be used to identify biomechanical inefficiencies, muscular imbalances, and movement patterns that may predispose athletes to injury.
Key components of the initiative include four rounds of testing throughout the 2025–26 season, covering all 30 teams, over 500 players already assessed, with data being compiled into a centralized league database as well as collaboration with medical staff, performance coaches, and external biomechanics experts to interpret results and implement individualized training adjustments.
The NBA’s decision comes amid an alarming rise in calf strains, groin pulls, and hamstring injuries, particularly among high-usage players. Stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, Ja Morant, and Anthony Davis have all missed time this season due to soft tissue issues. Last season, strains even lead to multiple Achilles tears, also by superstars like Damian Lillard, Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum.
League officials believe the increased pace of play, condensed travel schedules, and year-round training loads are contributing factors. By leveraging biomechanics, the NBA hopes to proactively address these risks rather than reactively treating injuries after they occur.
“This is about long-term player sustainability,” said one league executive. “We want to give teams the tools to keep their stars on the floor and extend careers.”
The program is voluntary but strongly encouraged, and early feedback from teams has been positive. Several franchises have already begun integrating biomechanical insights into their strength and conditioning protocols.
