The Force Plate (FP-BTA) and Go Direct^® Force Plate (GDX-FP) will measure compression and tension forces, normal to the flat top surface of the plate. The plate is designed to measure larger compression forces than tension. The original version (those shipped prior to November 10, 2023) of the Force Plate was designed to allow tension force measurements but required that the plate be attached to other things, such as handles on both the top and the bottom. The redesigned version of the Force Plate (FP-BTA) and the Go Direct^® Force Plate (GDX-FP) do not provide for handles to be attached to the top of the unit.

Neither force plate measures forces parallel to the surface.

The Force Plate, like all force sensors, has a finite response time that limits the use of the plate to impulses longer than the natural period of vibration. The original version of the Force Plate (FP-BTA) cannot respond to impulses lasting less than about 4ms, since the natural frequency is about 250 Hz. Striking the force plate with a hard object, or throwing a baseball at it, will result in impulses shorter than the natural period. In this case the data show the response of the Force Plate, not the actual impulse.

Force Plate (FP-BTA) that shipped after November 10, 2023 and Go Direct^® Force Plate (GDX-FP) has a more robust set of load cells that allow for a sampling rate of up to 1,000 Hz.

It is fine to stand or jump on the force plate. Maximum non-damaging force is 4500 N compression or 900 N tension evenly distributed. Note that a hard object can exert considerably more than 4500 N peak force if dropped directly on the force plate.

For example, do not drop a bowling ball on the force plate. Do not drive a car across it. Do not hit it with a baseball bat.

Force Plate Troubleshooting and FAQs
Go Direct Force Plate Troubleshooting and FAQs