This dataset contains experimental data acquired during a hammer impact onto a 300 mm x 300 mm x 5 mm steel plate. The dataset contains images captured by a high-speed camera suitable for deflectometry, allowing for slope measurements for the purpose of reconstruction of the force applied to the plate. The force applied from the impact hammer onto the steel plate was measured by a calibrated load cell on the tip of the impact hammer. The dataset is intended for load reconstruction using the virtual fields method.