As we transition into the new year, the dynamics of athlete training at VeloU take on a nuanced shift. This period marks a critical time for athletes and their parents to understand the changes they might experience, particularly in how testing scores, especially in force production, may behave. By sharing this, we aim to empower athletes with the knowledge to navigate their training journey with confidence and collaboration.‍

The Four Pillars of VeloU’s Athlete Testing
At VeloU, our testing approach is built on four fundamental pillars: Energy Potential, Energy Production, Energy Interference, and Energy Transference. These categories provide a comprehensive understanding of an athlete’s capacity and performance.

Energy Potential: This pillar focuses on the foundational attributes of an athlete, such as height, mass, wingspan, and other physical characteristics. These metrics provide insights into an athlete’s potential to generate energy. Tracking these factors consistently allows us to identify opportunities for development and optimization.

Energy Production: Energy production is measured using a proprietary formula combining data from force plates and other performance tests. These tests evaluate how effectively an athlete can generate force and power, which are essential components of athletic performance.

Energy Interference: Mobility and arm care tests help us uncover potential inhibitions to energy transfer. These interferences can compromise performance or increase the risk of injury. By identifying and addressing these areas, we ensure that athletes can perform at their best while minimizing risks.

Energy Transference: This pillar evaluates how efficiently energy moves through the athlete’s kinetic chain. Mechanical tests identify leaks or inefficiencies in energy transfer, providing actionable data to improve mechanics and overall performance.

Understanding the Early Off-Season: A Linear Rise in Scores
In the initial phases of the off-season, athletes typically experience a steady and predictable rise in their testing scores for force potential, force production, and a reduction in energy interference. This period is characterized by a focus on building strength, enhancing mobility, and addressing foundational mechanics.‍

‍The Art of Balancing Stress in Training
At VeloU, we view training as a series of stress-inducing acts. Every system—each athlete—has a unique threshold for stress. Our role as coaches is to uncover that threshold and craft a personalized balance to maximize results.

This balance is evident at various levels:

Macro Level: Early off-season programs allocate most stress to weight room activities, as throwing stress remains low. This macro strategy evolves as we approach the competitive season.

Meso and Micro Levels: On a weekly basis, we pair higher-stress throwing days with higher-stress lifting days, allowing for complete recovery the following day. For instance, having two moderately stressful days back-to-back (50% stress in both throwing and lifting) would hinder recovery and performance. Instead, we aim for high-stress days followed by low-stress recovery days.

On a daily basis, we position ballistic or power-driven movements at the start of the program. These activities demand precise central nervous system engagement and firing

efficiency, making their timing critical.

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Understanding the Force Production Plateau

‍During the early off-season, the linear rise in force production metrics can feel incredibly rewarding. However, as we transition past the new year, it’s natural to experience a plateau or slight fluctuations (typically within a 3-5% range). This is a deliberate part of our programming and indicates that your training is adapting to new demands.

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Empowering Athletes Through Knowledge

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Understanding these transitions is crucial for athletes and parents alike. Knowing what to expect during training not only prepares you for changes in testing scores but also empowers you to have meaningful conversations with your coach. If you feel that your training balance isn’t optimal or you’re not maintaining your desired stress parameters, we encourage open dialogue with our team.

Remember, training is not just about chasing numbers—it’s about sustainable growth, peak performance, and injury prevention. By aligning your efforts with the program’s focus, you’ll be better equipped to reach your full potential.

As we move into this exciting phase of training, embrace the shifts and trust the process. The careful orchestration of stress and recovery is designed to prepare you for success, both on and off the field. Here’s to a productive and transformative new year at VeloU!

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