Applying new technology tools to athletic performance training has been known to drive evolutionary leaps forward, and Dana Barry, Strength and Conditioning Coach for Athletic Evolution, is here for it. Barry has found through use of Vitruve Velocity-Based Training (VBT), he can transcend the limitations of conventional training and significantly enhance outcomes for coach and athlete, alike.
Prior to his use of VBT, the evaluation of an athlete’s performance was primarily based on subjective observation. The actual movement of the bar often contradicted lifters’ perceptions, posing challenges in coaching and understanding athlete performance. The introduction of VBT has marked a pivotal shift, transforming subjective observations into objective data.
“It was a feel. It felt like the bar moved fast,” Barry says. “Now you show them the numbers, and it creates that natural competitiveness, every rep.”
The Power of Data in Training
The integration of VBT into training regimens at Athletic Evolution underscores the power that objective data brings to an athlete’s progression. Barry notes the significant impact of visible, quantitative feedback on athlete motivation and performance.
“Obviously, we have our numbers we have to hit,” he explains. “But as they’re going through their pre-test and everything like that, I’m paying attention to where the numbers are dropping.”
His approach involves closely monitoring each athlete’s performance, identifying when and where their output begins to decline. This detailed observation enables personalized adjustments to training programs in real-time, striving to extend the athlete’s capabilities gradually.
“Can we get that first 15 reps now closer to 20?” he asks. “And then can we get that overall 20 into the 30s?”
Enhancing Understanding and Accountability
One of the most significant benefits of VBT, is its ability to bridge the gap between what athletes think they are doing and what they are actually doing. Vitruve’s technology brings a level of transparency and accountability that was previously unattainable.
“Every kid says he is really moving the bar,” says Barry. “And I have to be, like, ‘you weren’t though.’ These numbers show those kids that they weren’t.”
This aspect of VBT fosters a deeper understanding among athletes about their performance, encouraging them to strive for continuous improvement. By using smartphones to display Vitruve’s feedback in real-time, Barry can create an immediate feedback loop that not only fuels competitive spirit, but allows for on-the spot adjustments.
“We just hold the phone right over their head so they visually see it, every rep,” he says.”They have to hit this number. If they don’t hit that number, we’re dropping the weight when we’re doing our regular bench and anything along those lines. But they are seeing, in every rep, live numbers, which again, it drives that competitive factor.”
Barry’s experience with Vitruve VBT at Athletic Evolution highlights a transformative shift in athletic training. By leveraging the power of data and technology, coaches like Barry can provide athletes with precise, actionable feedback, fostering an environment of heightened awareness, competitiveness, and continuous improvement.
This evolution in training methodology exemplifies how technology can effectively complement traditional coaching techniques, paving the way for a new era of athletic performance enhancement.
“Now that they’re seeing the numbers from Vitruve, it’s like, alright, now they’re able to understand it,” says Barry. “And that’s what really sold me. I’m able to see what they aren’t able to tell me. It was because we saw the numbers, and when we always saw those numbers, the numbers gave away the secret.”
Details
Each athlete, each sport and each person is completely different. Not everyone responds equally to the same stimulus. The first step to optimize training is to know which stimulus is better for each athlete. Velocity-Based Training can help high school athletes reach their maximum performance potential. Today's high school strength coach can:
- Know what your athlete's performance status is every day, instantly.
- Create a unique force-velocity profile for each athlete.
- Adapt an athlete's training regimen and avoid injuries.
VITRUVE is the Velocity Based Training device every Strength and Conditioning Coach needs to reach their athlete’s maximum performance.
