From THE WELL HEALTH AND FITNESS
Bowling Green athletes in grades 7-12 have an opportunity to participate in a free Youth Athlete Combine at the Well Fitness and Health on May 20.
Participants will take five tests in about 60 minutes to learn their speed numbers, according to The Well Owner Sam Beaver.
The tests include:
- 10-Yard Sprint to test acceleration (Timed twice with best time kept)—the first three steps. This is the single best predictor of who wins a ball, beats a defender, or gets to first base, said Sam Beaver, The Well founder and owner.
- Broad Jump to test horizontal power—how much force you can put into the ground in a single explosive moment, carries directly to first-step quickness on the field or court.
- Lateral Shuffle to test change of direction—your ability to plant, reverse, and accelerate the other way without losing speed is a skill that makes the difference in defense.
- Vertical Jump to test vertical power—it is the classic measure of explosive lower-body strength. It tracks alongside dunking, blocking, spiking and rebounding.
- Body-Control Screen tests movement quality—single-leg balance, landing mechanics, and trunk control can determine the most about non-contact injury risk.
The combine “is not a feel-good workout, it is real testing,” Beaver said. The athletes will get sprint times, jump distances, change of direction speed—numbers college coaches actually look at.
Each athlete also will receive a personalized, printed report card to take home, share with coaches and track across seasons; a short note from a coach about what stood out; one area to focus on during the summer to get faster; a free Athlete Readiness Guide to take home; and an invitation (no pressure) to The Well’s eight-week summer speed camp that starts June 2.
Register at this link to lock a spot. There are 25 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. The testing begins at 6:30 at The Well Health and Fitness, 1099 N. Main St. (at the rear of Halleck Auto Sales), but participants should arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign a waiver.
“Most youth athletes don’t just play one sport anymore, and that’s okay,” Beaver said. “But they often jump from one season to the next, without much focus on their baseline athletic development.”
The combine can help show athletes what they should be working on to improve their athleticism for sport.
“I’ve been an athlete my whole life; some of my greatest highs and lowest lows came from sports. They taught me how to navigate life,” he said. “I want to create an environment where athletes can work together to not only become the best versions of themselves, but also the best versions of themselves beyond sports.”
Additional information is available on the registration website.
