Why We Record and Publish Sprint Times at OC Sports Performance
At OC Sports Performance in Bend, Oregon, we believe one simple truth drives real results: measured performance improves performance. Sprinting is one of the most important athletic qualities across nearly every field and court sport. Because of that, we don’t guess, assume, or rely on feel—we measure, record, and publish sprint times so athletes, parents, and coaches can see real progress backed by data.
This isn’t about pressure or comparison for comparison’s sake. Instead, it’s about accountability, clarity, and helping athletes understand exactly what they are improving and why it matters.
Why Sprint Times Matter for Athletes
Speed changes games. Whether it’s closing on a defender, breaking away on offense, or reacting faster than an opponent, sprint speed shows up everywhere. However, speed that isn’t measured often becomes speed that isn’t truly trained.
That’s why we treat sprinting like a lift. If you want to improve your squat, you track the weight. If you want to improve speed, you track the time. Recording sprint data allows us to identify strengths, expose weaknesses, and adjust training with purpose.
How Our Monthly Sprint Testing Works
On the last Wednesday of every month, we test 40-yard standing start sprints for all athletes in the OC Sports Performance program. Every athlete runs. Every sprint is recorded.
To ensure accuracy and consistency, we measure 120 feet (40 yards) with a tape measure and place timing gates every 10 yards. This gives us full split data from start to finish, not just a final time. As a result, we can see acceleration patterns, max velocity zones, and where athletes may be leaking speed.
The sprint starts from a standing position, triggered by the athlete’s front foot. The timer begins the instant weight shifts off that foot. We use a standing start because most of our athletes are ball sport athletes, not track sprinters. This mirrors how speed is actually expressed in competition. Also our track athletes have had significant success training this way also!
What Happens Before Test Week
The three weeks leading into testing are not random. Athletes sprint once per week, completing 3 flying 20-yard sprints with approximately a 15-yard buildup. That’s it. No extra volume. No junk reps.
These flying 20s represent the entire sprint volume inside the gym for that week. Why? Because speed improves when athletes are fresh, not fatigued. Each sprint is high quality, fully rested, and technically coached.
When there are five Wednesdays in a month, we sprint back-to-back weeks with the 40-yard test. Even then, the structure stays the same. Consistency is what makes the data meaningful.
Recording, Publishing, and Sharing the Data
Every 40-yard sprint is logged. Every athlete receives video of their personal-record sprint. All sprint data is updated in our roster and maintained long term.
We also keep published records of the fastest sprint times for high school and college athletes, separated by boys, girls, men, and women. That data hangs in the gym. Athletes can see where they rank, what’s possible, and what standard they are chasing.
Because the test never changes, athletes know exactly what improvement looks like. The flying 20s stay the same. The standing start 40 stays the same. Progress becomes undeniable.
Why Publishing Sprint Times Builds Better Athletes
Publishing data creates personal responsibility. Athletes learn to own their preparation, their recovery, and their effort. Parents gain transparency. Coaches gain objective feedback. Scouts and recruiters can request verified data that actually means something.
Metrics-based training removes emotion from the conversation. Instead of asking, “Am I faster?” athletes can say, “I dropped two tenths in my first 20 yards.” That level of clarity accelerates growth.
Speed Training That Actually Works
Our sprint system works because it is repeatable, measurable, and intentional. We don’t chase novelty. We chase improvement. Over time, athletes learn how consistency compounds—and that lesson extends far beyond sprinting.
If you want to learn more about how we train speed, check out these related resources:
- 40 Yard Dash Training
- How to Make Someone Faster in a Sprint
- Real Speed Training in Bend, Oregon
- 5 Common Sports Injuries and How Training Helps Prevent Them
Ready to Train With Real Data?
OC Sports Performance only accepts 100 athletes, and spots are not guaranteed if athletes leave during the season. If you want a program built on measurable results, expert coaching, and long-term development, now is the time.
Book your free intro session here:
Stop guessing. Start measuring. Let your speed speak for itself.