The Importance of tracking progress. How OC Sports Performance uses metrics to improve performance.
At OC Sports Performance, we believe one thing above all else: measured performance improves performance. That’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s the backbone of how we coach. When athletes can see their growth in hard numbers, they build confidence. And when progress is consistently tracked and reported, the rate of improvement accelerates. Tracking progress matters!
This blog breaks down how we use performance metrics at OC to help athletes become faster, stronger, and more explosive, while keeping them healthy and motivated throughout their athletic careers.
Image details: from left to right athlete and their sport: Alex Via – University of Portland – Baseball, Carter Hess, MT Hood – Baseball, Slater de Brun, Vanderbilt – Baseball, Sean Wells(author and head coach of OC Sports Performance), Cutler Hobin, Middlebury – Football, Marco Larsen, Pomona-Pitzer – Football
Why Metrics Matter
Too often, athletes are told to “just work harder” without any way to know if that work is actually paying off. At OC Sports Performance, we take out the guesswork. Our approach is data-driven and rooted in real-world results.
When athletes understand how they’re improving—and where they need to grow—it gives their training purpose. It also helps parents feel confident that their time and investment are making a measurable difference.
The Initial Testing Phase: Building the Baseline
Every athlete who joins OC Sports Performance completes four initial one-on-one sessions. During this time, we gather baseline data across several key performance indicators:
- Box Jump
- Vertical Jump
- Standing Broad Jump
- Top Speed (measured using the Brower Timing System)
These are foundational skills for nearly every sport. Whether your athlete is on the soccer field, baseball diamond, volleyball court, or track, explosive jumping ability and speed translate directly to better on-field performance.
These early assessments aren’t just for us—they give the athlete a benchmark to compare future progress to. When an athlete jumps higher or sprints faster a few months later, there’s no debating it. The data proves it.
Monthly Jump Testing: Small Gains Add Up
Once athletes are fully integrated into our program, we continue testing on a regular basis. Each month, we assess their:
- Standing Broad Jump
- Vertical Jump
- Box Jump Variations
These metrics are excellent indicators of lower-body power and coordination. Progress here often shows up before it’s visible on the scoreboard. Small improvements add up—better jumps usually mean improved sprint speed, change of direction, and explosiveness.
Quarterly Strength Testing: Power You Can Measure
Strength plays a major role in every athlete’s development, and we track it with intention. Every quarter, we test major strength lifts for both upper and lower body.
Upper Body Tests:
- Bench Press
- Strict Press
- Incline Bench Press
- Floor Press
Lower Body Tests:
- Box Squat to Parallel
- Sumo Deadlift
- Back Squat
We coach proper technique and progression before ever loading heavy weights. Once athletes are ready, these lifts become a powerful way to track long-term growth. Improvements in these areas directly contribute to better athletic durability and performance.
Confidence Through Data
Confidence isn’t built on hype—it’s built on results. When athletes see the numbers move, they understand that their effort in the gym is producing real-world results. This confidence carries over into practice, into games, and into life.
Tracking performance also keeps athletes focused on what they can control. While game stats and team wins depend on many variables, strength, speed, and explosiveness can be trained and improved—week after week.
Why It Works
We don’t rely on gut feelings or broad generalizations. We rely on a systematic, structured approach that’s helped athletes in Bend—and beyond—run faster, jump higher, and build strength that lasts. Our system reinforces effort and discipline by showing athletes that progress is possible when you stay consistent.
We’ve seen time and time again: the athletes who buy into the process, show up, and put in the work—get results.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re serious about athletic development, stop training in the dark. We only accept 100 athletes, and spots fill fast. Athletes who quit during the season are not guaranteed a spot back. Why? Because we’re committed to working with athletes who are committed to themselves.
📍 Book your athlete’s intro session now:
👉 Click here to get started.
Learn More
Want to dive deeper into how we help athletes perform better and stay healthy? Check out some of our other posts:
- 5 Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them
- Building Endurance: How Conditioning Supports Athletic Performance
- Real Speed Training: What Actually Works
Your athlete’s potential is measurable.
Let’s prove it—one jump, sprint, and rep at a time. Book a Free Intro today!
