SmartSpeed is Here!
SmartSpeed Timing Gates in Santa Clarita Valley.
Verified sprint times + splits
Baseline → Train → Retest + SCV teams now have access
What SmartSpeed Timing Gates Are
- Electronic timing gates that measure sprint speed with precision
- Laser beam break technology that captures split times automatically
- Consistent setup so results are repeatable and comparable
- Removes stopwatch error so athletes get a real number
What SmartSpeed Measures (and why it matters on the field)
Speed isn’t one thing. SmartSpeed breaks it into the parts that actually show up in sport.
- 0–10 yards (First Step / Burst): The most sport-relevant segment for most athletes — getting out of a stance, beating a defender, exploding off the line, closing distance fast.
- 10–20 yards (Acceleration): How well an athlete builds speed after the first step — separation, chase-down speed, and the ability to keep gaining ground.
- Split Times (the “why” behind the total): Not just a final time — splits show where speed is won or lost, which is what makes coaching and training more effective.
Why SCV Teams Need This Now
When everyone “looks fast,” timing gates tell the truth — and that truth becomes a plan.
Objective Proof (Confidence + Recruiting)
SmartSpeed gives athletes verified times they can stand behind. It’s the clearest way to show improvement and create confidence—especially when athletes are competing for playing time or exposure.
Train Smarter (Stop Guessing)
Gate data shows whether the limiter is first step, acceleration, or top speed. That means training stops being generic and becomes targeted—so results happen faster.
Competition + Culture
(Standards & Buy-In)
Teams get a shared standard. Athletes buy in when progress is measurable. Add leaderboards (optional), and you create a culture where speed is trained—not just talked about.
How progress gets measured (and why it matters)
- Baseline assessment: PowerSource coaches can review each athlete's assessment to create a Strength & Conditioning training program specific to the athlete's needs for their sport. The training conducted by PowerSource will include weely partial assessments on the VALD performance measurement tools.
- Re-test cadence: full retest every 8 weeks if athlete is participating in an ongoing training program at PowerSource. Note: Participants in PowerSource S&C programs are also given weekly partial tests using ForceDecks or ForceFrame to monitor fatigue as well as effort consistency.
- Optional athlete performance report: $75 (required to receive the report); an update is prepared every 8 weeks.
Why it matters for baseball/softball:
You’re not just “working hard”—you’re building measurable strength and athletic output that supports performance and durability.
Do college programs publish speed times?
Occasionally in player bios, but not consistently enough to serve as norms.
Are there national organizations that track metrics?
Yes — several showcase ecosystems collect sprint data and publish leaderboards or summary averages.
Is this better than stopwatch timing?
Yes. Laser timing reduces human error and ensures consistency across seasons.
How Team Testing Works
We make this easy for coaches and smooth for athletes. You pick the window — we run the system.
Step 1 — Coach Schedules a Testing Window
You choose: date and time on your field, select tests to run
We confirm: date, start time, athlete count, tests.
Step 2 — Roster + Logistics Are Locked In (Before Test Day)
To keep test day clean and fast, we handle the setup in advance.
Coach provides:
- Team name + level (Varsity / JV / Frosh / Club)
- Athlete list (first/last name + jersey number optional)
- Any special notes (injuries, pitchers on restrictions, etc.)
PowerSource handles:
- Roster is loaded into VALDHub ahead of time
- Testing plan + station flow finalized
- Staff roles assigned (timing tech, athlete flow, results QC)
Step 3 — Test Day Setup (We Arrive Early and Run the Floor)
We arrive with equipment charged, synced, and ready.
We set up the lane, confirm distances, and run a short calibration so times are consistent and repeatable.
What we need from the site (if testing at your field):
- Infield prepped. Bases set.
A clear start and finish area
- A small “staging” area for athletes waiting to run
Step 4 — Warm-Up + Testing Flow (Fast, Clean, Repeatable)
We run athletes through a standardized flow so every rep is comparable.
Typical flow:
- Team warm-up (coach-led or PowerSource-led)
- Quick briefing: start position + rules (no false starts / run through the line)
- Athletes rotate through attempts in an organized order
- SmartSpeed captures times + splits automatically
Typical attempts: 2–3 timed reps per athlete (based on time window + roster size)
Step 5 — Results Capture + Team Summary
You don’t just get “a time shouted across the field.”
You receive:
- Athlete results list (times + splits when used)
- A simple team summary: fastest times + common limiter trends (first step vs accel vs top speed)
- Recommended steps for using the report to document continuous improvement
(Baseline → Train → Retest)
RECRUITING BENCHMARKS TABLE
Recruiting Benchmarks: Home → 1B by Position & College Level
These are widely referenced recruiting guideline targets (not population averages). They represent what college programs commonly expect by level.
| Position | NCAA D1 | NCAA D2 | NCAA D3 / NAIA | Junior College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catcher | 2.9 s | 3.1 s | 3.3 s | 3.3 s |
| 1B | 3.0 s | 3.1 s | 3.1 s (or lower) | 3.2 s (or lower) |
| 3B | 2.9 s | 3.0 s | 3.1 s (or lower) | 3.2 s (or lower) |
| Middle IF | 2.8 s (or lower) | 2.9 s (or lower) | 3.0 s (or lower) | 3.2 s (or lower) |
| Center Field | 2.8 s (or lower) | 2.9 s (or lower) | 3.1 s (or lower) | 3.2 s (or lower) |
| Corner OF | 2.9 s (or lower) | 3.0 s (or lower) | 3.1 s (or lower) | 3.2 s (or lower) |
NATIONAL COMBINE CONTEXT
Comparable to National Showcase Ecosystems
Major softball showcase and combine ecosystems track standardized sprint metrics. Some publish leaderboards or summary averages. That means your athletes’ results can be interpreted in a recognized national framework.
| Ecosystem Context | Common Speed Metrics | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| National Combine Datasets | 10 yd / 20 yd / 40 yd splits | Compare acceleration vs national peers |
| Showcase Leaderboards | Dash splits by grad year | Provides rank context |
| Standardized Testing Frameworks | 20-yard sprint (60 ft) | Aligns with recruiting language |
We align our testing distances and setup so your results translate.
WHAT SMARTSPEED ACTUALLY MEASURES
Beyond “Home to First”
Home-to-first is useful — but splits tell the real story.
0–10 Yards
First-step acceleration. Critical for infielders and slappers.
10–20 Yards
Acceleration continuation. Separation speed.
Full Sprint Context
Optional extended distance for overall speed profile.
Acceleration wins in softball. Splits identify what’s limiting performance.
See Where Your Team Stacks Up
We coordinate roster upload, field setup, standardized protocol, and deliver clean athlete tables plus a team summary.
Book Your No-Sweat Intro
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