It seems more and more camps, showcases, and even some tournaments are adding SPARQ testing to their agendas. Have you / your son gone through SPARQ at one of your events? If so, what did you think? Any tips?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
skip them.
they have never been able to objectively correlate the sparq number to anything that is useful for in measuring overall baseball skills or comparing one player to another.
How useful is the vertical leap in trying to hit or throw a baseball.
The 30yd shuttle proves what? That you can get out of a rundown?
The only really useful test they do is the 60. Some only do a 30yd sprint.
The powerball test cant really prove a power hitter since there is a specific technique that must be used to throw the ball.
Has anyone who is being recruited asked to turnover their sparq scores or asked to take the test???? let us know.
It may identify who is a gifted athlete but that doesnt mean they can hit or throw.
Baseball is about running, throwing, catching and hitting. How many of their tests come close to measuring those skills. Answer: 1.
they have never been able to objectively correlate the sparq number to anything that is useful for in measuring overall baseball skills or comparing one player to another.
How useful is the vertical leap in trying to hit or throw a baseball.
The 30yd shuttle proves what? That you can get out of a rundown?
The only really useful test they do is the 60. Some only do a 30yd sprint.
The powerball test cant really prove a power hitter since there is a specific technique that must be used to throw the ball.
Has anyone who is being recruited asked to turnover their sparq scores or asked to take the test???? let us know.
It may identify who is a gifted athlete but that doesnt mean they can hit or throw.
Baseball is about running, throwing, catching and hitting. How many of their tests come close to measuring those skills. Answer: 1.
baseball, respectively disagree, and a few scouts and college coaches I know would too(however, I'm NOT claiming to be an expert). You are correct that baseball is about running, throwing, catching and hitting; absolutly... but where all high school athletes want to be - the next level - is where Sparq becomes relevant. It helps identify for you what your strengths and especially your particular weaknesses are. Once identified, it's up to you to make the decision to improve. Find a qualified trainer and have at it. I was fortunate to find out about Sparq ratings AFTER an injury and seeking professional rehab. What they told me paralled the sparq rating my son received.
All things being equal, athleticism wins out. Also check out the Sparq website,
it gives a good breakdown of why these particular drills are measured and relevant to baseball.
My son and I will be @ the trainer today, I'll try to get him online to offer a better reasoning for you. Good luck
All things being equal, athleticism wins out. Also check out the Sparq website,
it gives a good breakdown of why these particular drills are measured and relevant to baseball.
My son and I will be @ the trainer today, I'll try to get him online to offer a better reasoning for you. Good luck
Testing is fine. Every athlete should be tested for strengths and weaknesses. The Sparq stuff is fine, but certainly nothing magical. Most good S & C coaches use the same testing methods.
The trick is what yoi do after being tested. The problem is most trainers will train you to become better at the tests. Which is the worst thing you can do. You need to train to become a better baseball player.
There is a reason why NCAA athletes who have the best weight room and testing numbers are usually second and third string. Speaks volumes about tests right there.
The trick is what yoi do after being tested. The problem is most trainers will train you to become better at the tests. Which is the worst thing you can do. You need to train to become a better baseball player.
There is a reason why NCAA athletes who have the best weight room and testing numbers are usually second and third string. Speaks volumes about tests right there.
Jon
"Most"..? no certified trainer will train you to become better at the tests only. Sparq ratings are for comparative purposes to other athletes doing the same skill sets(age, sport and sometimes position specific) and as guage for each individual to their own improvement as they train...I certainly don't see any harm in that. Not to mention it makes the workouts for the athlete fun. My son was sparq tested in December and is looking forward to his next opportunity to see his improvement. His S&C coach will only test him every 3 months. Krakatoa is correct that more showcases and camps are offering the sparq scores...must be a reason. The information is but another tool scouts and colleges can use to make decisions. I do insist too, baseball ability will always be first after grades.
"Most"..? no certified trainer will train you to become better at the tests only. Sparq ratings are for comparative purposes to other athletes doing the same skill sets(age, sport and sometimes position specific) and as guage for each individual to their own improvement as they train...I certainly don't see any harm in that. Not to mention it makes the workouts for the athlete fun. My son was sparq tested in December and is looking forward to his next opportunity to see his improvement. His S&C coach will only test him every 3 months. Krakatoa is correct that more showcases and camps are offering the sparq scores...must be a reason. The information is but another tool scouts and colleges can use to make decisions. I do insist too, baseball ability will always be first after grades.
Back in the heyday of Eastern Block athletics their sports programs tested and pidgeon-holed children based on their performances on similar tests. We would not have seen many a great player if that screening system was an EXCLUSIVE gateway to the pros.
That being said the actual testing does provide information on the raw atheleticism of the subject.
And as Jon has pointed out to train only to improve in test results is not totally productive, however if the training for the test improves the real athletic ability of the subject then there would be some benefit.
One does not lift weights as a part of baseball trainning program only to measure how much you can lift. But measuring how much you can lift may feedback on the overall intent of a trainning program.i.e. Can I hit further? Throw harder,run faster?
Rollerman
Traveldad,
I agreed that testing should be done. Just wanted to make the point not to train for the test, as many certainly do.
Testing, at its core, was meant to judge the strengths and weaknesses of the individual. Not judge how well he/she has prepared for the test.
I agreed that testing should be done. Just wanted to make the point not to train for the test, as many certainly do.
Testing, at its core, was meant to judge the strengths and weaknesses of the individual. Not judge how well he/she has prepared for the test.