VBT, Teambuildr, and Perch Integration Webinar

Webinar Summary: Integrating Velocity-Based Training (VBT) with Perch and Team Builder

This webinar, led by Nika Ouellette, Spencer Arnold, and John Beerbower, focused on the integration of velocity-based training (VBT) through the Perch and Team Builder systems. The event was designed to educate coaches on the benefits and practical applications of VBT, streamline training sessions, and highlight how technology can enhance athletic performance.

Introduction

Nika Ouellette introduced the purpose of the session, which aimed to provide insights into the integration of Perch and Team Builder, showcasing how VBT enhances training methodologies through automated data collection and performance feedback. Spencer Arnold and John Berbauer, seasoned high school strength coaches, shared their real-world experiences utilizing these technologies to optimize athletic training.

What is Velocity-Based Training (VBT)?

Key Concept: VBT uses the speed of movement (measured in meters per second) as a primary indicator of exercise intensity, rather than relying solely on percentage-based weight prescriptions.

• Traditional training might prescribe "80% of max weight for 5 reps." In contrast, VBT specifies "0.5 meters per second for 5 reps."
• By focusing on velocity, coaches can adjust workouts in real-time based on athletes' performance, avoiding overtraining or ineffective underloading.

Spencer explained that VBT allows athletes to autoregulate based on how they're performing that day. This is particularly beneficial for high school athletes, whose strength and performance can fluctuate due to factors like stress or fatigue.

Practical Implementation by Spencer Arnold

Spencer Arnold, the head strength coach at Hebron Christian Academy, described his two-year journey with VBT using Perch.

Challenges Before VBT:

• Writing perfect programs wasn’t enough; athletes often underperformed due to daily variability.
• Percent-based training didn’t account for changes in an athlete's readiness (e.g., stress or physical fatigue).

Benefits of VBT:

• Auto-regulation: The Perch system dynamically adjusts training intensity by monitoring velocity.
• Targeted Progression: Athletes now train in different strength phases (e.g., "strength-speed" or "accelerative strength") with precision.
• Engagement: Real-time feedback motivates athletes to reach specific velocity goals. Spencer highlighted how athletes enjoy "chasing the yellow bar" on Perch screens, indicating optimal performance zones.

Example:

• An athlete previously maxed out at 450 lbs on a squat. Months later, that same weight was moved at a faster velocity (0.52 meters per second), signaling a significant strength improvement.

Spencer emphasized that VBT helps maintain performance in-season by controlling workload. Soccer players, for example, might perform only one heavy set to preserve their legs for competition, with Perch ensuring they stay within safe velocity thresholds.

Middle and High School Use

Spencer advocated for using VBT as early as possible, even with middle school athletes. The dynamic nature of velocity training accommodates rapid growth and "newbie gains," allowing training intensity to match development pace.

Athletes learn to associate different velocity targets with specific training objectives (e.g., speed vs. maximal strength). As a result, they better understand how to balance workouts around their sports schedules.

Integration with Team Builder

John Beerbower, a coach at a school with over 2,100 students, shared how Team Builder's integration with Perch has streamlined their training programs.

Key Advantages:

1. Paperless System: Coaches and athletes access workout data via tablets, eliminating the need for physical workout cards.
2. Automated Data Entry: Perch collects metrics like velocity and power in real-time, sending the data directly to Team Builder without manual input.
3. Enhanced Reporting: Coaches can generate detailed reports on athletes’ performance, enabling better tracking and long-term progress monitoring.
4. Safety and Efficiency: Perch’s rack-mounted cameras minimize risks associated with bar-mounted sensors or tethered systems.

John described how easy it was to implement the system across multiple campuses. Athletes quickly adapted, appreciating the interactive features like personalized performance tracking and leaderboards.

Leaderboards and Goal Setting

Perch’s leaderboard feature creates friendly competition, motivating athletes to push their limits. Coaches can filter results by metrics (e.g., velocity, power) and organize competitions based on teams, positions, or timeframes.

Additionally, Perch supports various training goals:

• Velocity Zones: Target speed ranges for different exercise phases.
• Percent Drop-Off: Automatically adjusts workload based on performance decline.
• Power Output Metrics: Tracks metrics like time to peak velocity and power at key points in the lift.

Live Demo Highlights

Nika provided a live demonstration of the Perch app, showcasing:

• User Management: Adding athletes, assigning roles, and managing profiles.
• Device Updates: Keeping equipment firmware current for optimal performance.
• Custom Workouts: Adjusting exercises and loads directly through the app interface.

Nika also previewed an upcoming goals feature that will further enhance training personalization by dynamically updating one-rep max estimates and visualizing performance trends.

Q&A Highlights

1. When is VBT most effective?
   
   • Spencer affirmed that VBT is beneficial even for beginners. It allows rapid adjustments for athletes experiencing significant growth spurts or "newbie gains."
2. Partial Range of Motion and Velocity:
   
   • While partial reps naturally show higher velocities, coaches must enforce proper technique. However, partial movements can be programmed intentionally for in-season power development.
3. Integration Ease:
   
   • John emphasized that Perch’s seamless data integration with Team Builder has saved time and improved data accuracy for both coaches and athletes.

Closing Remarks

Nika encouraged attendees to reach out with further questions and explore the Perch and Team Builder systems to enhance their training programs. Coaches Spencer and John offered to share contact information for those interested in learning more about their success with VBT.

The session concluded with a demonstration of how Perch’s technological advancements are shaping the future of strength training through real-time data and smarter programming.

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