New Features For Your Coaching Tool-Kit!

Our users asked, we listened! We're so excited to tell you about not one, not two, but THREE major new features that will add to your coaching tool-kit!

In-app Video Recording:

This feature has been our most requested to date! You can now record a video of your set on the same device tracking your metrics using the sensor. This is a pivotal update as coaches can now leverage video data and the objective numbers tracked using the sensor. View our walkthrough of the feature here. This is helpful for a number of reasons:

• For trainers who coach athletes remotely, video data is crucial to monitoring exercise technique, ensuring that athletes move with maximal intent while performing the movement as safely and efficiently as possible.
• If video data and performance data are being tracked simultaneously, the coach can monitor the athlete’s response to any exercise technique adjustments and see how this can affect the objective numbers (e.g. switching to a more narrow stance on back squats to achieve better power from the bottom position).

To see this feature live in action, view the following video: 

Multi-line Charting:

This feature is a huge addition to every coach’s toolkit. In the Output Hub, you can now navigate to your athlete and compare their latest load-velocity profile to data from a period of interest in the past. This could be a comparison of the beginning and end of a 12-week training cycle to determine the rate of progression or a means of establishing baseline strength for the upcoming season in comparison to the previous year.

We want to observe the red line (new data) being upwards and to the right of the black line (older data) in order to signify that the athlete is lifting more weight and/or producing more force at similar loads. In our feature walkthrough video below, we can see that Martin’s estimated 1RM on the back squat increased from 164kg to 182.5kg, with the multi-line charting making this crystal clear for his coach. Not only did his e1RM improve, but the chart shows that Martin is producing more power at each load along the load-velocity profile, offering insights to his coach when analysing his data.

When analysing multi-line charts, you may notice that the red line falls below the black line, which may indicate a regression in power output or simply a higher focus on maximal strength and less focus on power training during the selected period. All of these insights are context-dependent and offer data for the coach to piece together key information on the athlete.

Velocity Targets for Slams, Swings & Throws:

One benefit of using velocity measurement in training is the ability to keep athletes moving at the desired velocity zones to achieve the desired training adaptations. At different periods of the training year, coaches may wish to bias certain qualities such as speed, power or maximal strength. With velocity targets, coaches can now prescribe a specific velocity zone using the Capture App. If the athlete is moving too fast, the weight can be increased. If the athlete is moving too slowly, the coach can decide to implement an intervention to drive extra intent (potentially through verbal cues or healthy competition between athletes) or simply lower the weight.

This feature can be a huge addition to the session from the athlete’s perspective due to the visual and auditory cues provided by Output. When the athlete is within the desired velocity range, they will see green bars and hear a positive tone, and when they fall short of the target range, they will see red bars and hear a more negative tone. This real-time feedback drives motivation and intent in the weight room, helping you get the most out of your athletes on every set, making sure they are attacking every rep. Learn more about med ball training in our eBook 'The Comprehensive Guide to Medicine Ball Training' written by Eamonn Flanagan and Cedric Unholz.