ODM Testing
OnDeck Measurements (ODM®), The Unequivocal Leader in Softball Tests and Measurements, created at the request of the College Coaching Community a series of tests that objectively measures an Athletes Physical Abilities and Potential. College recruiters use these ODM® numbers to more completely evaluate a player during the recruiting process. The 10-20-40 yard dash is the most recognized event on the ODM® docket. It is a simple straight-forward sprint. Its all about speed and explosion. The athletes are timed at 10, 20 and 40-yard intervals for a single sprint. The numbers indicate an athletes explosion from a static start. Obviously, that first step the 10 yard time is critical, and the ability to explode initially is key to any athletic endeavor. The 20 yard sprint is the distance from home to 1B. The 40 is indicative of both speed and core strength. Going to 2nd base for a double, or scoring from 2nd base is the same as a 40 yard dash just without the turn. The 5-10-5 shuttle is one of the most important tests in the ODM® arsenal. It tests the athletes lateral quickness and explosion key ingredients to most softball activity, such as getting out of the box, covering laterally on defense in the infield, executing the first vital drop step in the outfield. The athlete assumes an athletic stance breaking the beam of the laser. She explodes out 5 yards to right side, touches the line and goes back 10 yards through the beam again. With her hand, she touches the second line, pivots, and runs 5 more yards through the beam where she finishes. Bat Speed is measured by using the Blast Motion sensor the most sophisticated Bat Speed sensor on the market. Bat speed is a critical component of good hitting for two reasons. First, science has proven that an increase of 1 MPH of bat speed can result in hitting a ball 5 additional feet. Secondly, being able to delay the swing as long as possible for pitch recognition is good. Hand Speed, also a Blast Motion, is the measure in MPH of the maximum velocity the bottom hand on ...