Encinitas Express and SKLZ have paired up to bring top-notch performance testing and training to our competitive program. SKLZ, a Carlsbad-based company, is a global leader in developing innovative athletic performance and skill development products, technology and knowledge for serious athletes of all ages, skill levels and sports. Together, our goal is to elevate the athlete in all our players, improving performance on the field and preventing injury by focusing on soccer mechanics, form, fitness and nutrition. Our first partnership event, the Express-SKLZ Soccer Combine, will be on Wednesday, August 21st and is available to all competitive Encinitas Express players U13 and up.*
The August 21st player evaluation program is the result of a meticulous collaboration between SKLZ, US Youth Soccer, and Athletes' Performance, the industry leader of integrated performance training, nutrition and physical therapy for elite athletes. Utilizing the same technology as the NFL Combine, but in soccer specific measurement drills, the Express-SKLZ Combine results in a score that is the first accurate indicator of soccer specific athleticism. Divided into teams led by experts, athletes go through a battery of performance tests and a series of educational seminars covering a range of topics from athletic mechanics to nutrition. Athletes walk away with an evaluation of their abilities and an official Express-SKLZ performance score. This score will be made available to you, your coach, and Express's Strength & Conditioning sub-director in order to develop a clear and meaningful training plan. Program recommendations will be provided to each player to serve as a road map for future development. Look out for more skill-specific training at our Express Friday Elite Clinics starting August 9th as well as special Express-SKLZ performance clinics in the upcoming weeks and months.
Combine testing was developed in partnership with and is sanctioned by US Youth Soccer (USYS.)
Combine Testing Overview:
- Vertical Jump - measures athlete's ability to generate total body power
- Horizontal Jump (1 leg) - measures athlete's ability to generate total body power off one leg
- 40-Yard Sprint - measures athlete's ability to accelerate, transition to top linear speed and maintain it
- Pro-Agility - measures athlete's ability to accelerate and decelerate in order to effectively change direction
- Reactive Agility (shot accuracy) - measures athlete's ability to recognize and react to visual stimuli in order to make quick decisions on the field
- RAST (repeated anaerobic sprint test) - measures athlete's ability to sustain linear speed and power with minimal amounts of rest
