Effectiveness of a Four Week Velocity Block and Subsequent Force Block on Peak Relative Propulsive Force and Takeoff Velocity in Division II Collegiate Athletes
Presenter(s)
Logan Stauffer
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of a sequential velocity-focused training and force-focused resistance training program on peak relative propulsive force (PRPF) and takeoff velocity (TOV) in NCAA Division II baseball athletes. Lower-body force production and movement velocity are critical for explosive performance in baseball, where acceleration, jumping ability, and rotational power are essential for meeting positional demands. Understanding how structured training blocks influence these mechanical outputs may help optimize pre-season programming strategies. Methods: Fifty-six male Division II baseball athletes, free of lower-extremity injury for at least three months, completed an eight-week intervention. Performance was assessed at three time points: pre-intervention (week 0), after the velocity-focused block (week 4), and after the force-focused block (week 8). At each session, participants performed three maximal countermovement jumps (CMJ) with hands on hips using Hawkin Dynamics wireless dual force plates. Three trials were performed per testing session on nonconsecutive days, and the weekly average was used for statistical analysis. Primary outcomes included peak relative propulsive force (N/kg) and takeoff velocity (m/s). The training program consisted of two sequential four-week blocks, performed three times per week. Weeks 1-4 emphasized movement velocity using light-to-moderate external loads (~30-60% 1RM), plyometrics, ballistic exercises, and maximal intent. Weeks 5-8 prioritized maximal force development with heavy loads (~80-97% 1RM), low repetitions, and multi-joint compound movements. Statistical Analysis: One-way repeated measure ANOVA will determine changes in peak relative propulsive force and takeoff velocity across the three testing points. If significant differences are detected, (p ≤ 0.05), post hoc pairwise comparisons will identify where change occurred. Results: PRPF did not change significantly across timepoints (p = 0.940) with mean values of 269.96 +- 23.25, 270.67 +- 23.30, and 269.63 +- 22.70 %BW at initial, post-velocity, and post-force testing, respectively. TOV showed a non-significant trend towards improvement (p=0.080), increasing from 2.926 +- 0.164 m/s at baseline to 2.974 +- 0.175 m/s post-force block. TOV gains were gained in the force block, rather than the velocity block. Discussion: Neither hypothesis was fully supported. PRPF showed no meaningful response to either block, suggesting that peak force production may require longer training durations or greater individualization to induce change. The TOV trend, created from the force block, was contrary to initial expectations and may reflect the physical profile of this group responded favorably to maximal strength work. Large individual variability across athletes suggests a uniform sequential protocol may be insufficient for this group. Individualized force-velocity profile-based programming may produce greater outcomes. Conclusion: An eight-week sequential velocity-to-force training intervention did not significantly improve PRPF or TOV in Division II baseball athletes. A positive trend was observed for TOV. Results support the need for individualized training created by force-velocity profiling.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Becky Heinert; jgeijer@winona.edu
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
73
Effectiveness of a Four Week Velocity Block and Subsequent Force Block on Peak Relative Propulsive Force and Takeoff Velocity in Division II Collegiate Athletes
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of a sequential velocity-focused training and force-focused resistance training program on peak relative propulsive force (PRPF) and takeoff velocity (TOV) in NCAA Division II baseball athletes. Lower-body force production and movement velocity are critical for explosive performance in baseball, where acceleration, jumping ability, and rotational power are essential for meeting positional demands. Understanding how structured training blocks influence these mechanical outputs may help optimize pre-season programming strategies. Methods: Fifty-six male Division II baseball athletes, free of lower-extremity injury for at least three months, completed an eight-week intervention. Performance was assessed at three time points: pre-intervention (week 0), after the velocity-focused block (week 4), and after the force-focused block (week 8). At each session, participants performed three maximal countermovement jumps (CMJ) with hands on hips using Hawkin Dynamics wireless dual force plates. Three trials were performed per testing session on nonconsecutive days, and the weekly average was used for statistical analysis. Primary outcomes included peak relative propulsive force (N/kg) and takeoff velocity (m/s). The training program consisted of two sequential four-week blocks, performed three times per week. Weeks 1-4 emphasized movement velocity using light-to-moderate external loads (~30-60% 1RM), plyometrics, ballistic exercises, and maximal intent. Weeks 5-8 prioritized maximal force development with heavy loads (~80-97% 1RM), low repetitions, and multi-joint compound movements. Statistical Analysis: One-way repeated measure ANOVA will determine changes in peak relative propulsive force and takeoff velocity across the three testing points. If significant differences are detected, (p ≤ 0.05), post hoc pairwise comparisons will identify where change occurred. Results: PRPF did not change significantly across timepoints (p = 0.940) with mean values of 269.96 +- 23.25, 270.67 +- 23.30, and 269.63 +- 22.70 %BW at initial, post-velocity, and post-force testing, respectively. TOV showed a non-significant trend towards improvement (p=0.080), increasing from 2.926 +- 0.164 m/s at baseline to 2.974 +- 0.175 m/s post-force block. TOV gains were gained in the force block, rather than the velocity block. Discussion: Neither hypothesis was fully supported. PRPF showed no meaningful response to either block, suggesting that peak force production may require longer training durations or greater individualization to induce change. The TOV trend, created from the force block, was contrary to initial expectations and may reflect the physical profile of this group responded favorably to maximal strength work. Large individual variability across athletes suggests a uniform sequential protocol may be insufficient for this group. Individualized force-velocity profile-based programming may produce greater outcomes. Conclusion: An eight-week sequential velocity-to-force training intervention did not significantly improve PRPF or TOV in Division II baseball athletes. A positive trend was observed for TOV. Results support the need for individualized training created by force-velocity profiling.
Comments
Stauffer, Logan J