Sports technology provider V1 Sports in Novi has formed a partnership with the Louisville Slugger Hitting Science Center (LSHSC) to deliver video analysis software and ground pressure mat technology to baseball and softball coaches and players.
V1 develops video analysis, ground pressure, performance tracking, stats, and game management technologies for coaches and athletes across multiple sports. LSHSC is the world’s first diagnostic and analytic swing lab for baseball and fastpitch softball players.
The V1 Pressure Mat and mobile software is the first portable ground interaction tool for baseball/softball players and coaches that measures pressure, velocity, and dynamic force.
The mat is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and measures the quantity and quality of forces that an athlete is applying within their hitting, pitching, and fielding mechanics.
These measurements sync with high-speed video captured with proprietary V1 Pro Baseball software to create a powerful combination of motion and ground force analysis that enable coaches to more accurately evaluate and assess movements, then provide immediate feedback to help athletes improve performance.
“We are truly excited to partner with the Louisville Slugger Hitting Science Center,” says Bryan Finnerty, CEO of V1 Sports. “V1’s innovative ground pressure technology is a breakthrough for baseball and softball training as it works in tandem with our video analysis software to create a powerful system that delivers measurable improvement.”
As a launching pad for the partnership, three bullpens and four batting cages will be outfitted with V1 Sports high-speed cameras, and video analysis software. Additionally, the batting and pitching areas will be equipped with V1 Sports Pressure Mats to integrate ground force and video analysis, while bringing ground force metrics to baseball and softball instruction, allowing coach and player to see and measure what could only be felt in the past.
“Integrating V1 Sports’ proven ground pressure mat technology into baseball is a complete game changer for athletes and coaches of all levels,” says Chad Miller, founder of the LSHSC. “Baseball is a game of inches, and the ability to measure ground force technology along with video analysis will allow us to better evaluate and pinpoint discrepancies in movements, and then prescribe appropriate drills to support hitting, pitching and fielding game improvement like never before.”
The Louisville Slugger Hitting Science Center will be housed inside a renovated 26,000-square-foot training space at the site of the former Louisville Athletic Club. To complement the integration of V1 technology at the player development center, plans call for LSHSC mobile units to be equipped with V1 Sports technology, bringing the newest innovations directly to players and coaches across the U.S. through combines, clinics, and demonstration sessions.
Additionally, the partnership will help introduce V1’s mobile app to baseball and softball players, which provides athletes the ability to receive online baseball and softball lessons with LSHSC instructors, and who can use the app to house educational video content such as drills, tips, and other helpful content.
“In addition to helping professional baseball players and coaches, V1 Sports technology will expedite learning with kids, making the player development process more enjoyable for everyone,” Miller adds.
The new V1 Sports ground pressure technology for baseball was introduced at the Jan. 7 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) conference.
The partnership with the Louisville Slugger Hitting Science Center comes on the heels of V1 Sports obtaining backing from Black Cat Ventures, the golf technology fund founded by Michael Jordan and managed by his partners Ken Weyand and Darren May, the general manager and golf coach at The Grove XXIII in Hobe Sound, Fla., respectively. V1 Sports says it continues to leverage advanced technology to further establish its leadership position in sports and provide services designed to enhance coaching and overall game improvement.
“V1 Sports developed a successful technology suite in golf, as millions of golfers, including PGA Tour players and more than 10,000 coaches, are using V1 Sports video and pressure mats to support game improvement,” says Finnerty. “Now, we’ve adapted our technology to baseball, and this partnership with the Louisville Slugger Hitting Science Center represents a true innovation for the sport.”
