SPARQ Training

Nike SPARQ is the name used under a marketing relationship between Nike and SPARQ, under which Nike sells a line of cross training footwear, apparel and equipment in the USA.

SPARQ was started in 2004 to create a standardized test for athleticism called the SPARQ Rating and to sell training equipment and methods to help improve athleticism focused on the high school athlete (a "SAT" for athletes). 'SPARQ' is an acronym it stands for: Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness.

SPARQ's headquarters was based in Portland, OR with a distribution center in Oconomowoc, WI until its sale to Nike in 2009 (Nike kept the distribution center open in Oconomowoc until March 2010). After the purchase, both the headquarters and distribution center were incorporated into Nike's operations.

SPARQ's business is focused on the rating system and selling advanced functional fitness training equipment. The company does not own any training facilities or have any one specific training method. They provide training videos and tips from a number of top speed, strength and conditioning coaches on their website. SPARQ developed a training network made up of over 750 SPARQ Certified Trainers located throughout the country who are both independent coaches and trainers at chain performance centers. Some of the more well-known independent facilities include TopSpeed Strength & Conditioning in Kansas City, the Michael Johnson Performance Center in Dallas and Athletic Evolution in Massachusetts. National training companies include CATZ (the Competitive Athlete Training Zone) and Velocity Sports Performance. SPARQ has formed a broad, non-exclusive partnership with Velocity Sports Performance to provide certified SPARQ Testing at all of their centers.

The SPARQ Rating is a sport-specific assessment of athleticism. SPARQ has test protocols for six sports – football, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, baseball, fastpitch, boys’ basketball and girls’ basketball, as well as a test for general athleticism. The tests are designed to test the skills and athleticism demanded by each sport. In the past two years over 44,000 athletes have been assessed and received SPARQ ratings.

Some famous athletes who have recorded SPARQ Ratings are:

Mike Mitchell holds the national record SPARQ Rating. He set it with a score of 154.47.

The SPARQ general athletic assessment test is composed of:

The 40 yard dash is the simplest activity; an athlete runs 40 yards down a track, and his/her time is recorded by a trainer or other method. This time is taken and put into "SPARQ Points", which are added to determine the athlete's overall rating.

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