In March 2008, SPARQ Mag hooked up with Olympic decathlete Bryan Clay to see how he’d compare to some top rated athletes we’ve tested.

Athletes who train and compete to do the decathlon- the 10-sport track & field event that includes 110-meter hurdles, long jump, pole vault, and javelin, among others -are often dubbed the World’s Greatest Athlete. In a recent round of SPARQ Testing, the current world-champion decathlete, Bryan Clay, proved he deserves that lofty title.

The 38-year old and her young partner, former Nebraska All-American Jenny Kropp, were ranked No. 10 going into the Huntington Beach open in early May and in the last five years alone Nancy has had 24 podium finishes on the AVP Crocs Tour.

Ask her what is her most proud accomplishment in her long and prolific career and the answer might surprise you. “It would be coming back from back surgery,” she says without hesitation. “and being at this point to compete again.”

Sometimes in sports, you find a concept that’s brilliant in its simplicity: you can’t hit what you can’t see.

Todd Norman continues his series on strength training advice.

When you stop conditioning you become more prone to injury. Rick Scarpulla explains why you must continue to work at speed and strength in order to maintain the gains you have made.

Ladder drills are simple and effective, and extremely easy to modify. One drill can be done in many different ways by simply adding extra steps, adding a ball toss, or by going in a different direction.

This video shows the basic how-to’s of the KnPB, the form that will get you a killer toss, and the fouls that will get you tossed out at the ‘08 football combines.

What drills should you do to prepare for the Kneeling Power Ball Toss? SPARQ Trainer Rick Scarpulla offers up his top 5 favorites.

In Part 2 of this article, SPARQ Trainer Rick Scarpulla shares tips No. 6 thru No. 10 for becoming faster and more explosive.

Tips from USA Softball’s Amanda Freed