Start Your Athletic Journey with a FREE Performance Assessment
Every elite athlete journey starts with understanding where you are today. At Palmetto Performance, every new athlete begins with a comprehensive 60-minute performance assessment – absolutely free, with no obligation to continue training.
This isn’t a sales pitch disguised as an assessment. It’s a legitimate evaluation performed by certified coaches (CSCS) using the same testing protocols we use with our current athletes. You’ll leave with valuable data, actionable insights, and a clear understanding of your athlete’s strengths, weaknesses, and development opportunities.
What’s Included in Your FREE Assessment
1. Movement Quality Screening (15 minutes)
Our certified coaches evaluate fundamental movement patterns to identify:
- Mobility restrictions that limit performance
- Stability weaknesses that increase injury risk
- Asymmetries between left and right sides
- Movement compensations that create inefficiency
- Areas requiring corrective exercise or additional focus
Why It Matters: Many youth athletes move inefficiently without realizing it. Poor movement patterns not only limit performance but significantly increase injury risk. Our screening identifies these issues before they become problems.
2. Speed & Agility Testing (15 minutes)
Using laser timing gates for precision measurement, we test:
- 10-yard sprint: Measures acceleration and first-step quickness
- 40-yard dash: Evaluates top-end speed and speed endurance
- Pro agility (5-10-5): Tests change of direction ability
- L-drill or T-test: Measures multi-directional agility
- Flying 10-yard: Assesses maximum velocity mechanics
Why It Matters: Speed is the most transferable athletic quality across all sports. Knowing your baseline speed metrics allows us to track improvements precisely and adjust training for maximum results.
3. Power & Explosiveness Testing (10 minutes)
We measure explosive power through:
- Vertical jump: Tests lower body power production
- Broad jump: Measures horizontal power and coordination
- Medicine ball throws: Evaluates upper body and rotational power
- Reactive strength index: Assesses elastic qualities
Why It Matters: Power is the foundation of athletic performance. Whether it’s jumping for a rebound, hitting a baseball, or exploding off the line in football, power output determines success in most athletic movements.
4. Age-Appropriate Strength Assessment (10 minutes)
Using safe, age-appropriate methods, we evaluate:
- For younger athletes (8-12): Bodyweight strength ratios, push-ups, pull-ups, plank holds
- For older athletes (13-18): Relative strength testing, work capacity, strength imbalances
- Core stability: Anti-rotation, anti-extension, anti-lateral flexion tests
- Posterior chain strength: Hip hinge patterns and hamstring function
Why It Matters: Strength forms the foundation for speed, power, and injury prevention. Understanding your athlete’s current strength levels allows us to design progressive programs that build capacity safely over time.
5. Goal-Setting & Development Plan (10 minutes)
We sit down with you and your athlete to discuss:
- Athletic goals (make varsity, earn college scholarship, improve specific skills)
- Current training and sports schedule
- Injury history and concerns
- Timeline and commitment level
- Assessment results and what they mean
- Recommended training program and frequency
- Realistic expectations for improvement
Why It Matters: Training without clear goals is like driving without a destination. We ensure your athlete’s training aligns with their specific goals, schedule, and developmental stage.
What You’ll Receive After Your Assessment
Detailed Assessment Report
Within 24 hours of your assessment, you’ll receive a comprehensive report including:
- All test results with percentile rankings for age and sport
- Video analysis of movement patterns (if applicable)
- Identified strengths to leverage
- Weaknesses and areas for improvement
- Injury risk factors and prevention recommendations
- Comparison to college athlete benchmarks (for high school athletes)
Personalized Training Recommendations
- Recommended program type (Speed & Agility, Strength & Power, Complete Performance)
- Suggested training frequency (2x, 3x, or 4x per week)
- Priority development areas
- Timeline for expected improvements
- At-home exercises to supplement training (optional)
No-Pressure Conversation
We’ll discuss program options and pricing, but there’s zero pressure to sign up immediately. Take the assessment results home, think about it, and reach out when you’re ready. Many families take a week or more to decide – that’s completely fine with us.
Who Should Get a FREE Assessment?
Youth Athletes (Ages 8-18) Who Want To:
- Get faster, stronger, and more explosive
- Make their school team or earn a starting position
- Improve performance in their sport
- Reduce injury risk and stay healthy
- Prepare for their competitive season
- Earn college scholarship opportunities
- Build confidence and mental toughness
- Develop foundational athleticism across multiple sports
Parents Who Are:
- Researching quality training options in Charleston
- Concerned about their athlete’s injury history
- Noticing their child is falling behind athletically
- Wanting objective data on their athlete’s abilities
- Considering private training but want to see our facility first
- Looking for expert guidance on athletic development
- Seeking a second opinion on training recommendations
What to Expect During Your Visit
Before You Arrive
You’ll receive a confirmation email with:
- Directions to our Charleston facility
- What to bring (athletic clothing, indoor shoes, water bottle)
- Brief intake form to complete (5 minutes)
- Parking instructions
- Your coach’s name and credentials
When You Arrive
- 5 minutes: Facility tour and meet your coach
- 5 minutes: Review intake form and discuss athlete history
- 45 minutes: Complete assessment testing
- 5 minutes: Initial results review and next steps discussion
Total time: 60 minutes. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay and watch.
After Your Visit
- Receive detailed assessment report within 24 hours
- No-pressure follow-up call to answer questions (if desired)
- Enrollment assistance if you decide to join (simple, 5-minute process)
- Keep the assessment results forever – they’re yours regardless of whether you train with us
Why We Offer Free Assessments
We believe every young athlete deserves to know where they stand athletically. Quality movement screening and performance testing shouldn’t be reserved only for athletes whose families can afford expensive evaluations.
By offering free assessments, we accomplish three goals:
- Educate families: Many parents don’t realize their athlete has movement limitations or injury risk factors until we identify them.
- Demonstrate expertise: Our assessment process showcases our coaching knowledge and systematic approach to athletic development.
- Ensure proper fit: Not every athlete is ready for our training intensity. The assessment helps us determine if we’re the right fit for your athlete’s needs and goals.
We’d rather give you valuable information for free than pressure you into a program that isn’t right for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the assessment really free?
Yes. Completely free. No credit card required. No obligation to continue training. The assessment normally costs $150, but we provide it free to every prospective athlete.
How long does it take?
60 minutes total. We respect your time and run on schedule.
What should my athlete wear?
Athletic clothing (shorts or athletic pants, t-shirt) and indoor athletic shoes. No cleats or outdoor shoes please.
Can parents watch?
Absolutely! We have a comfortable viewing area and encourage parents to observe the assessment. You’ll see our coaching style, facility, and how we interact with athletes.
Will you pressure us to sign up?
No. We’ll explain program options and answer questions, but high-pressure sales tactics aren’t our style. Many families take a week or more to decide after their assessment.
What if my athlete has an injury?
We can still perform an assessment while working around injuries. Let us know in advance so we can modify testing appropriately.
Do you assess athletes from all sports?
Yes. Our assessment protocols work for athletes from any sport – baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, volleyball, track, swimming, and more.
What if my child is shy or nervous?
Our coaches are experts at working with athletes of all personality types. We create a comfortable, supportive environment. There’s no judgment – just objective evaluation and encouragement.
Meet the Coaches Who Perform Assessments
Your assessment will be conducted by one of our certified coaches:
- our expert coaching staff, CSCS: Founder & Director of Performance, former D1 baseball player
- Coach Sarah Thompson, MS, CSCS: Speed & Agility Specialist, former college soccer player
- Coach Marcus Williams, CSCS: Strength & Power Coach, former D2 football player
All coaches hold professional certifications, have playing/coaching experience at college or professional levels, and specialize in youth athletic development. Learn more about our coaching team here.
Ready to Get Started?
Book your FREE 60-minute performance assessment today. Available times include after-school hours, weekend mornings, and by special appointment. Assessments are available for athletes ages 8-18 across all sports and skill levels.
Charleston’s most comprehensive youth athlete assessment – yours free with no obligation.
Booking Options
Online Booking
Use our online scheduling system to view available times and book instantly. You’ll receive immediate confirmation and reminder emails.
Call to Book
Prefer to talk to someone? Call us at (843) 555-PERF. We’re available Monday-Friday 9 AM – 7 PM and Saturday 9 AM – 2 PM.
Email to Book
Send your preferred dates and times to info@palmettoperform.com. We’ll respond within 4 hours during business hours.
Serving youth athletes from Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities.