Although there are multiple radar guns, one must purchase a product that serves the intended purpose while promoting accuracy. When considering the right radar gun for speed training and accuracy, coaches, trainers, and athletes must prioritize the best radar guns that make it possible to develop their sporting skills.
This article identifies the key factors that could guide coaches to choose the best radar gun for their work. Significantly, the article would help athletes select the best radar gun that promotes their skills. Therefore, the article is a practical guide that is intended for all athletes, coaches, and trainers.
Why use a radar gun for speed training?
In sports teams or personal training, a radar gun enables athletes to gain instant speed feedback that allows them to quantify their efforts and become familiar with improvements made. Unlike manual timers, a radar gun offers accurate measurements at high speeds, imposing no error.
Accuracy is a critical aspect to consider. To achieve accuracy, one must consider models with the reputation capacity of lessening the error margin within the radar gun speed measurement tool. For example, models using Doppler radar accuracy technology may be helpful. Through star rating or recommendations from professionals, the model selected should have good accuracy.
Show Maturity in Choosing a Radar Gun
Ultimately, depending on your training environment, the range of the radar gun plays a significant role in decision-making. If your training session is carried out in an extensive field or open area, pick a radar gun with a longer effective range, up to 500 feet or more. However, if your training is done indoors or in a limited open area, a shorter-range model would be most suitable.
When choosing the radar gun, remember the usual distance between it and the performing athlete. The radar gun should be user-friendly to run the training session without a hitch. An intuitive display, the capability of operating via buttons, and quick speed reading will make it easier. While some models work with one button, and others require familiarity with how it works, select a radar gun according to your technical skills. Since it is likely that most of the training sessions take place outside or on the field, it is essential to have a portable and durable radar gun.
A lightweight one with a comfortable grip is more comfortable. Again, in case a person is likely to use a radar gun in complex weather, choose an all-weather resistant one. Other advanced radar guns come with connectivity types that include Bluetooth or data logging capability. This feature will be helpful for trainers or players to save readings and check the improvement trends. Such capabilities are costly, which depends on the budget.
On the market, radar guns come in both basic, relatively cheap models and professional, high-end devices. Although it may be tempting to save money and purchase the most affordable product, it is essential to look for a reliable radar gun that will last for a long time. While it is recommended to set a budget, the product’s quality must be a priority to ensure the best value for money.
Types of Radar Guns for Speed Training
Handheld Radar Guns
The most popular radar gun offers coaches and athletes versatility. The radar guns can be easily carried from place to place and moved around to check speed as needed.
Ball Speed Radar Guns
A sports-specific radar gun model developed to be used only for sports such as baseball or softball. Especially designed to measure ball speed, these radar guns are well-calibrated and provide an accurate reading.
Speed Sensors and Apps
Some radar guns have built-in smartphone apps, while others are equipped with sensors that transmit data to a mobile device.
Using Your Radar Gun Tip
There are several ways to ensure that the radar gun produces accurate measurements. As with other measuring tools, placing the radar gun in line with the expected motion will cause a more accurate reading. Place the radar gun in the same spot from the same angle to create consistency.
Combine with Other Training Confirmation
As a supplement to other exercises and activities, use the radar gun to combine additional training factors such as reaction time or agility drills.