Answers
Everything people ask us.
Straight answers about the programs, the facility, and what the training actually does to the numbers. Every performance figure below is calculated from measured athlete data, not written by hand.
Training & programs
- What is Athlete Innovations?
- Athlete Innovations is a private sports performance facility at 5402 W Laurel St, Tampa, FL 33607, founded and led by performance director Cliff Brown. It specializes in NFL Combine preparation, speed development, and sports-science-backed athletic training, with every session measured on electronic timing gates, force plates, and GPS.
- What programs does Athlete Innovations offer?
- Six programs: Operation 53 (NFL Combine preparation), Professional Athlete Development, Youth & High School Development, Adult Fitness Memberships, Boxing, and Team Training for schools and organizations.
- Do I need to be a professional athlete to train there?
- No. Adult fitness memberships are open to all training levels, and youth and high school athletes make up a large part of the roster. The same measurement approach is used regardless of level.
- What ages does Athlete Innovations train?
- The minimum training age is 13, across every program. Athletes are grouped by training age and physical maturity rather than school year. For athletes under 18, a parent or guardian submits the enquiry and signs the training agreement.
- Do you offer boxing?
- Yes. Coached boxing is open to all skill levels from age 13 up, for complete beginners and for athletes cross-training for another sport. Sessions cover footwork, hand speed, rotational power, and round-based conditioning.
- Can teams or schools train there?
- Yes. Team training and custom programs are available for teams, schools, and organizations, either at the Tampa facility or structured around your season.
NFL Combine preparation
- What is Operation 53?
- Operation 53 is Athlete Innovations' 8-week NFL Combine preparation program in Tampa, capped at 12 prospects per cycle. It includes training, sports science testing, medical and physical therapy, mental performance work, housing, and daily meals.
- How long does NFL Combine preparation take?
- Operation 53 runs 8 weeks from intake testing to test day. Strength work tapers as speed work ramps so the athlete peaks once, on the day it counts. Most measurable improvement appears between weeks four and six.
- Where can you train for the NFL Combine in Florida?
- Athlete Innovations runs an 8-week combine program at 5402 W Laurel St, Tampa, FL 33607. Athletes who trained there have signed with NFL clubs and been drafted, and all published testing data is measured on facility equipment.
- How many athletes does the combine program take?
- Twelve prospects per cycle. The cap exists so each athlete gets individual coaching attention rather than sharing a coach across a large group.
- Does the program include housing and meals?
- Yes. Operation 53 includes local furnished apartment housing and daily hot catered meals, alongside training, medical care, and testing.
- What happens at the combine itself?
- Athlete Innovations staff travel to Indianapolis with the athlete. Treatment and training continue on-site through the week, including daily soft tissue work, movement preparation, recovery services, and Cliff present through the combine process.
Results & testing
- How much can you realistically improve a 40-yard dash?
- Across every Athlete Innovations athlete with complete before-and-after data, the average improvement is 0.25 seconds. Improvement depends on starting point and training age: an athlete starting at 4.85 has more available than one starting at 4.45.
- How much vertical jump can you add?
- Athletes at Athlete Innovations average 6.9 inches of vertical gain over a training block, and 11.0 inches on the broad jump.
- Is speed genetic, or can it be trained?
- Top speed has a genetic ceiling, but almost nobody tests at their ceiling. Most time lost in a 40-yard dash comes from start mechanics, acceleration angles, and inefficient movement, all of which are trainable. The 10-yard split moves most reliably: athletes average 0.19 seconds off it.
- How is the testing measured?
- Sprints are captured on electronic timing gates rather than a handheld stopwatch, jumps on force plates, and top speed via GPS. Each athlete is baselined at intake and retested through the block, so improvement is measured against their own starting point.
- Are the published results real?
- Yes. Every published result is a named athlete with both before and after numbers shown, currently 22 athletes. Nothing is projected, estimated, or averaged into a marketing figure, and 40-yard dash footage is published alongside the times.
- Have any athletes reached the NFL?
- 20 athletes who trained at Athlete Innovations have gone on to sign with NFL clubs, including drafted players. Each athlete's testing data and NFL outcome is published individually on the results page.
Location, cost & getting started
- Where is Athlete Innovations located?
- Athlete Innovations is at 5402 W Laurel St, Tampa, FL 33607, a private performance facility in West Tampa. Training and consultations run by appointment rather than drop-in.
- How much does training cost?
- Adult fitness membership pricing is published and can be viewed directly. Combine preparation, pro development, youth training, team programs, and facility rental are quoted after a consultation, because they vary substantially by length, testing, and whether housing and meals are included. The consultation itself is free.
- How do I get started?
- Book a consultation through the website. Athlete Innovations will discuss goals, timeline, and starting point, then build a plan around them. You can also email info@athleteinnovations.com and expect a reply within one business day.
- Can I tour the facility?
- Yes, by appointment, so a coach can walk you through it rather than you arriving mid-session. Request a visit through the contact page.
- What equipment does the facility have?
- Force plates, laser timing gates, GPS tracking, velocity-based training, Woodway curve and force treadmills, a Run Rocket sprint system, plus recovery including cold and hot plunges, compression boots, and cupping.
- Can I rent the facility for my own sessions?
- Yes. Independent trainers, coaches, teams, and event organizers can rent the space for their own sessions, camps, tryouts, or showcases. Turf, weight room, timing and testing equipment, and locker rooms are included.
For agents & advisors
- Do agents get access to their athlete's testing data?
- Yes. Agents representing an athlete at Athlete Innovations receive credentialed access to a secure portal showing that athlete's weekly testing data, progress charts, and an exportable branded report. Access is scoped to their own athletes only, and every view is logged.
- How often is athlete data updated?
- Testing data is updated weekly through the training block, so an agent can see progress as it happens rather than receiving a summary at the end.
- Can I get a written overview of the combine program?
- Yes. A full written brief covering the 8-week structure, sports science stack, medical staff, facility, housing, meals, and results is available for agents on request.
Didn't find your answer?
Email us and a coach will reply within one business day, or book a free consultation and ask in person.
Ready to see your own numbers?
Book an assessment, get baselined on the same equipment, and build the plan from there.