Transforming Potential into Performance with Overtime Athletes Certification

Coach Jim Enrolls in Overtime Athletes Certification to Elevate Athletic Training in the Illinois Valley

At JJR Next Level, we’ve always believed in pushing boundaries and delivering the highest quality training to the athletes we serve. That’s why we’re excited to share that our very own Gym Manager, Coach Jim, is currently enrolled in the Overtime Athletes (OTA) Certification course one of the top nationally recognized program designed to develop elite-level strength and performance coaches.

What is the OTA Certification?

The Overtime Athletes Certification is a comprehensive training system created by Coach Chris Barnard, one of the most trusted names in sports performance. The program is built on years of research, real-world coaching experience, and proven athletic development protocols used by professionals across all levels from youth athletes to NFL, NBA, MLB, and Olympic competitors.

The OTA curriculum focuses on five key pillars of athletic performance:

1. Speed Development – Mechanics, acceleration, and max velocity drills to help athletes run faster and move more explosively.

2. Power Training – Olympic lifting, plyometrics, and medicine ball work to increase vertical jump, first-step quickness, and overall power output.

3. Strength Development – Proven resistance training strategies to build sport-specific muscle and injury-resistant athletes.

4. Mobility and Movement – Enhancing range of motion, body control, and joint health to prevent injuries and improve performance.

5. Energy System Conditioning – Sport-specific endurance training to help athletes dominate in the 4th quarter or overtime.

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How This Will Benefit Our Athletes in the Illinois Valley

With Coach Jim diving deep into the OTA system, the athletes of the Illinois Valley are gaining access to elite-level programming typically reserved for Division 1 and pro-level programs. Here’s what this means for our community:

• More Explosive Athletes: Whether it’s sprinting down the field, breaking away on the court, or jumping for a rebound — athletes will develop more pop, speed, and quickness.

• Stronger, Healthier Bodies: OTA’s strength protocols are not just about lifting more they’re about building strength that directly translates to better performance and fewer injuries.

• Smarter Programming: Our training will now incorporate cutting-edge science in periodization, recovery, and athletic development no cookie-cutter workouts.

• Tailored Training: With the knowledge gained through OTA, Coach Jim will be even more equipped to assess, modify, and scale workouts to meet the unique needs of each athlete.

  
  

A Commitment to Excellence

Coach Jim brings a lifetime of experience to JJR Next Level from playing three sports growing up, to years of coaching youth football, to working in law enforcement, to earning his bachelor’s in Exercise Science, and now managing day-to-day operations at the gym. His decision to pursue the OTA certification is a reflection of JJR Next Levels commitment to constant improvement and to bringing elite-level training to our local athletes.

This is more than just another certification it’s an investment in the future of every young athlete who walks through our doors.

We’re Just Getting Started

We are fired up for what’s coming next.

With OTA strategies being implemented in our Athlete Performance Programs, we are confident that we’ll see faster 40s, higher verticals, stronger lifts, and more confident athletes dominating their sports.

If you’re a parent looking to give your athlete an edge, or an athlete ready to take your training to the next level now is the time to join us.

Let’s build something great.

Train with purpose. Perform with confidence. Rise to the next level.

🧡🖤— The JJR Next Level Team