ATCs.

1 of 3 fundamental aspects of development, forming the basis of Triangular Training Theory, ATCs–Athletic Traits & Characteristics represent the raw measurables of an athlete: things like speed, strength, agility, vertical jump, explosive power, and overall athleticism. They provide a quantifiable way to compare athletes across positions, sports, and levels of play.

Why ATCs Matter.

1. Objective Data
   ATCs give coaches and recruiters hard numbers to work with. A 4.4-second forty-yard dash or a 40-inch vertical jump provides clear evidence of an athlete’s raw capacity that can’t be explained away by “eye test” bias.
2. Talent Identification
   Measurables allow evaluators to quickly spot athletes with elite physical ceilings. A player with top-tier speed or explosiveness has traits that can’t be easily taught and, in many cases, separate them from the competition.
3. Baseline for Development
   Strength, speed, and power establish the foundation for skill development. Athletes with strong ATCs are often more adaptable to advanced coaching, training, and in-game demands.
4. A Better Approach
   Unlike standard measurables that stop at height, weight, forty times, bench reps, etc., ATCs introduce new, advanced measurables that capture far more than raw numbers—they reveal why one athlete outperforms another. By identifying not just how athletic an individual is, but what specifically makes them superior—and where another athlete falls short—ATCs deliver a roadmap for closing the gap. This makes the system both diagnostic and prescriptive: it shows who has the edge, and exactly how to bridge it.

Why ATCs Alone Aren’t Enough.

1. Athleticism ≠ Ability
   Having elite traits doesn’t automatically make someone a great football player, basketball player, or baseball player. Skills like reading defenses, reacting under pressure, handling contact, and executing within a system aren’t measured by a stopwatch or a vertical test.
2. Game Speed vs. Test Speed
   Running a fast forty is impressive, but game speed requires processing information, reacting to opponents, and moving with pads on in chaotic situations. Many players test well but struggle to translate those numbers when the game turns live.
3. Missing the “Combat” Factor
   ATCs measure physical potential, but they don’t capture the grit, toughness, and willingness to absorb or deliver contact. In collision sports like football, that combat readiness often determines success far more than a measurable.
4. Overemphasis in Recruiting
   When recruiters or trainers lean too heavily on ATCs, they risk overlooking players with elite instincts, high football IQ, and refined position-specific skills. Conversely, “workout warriors” can look dominant in testing but fade when it’s time to compete.

T3™: ATCs + METLEs + MTR-F.

The most effective evaluations don’t treat ATCs as the end-all, but as one piece of a larger puzzle. Numbers help project potential, but the real test comes when those traits are applied in live situations—handling contact, executing under fatigue, reacting to unexpected plays, and elevating teammates.

For players, the takeaway is clear: train to improve your traits, but prepare to prove your ability. Strength and speed open the door, but performance, instincts, and resilience keep you on the field.

Bottom line: ATCs are a powerful tool for identifying raw athleticism, but they can never replace the eye test of live competition. The best athletes blend elite traits with elite application—turning numbers into impact.