Omtvedt put on about 800 camps at schools last year, allowing entire teams to use the equipment and training.

He also offers more intense training — 1 hour and 15 minutes twice a week for nine weeks.

“We’ve had very good success, adding an 8- to 10-inch increase in their attack spike.”

He has trained students who flew in from states as far away as Florida and Georgia.

“We had a gal who flew in from the University of Nebraska. After 5 1/2 hours of training, she was 5 inches higher on her attack spike.”

He’s even sold some machines to parents. “It’s not a cheap product, with the machine plus the training, but the parents figure their child may get a scholarship for their extra effort.”

Several months ago, he opened a store in River Hills Mall, next to Sears, so he can offer classes there, as well as promote related services.

He has set up a room for golfers, using the same video training program to allow people to improve their swing. Golfers are videotaped hitting a golf ball into a net, and then can watch their stance, wrist and arm position and club position at several key spots.

Omtvedt has tape of pro golfers’ perfect swings to compare to.

The store is also selling the GymStick, an exercise and strength-training device. It is a lightweight fiberglass stick with rubber-like bands fastened to each end. There are loops at the end of the bands that can be placed under the feet or in the hands for a variety of exercise options aimed at mimicking workout machines.

“We’re the first U.S. dealer to sell the GymStick. It’s good for anybody and any sport. We’re focusing on schools now. But I think they’ll be everywhere in a few years because it’s so versatile,” Omtvedt said.

But Solo Spike remains the core of his business and he is on track to open offices and training centers in the Twin Cities and Columbus, Ohio, next summer and is working on locations in Texas and Nebraska — all places where there are well-established volleyball clubs and school programs.

The business’ Web site is www.solospike.com or call 385-2040.