Pioneer Valley Youth Sports and Fitness Institute
the source for sound athletic advice
Performance Testing for Multiple Athletes
At this point, off season workouts are in full swing. Noticeable differences are starting to be noticed in strength and power, speed and agility. Depending on the program goals some strength coaches perform a mid-season sports performance evaluation. This evaluation process serves as a guide for program design, achievement of program objectives, and for athletes to witness their strengths and weaknesses, thus far. Selecting tests for high levels of validity, reliability, objectivity and the appropriate energy systems along with the principle of specificity of training is important in order to measure athletic ability in a specific sport.
Often, multi-sport athletes and athletes who participate in different sports workout in the same groups at our facility. The performance testing protocol evaluates these athletes and is then applied to the demands of their particular sport. Because the number of athletes testing can be numerous, space and time allotted is set, and variety of athletes in the testing group changes, testing protocol needs to be standard. A similar situation may be present with high school sports teams, multiple athletes, space and time considerations, and testing experience. A testing protocol should be simple to follow for administrators and athletes in order for organization and efficient use of space and time.
The tests we have found to be appropriate for the multi-athlete scenarios are the following:
Vertical Jump: Assessing anaerobic power in a vertical manner
Standing Broad Jump: Assessing anaerobic power in a linear manner
40 Yard Dash (timing 10 and 20 yard splits): Assessing acceleration, transition, and maximum velocity.
Pro-Agility (5-10-5): Assessing ability to change direction with speed, power and body control.
Medicine Ball Throw: Assessing total body power
Push-Ups or Bench Press Max # of Reps: Upper body strength and endurance
300 Yard Shuttle Run: Anaerobic Capacity, assessing total amount of work (energy) that can be produced over certain amount of distance and/or time.
It is important that athletes participate in a dynamic warm-up that involves movements similar to those being tested. The athletes are given clear and concise directions in regards to the purpose and procedures of the tests prior to performing them, a demonstration of the test by the administrator and an opportunity for the athletes to ask questions regarding the test should be provided. Offer equal encouragement to all athletes. Anticipate safety issues, such as cleared testing areas, spotters available where necessary, and proper clothing and footwear are used by all athletes. At the conclusion of testing athletes are administered a cool-down in order boost the recovery process.
The testing and evaluation of athletes should be well organized and thoroughly thought out. The goal is to provide valid and reliable tests for which the athlete can demonstrate a solid performance in relation to their athletic ability specific to a particular sport. The better prepared the test administrator is the more suitable the testing environment is for good performance.
To discuss performance testing design and how to cater it to your sport or activity, please contact Len Haggerty at len@strideshpi.net. Len Haggerty, CSCS is a Sports Performance coach operating STRIDES Performance & Wellness, Inc. in Northampton, MA. They provide an experience for youths, athletes, and adults of all ages and abilities to discover their athletic potential.
