Enhancing Fitness: Fitness Testing

Identify strengths & weaknesses of athlete Monitor progress by comparing against previous test results or even results of others Enhance motivation - there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing yourself improve Provides evidence for talent identification of performer’s potential Helps with goal setting

Many tests aren’t sport-specific - don’t replicate specific movements/actions required by different activities Many tests are predicative - don’t use direct measures & can be inaccurate Many tests don’t consider sporting environment or competitive conditions of activity Validity & reliability of relevant tests should therefore be questioned

Replicating sporting environment, e.g. rugby players sprint on grass wearing kit & boots Testing appropriate: Muscle groups Muscle fibre type Energy systems

Sub maximal tests more reliable since performers motivation to work to exhaustion isn’t issue Testing environment must be same each time test conducted Testing personnel & protocol must be standardised, e.g. using timing gates rather than stopwatch

Require athlete to work to exhaustion Depends on motivation of athlete on day Some ethical issues & dangers of asking athlete to push themselves

Mostly relying on estimating & predicting Often favoured since motivation of performer not issue as they don’t work to exhaustion

Multi-Stage Fitness Test Treadmill Cooper Run

RAST

1 minute abdominal curl 10-20 RMs Core muscular endurance

% of body fat Body mass index (BMI)

Wall throw & catch

Sit & Reach Static flexion tests

Ruler drop

Illinois agility run T-Drill 10x5m run

1RM Grip strength

30m sprint