Kin 425, Concepts of Strength and Conditioning 

Testing and Evaluation

Reasoning for performing tests

• Assessment of Athletic Talent (strengths)
• Field Test are good for this
• Identification of Physical Abilities in need of improvement (weaknesses)
• Find what needs immediate attention
• Setting Realistic Goals
• Testing is needed to find out where you are (starting point) so that you can set goals for future development
• Goals should be realistic and organized into short-range (1-2 months)., mid range (1-4 years), and career goals. All goals should be consistent with one another.
• At the end of the competitive season the coach should assist each athlete in establishing training goals for the off-season and help develop the programs needed to achieve those goals

Testing Terminology

• Test- A procedure for assessing ability in a particular endeavor
• Field Test- A test used to assess ability that is performed away from the laboratory and does not require extensive training or expensive equipment.
• Measurement- The process of collecting test data
• Evaluation- The process of analyzing test results for the purpose of making decisions. For example, a coach examines the results of physical performance tests to determine whether the athlete’s training program is effective in helping achieve the training goals or whether modifications in the program are needed.
• Pretest-A test administered before training begins to determine the athlete’s initial basic ability levels. A pretest allows the coach to design the training program in keeping with the athlete’s initial training level and the overall program objectives.
• Midtest- A test administered one or more times during the training period to assess progress and modify the program as needed to maximize benefit.
• Posttest-Test administered after the training period to determine the success of the training program in achieving the training objectives.

Test Selection Variables

• Metabolic Specificity
• A valid test must emulate the energy requirements of the sport for which ability is being assessed
• It is best for the tests to simulate the physical movements and energy demands of a real game

• Sport Specificity
• All else being equal, the more similar the test is to an important movement in the sport, the better.
• Tests should also be position specific within the sport.
• Experience and training status
• A barbell squat test would not be fair to an athlete who has only trained on a leg press machine
• Age and Sex
•  A test of the maximum number of pull-ups that can be performed may be a valid test for male wrestlers but not for female athletes because of their lack of sufficient upper body strength to complete pull-ups.
• Environmental Factors
• The environment must be considered when selecting and administering tests of basic athletic ability
• Factors such as temperature, humidity and altitude can influence test performance, so testers should try to standardize environmental conditions as much as possible.
• Heat injury is a risk during heavy physical exertion in hot environments, especially when humidity is high.

Test Administration Needs

• Health and Safety Considerations
• All athletes should be medically cleared before being permitted to physically train and compete.
• Selection and Training Testers
• Test administrators should be well trained and have a thorough understanding of all testing procedures and protocols
• It is essential that all testers have sufficient practice
• Recording Forms
• Scoring forms should be developed before the testing session and should have space for all test results and comments
• Test Format
• Athletes should be made aware of testing purpose and procedures prior to performing a test
• Each tester should administer only one test at a time.
• 2 non-fatiguing tests can be performed in sequence as long as test reliability can be maintained
• When multiple trials of a test (1RM) or a battery of test are performed allow complete recovery between trials
•        Attempts not close to max : 2 to 3 min rest
•        Attempts close to max:         3 to 5 min rest

Sequence of Tests

1. Non-fatiguing tests (i.e., hgt, wgt, flexibility, skinfold and girth, vertical jump)
2. Agility tests (e.g., T-test, Edgren Side step test)
3. Sprint Tests-Speed (e.g., 40yd test)
4. Max power and strength tests (e.g., power clean, bench press, squat)
5. Local Muscular Endurance Tests (e.g., 1 min sit-up)
6. Fatiguing anaerobic capacity tests (e.g., 400m run, 300yd shuttle run)
7. Aerobic capacity tests (e.g., 1.5 mile run, beep test)