In part one of this series of athletic testing I went over vocabulary on what makes a test valid and reliable. For part two of this series, I'll deep dive the process of selecting which test for which athlete. I should note that I am not a Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS) I am using this blog has a way to study for CSCS. All the information comes from Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning fourth edition.
To start this process of selecting a test for your athlete ponder which energy system is required of your athlete. Is it the phosphagen system (Short, quick burst) the glycolytic system (longer duration that uses the Cori Cycle) or the oxidative system? (even longer duration that uses the Krebs cycle). A prime example is the difference between an Olympic weightlifting athlete versus a marathoner. Another factor to consider is the movement pattern of the athlete during their particular sport. Think about American Football and the various positions that apply. An offensive or defensive linemen require pushing with great force while a Wide Receiver utilizes more speed and change of direction. How old is your athlete? a collegiate runner could handle a 12 min run while a mile run would be more appropriate test for that age group. What is the training history? an experienced athlete with years of experience in the weight room could handle a 1RM power clean while a beginner athlete would be more comfortable with a vertical jump test to measure power. Gender of an athlete plays a factor as well. A male athlete tends to have more upper body strength than their female counterparts. A 1RM max bench press with a co-ed team may have value but the time dedicated to loading and unloading a bench press will cost time. Weather would play a factor as well. An athlete recruited from Minnesota will need time to acclimate to southern weather. Postponing a test for at least a week will give time to acclimate thus serving a better test. Time of day pertaining towards the weather may detract the athlete to performing their best. Any temperature exceeding 80 degrees, or 50% humidity will throw the test results off.
The test order is another imperative aspect to consider. The NSCA recommends that non-fatiguing tests such as flexibility, skinfold, height/weight should be done first. Agility tests such as the T-test or pro agility test follow non-fatiguing tests. This is conducted to ensure the best results from the agility are made. Agility tests require an athlete to start, stop and cut at full speed thus making it physically taxing. After agility tests max power and strength tests are to be conducted. This would be your 1RM clean, 1RM bench, etc. Sprint tests such as the 40-yard dash will follow. Local Muscular tests such as the push up or curl up would be next. Fatiguing anaerobic tests such as the 300-yard shuttle would follow then lastly an aerobic test such as the 1.5-mile run. If at all possible anaerobic tests and aerobic test should be done on separate days. If both are to be conducted on the same day, then extended rest is required between those tests. The tests are set up as to avoid stressing metabolic energy systems on back-to-back tests.
1. Non-fatiguing test
2. Agility tests
3. Maximum power and strength
4. Sprint tests
5. Local Muscular endurance test
6. Fatiguing anaerobic capacity test
7. Aerobic capacity test
To ensure each athlete performs at top level have a time allocated for the athlete to practice these tests before hand. Conduct the familiarization a few days prior to ensure allocated rest before the real test. Have those practices at the same time and location as the actual test. Have the same graders and administer for the familiarization as well to further acclimate the athlete to the pace of testing.
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