3. Reasons for Fitness Testing
Identify the athlete’s capability to perform certain tasks
Identify athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to
develop/evaluate a training program
Tests should be re-tested every 8-12 weeks to give coach-athlete feedback
(one-off testing is pointless)
Testing can motivate athlete’s to strive for improvement in their fitness.
Performance Evaluation
Laboratory Tests; Assessment from expensive and sophisticated
equipment in laboratories. Performed usually only at elite level (Sports
institutes), but are very accurate (Eg. Maximal tests)
Field Tests; Commonly carried out, as they are simple and results are
instantaneous. Commonly carried out in individual and team sports to
gauge ones fitness levels and can are specific to the fitness components
required in particular sports.
Maximal and Sub-maximal Testing
4. Direct and Indirect Testing
There are two broad approaches to
testing – direct, maximal testing
and indirect sub-maximal testing.
Each has its advantages and
disadvantages
Direct – lab equipment, HR
monitor, etc
Indirect predictive measures/
equations
Direct testing tends to be confined
to laboratories
Indirect sub-maximal testing
tends to be used most often
because it is easy to
administer, requires less expertise
and requires minimal effort.
5. The Evaluation Process
1. Select the fitness components to be tested (Via game analysis)
2. Select a suitable fitness test*
3. Collect the data scientifically
4. Analyse the data to determine strengths and weaknesses
5. Make decisions as to what to do with the test results
6. Design a training program to work on an athletes weaknesses and maintain
their strengths
7. Pre-testing procedures
The following is a checklist of recommended procedures and precautions
that should be followed before undertaking any form of fitness testing.
• The individual should be fully informed and familiarised with the
procedures and format of the test(s).
• No food should be consumed immediately before the testing session.
(approx 2hrs)
• Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.
• Heavy or intense exercise should be avoided on the day prior to testing.
• The individual should give their consent and
appropriate medical clearances should have been obtained.
• Untrained individuals should work at maximum intensities for short
periods only, and their responses should be closely monitored. This is
to ensure that they do not injure themselves or run the risk of
overtaxing themselves.
8. Standards and Norms
Where available, an athlete
may make use of ‘norms’
(standards that are ‘normal’ or
typical for a group) but
caution should be exercised in
referring to these norms.
Where norms are not
available, the athlete should
use personal bests (PB’s) as a
guide.
10. Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic Capacity
Copper’s 12 minute run
Harvard Step Test
Critical swim speed test
20m shuttle run test
1.6km jog test (1 mile)
11. Anaerobic Capacity
The two measures of anaerobic capacity include
measurement of the capacity of the ATP–PC system
and measurement of the capacity of the anaerobic
glycolysis (lactic acid) system.
Tests to assess the capacity of the ATP–PC system
need to include activities of short duration (0–10
seconds) and maximum intensity (100 per cent
effort).
Tests to measure the capacity of the anaerobic
glycolysis system need to be performed at maximal
or near-maxima intensity (95−100 per cent) and be
sustained for a period of time between 30−90
seconds.
12. Anaerobic Capacity/Speed
Phosphate recovery test
Anaerobic sprint test (RAST)
Repco peak power test
Sprint standing starts
50m sprint test
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
13. Muscular Endurance, Strength and
Power
Muscular Endurance Muscular strength
Sit ups Grip strength
Push ups Core muscle strength
Modified/pull ups
Muscular Power
Standing Long Jump
Vertical Jump
14. Flexibility
Flexibility
Sit and reach
Shoulder & wrist elevation
Trunk and neck extension
Shoulder rotation
Ankle extension / flexion
Shoulder rotation
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
18. Fitness Profiles and Batteries
Grouping of fitness tests targeted
at particular groups eg. Schools.
Battery tests provide a fitness
profile for athletes
Examples; ACHPER Australian
Fitness Education Award, Sport
Search Fitness Program
Advantages; Reliable and
valid, norm/criterion referenced
standards (With percentiles and
ratings), a final score is achieved.
Disadvantages; Not sport specific.
