ANSWERS

Same test for all 3?

The regular monitoring of physical fitness and sport-specific performance is important in elite sports to increase the likelihood of success in competition. When coaches are looking at fitness testing, it is very important they use the correct tests for their sport. If you were to test a shot putter using the bleep test, it would tell you nothing about their ability to throw the shot put. Coaches need to use the specific tests relevant for their sport, and some sports even specific to a player's position. An example would be in rugby, the forwards and backs would use different tests based on their requirements.

Eddie Hall

For strongmen like Eddie testing would be very specific to power and strength. When Eddie competes, these are realistically the only 2 components of fitness he ever uses. The tests Eddie could use are;

• Grip Strength Dynamometer

• One Rep Max Test (typically tested on squat / deadlift / bench press)

• Back Strength Test

• Standing Broad Jump / Vertical Jump Test

Laura Muir

As Laura Muir competes in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m and 5000m, aerobic and muscllar endurance are the 2 components of fitness she will always use.

These are best tested by:

• Yoyo Test / Bleep Test

• VO2 Max Test

• 12 minute Cooper Test

• 1 Minute Press-Up Test

• 1 Minute Sit-Up Test

Katrina Johnson-Thompson

Katarina is a heptathlete. A heptathlon consists of the 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200m sprint, long jump, javelin throw, and 800m run. Given the range of events it would make it more difficult to decide on the best tests. Katarinas top 3 priorities in terms of components would be speed, power, flexibility. With this in mind the tests I would use would be;

• 20m/30m Sprint

• Sit and Reach Test

• Countermovement Jump Test

• Vertical Jump Test

Coaches use of data?

After a fitness test the coach should compare the test scores with those they would expect for participants in their sport and/or against an individual’s previous test results. If this results in particular fitness components being identified as requiring specific attention, then relevant training can be Prescribed. Feedback to the performer is vitally important, as it can illustrate how the process can help them improve and even increase motivation. The process of fitness testing does not stop at the end of the test as data interpretation, feedback and the application of the results are what make the process valuable. Feedback must be clear, concise and relevant to the individual’s performance in their sport, with the accrued data applied in an appropriate training context.

Once testing has been completed, the number 1 reason a coach would use this information for is to set the training schedule for that player. THe testing will highlight potential weaknesses in certain components, and coaches / fitness staff will then put plans in place to work on those weaknesses. One thing this will be based upon is energy systems, and if players potentially perform in 1 system better than others. In Sport and Leisure energy systems are used across a few criteria, to start to get a basic understanding, have a look at the link below;

https://semiprocycling.com/energysystems