30 metre Acceleration Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete's ability to effectively and efficiently build up acceleration, from a standing start or from starting blocks, to maximum speed.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • 400 metre track - with a 30 metre marked section on the straight
  • Stop watch
  • An assistant

How to conduct the test

The test comprises of 3 × 30 metre runs from a standing start or from starting blocks and with a full recovery between each run. The assistant should record the time for the athlete to complete the 30 metres.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

Performance Assessment

For an evaluation of the athlete's performance select the gender, enter the time and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender Time seconds
 
Assessment -

Normative data for the 30 metre test

The following are national norms for 16 to 19 year olds.

Gender Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor
Male <4.0 4.2 - 4.0 4.4 - 4.3 4.6 - 4.5 >4.6
Female <4.5 4.6 - 4.5 4.8 - 4.7 5.0 - 4.9 >5.0

Table Reference: Davis B. et al; Physical Education and the Study of Sport; 2000

Target Group

This test is suitable for sprinters but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition (60 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres) and the correlation is high with experienced athletes.

Sprint time predictions

From the result of the 30 metres acceleration test it is possible to predict times for the 60 metres, 100 metres and 200 metres. Enter the time for the 30 metres acceleration test and then select the "Calculate" button.

Time - seconds
 
Predicted 60 metres time seconds
Predicted 100 metres time seconds
Predicted 200 metres time seconds

Free Calculator

101 Performance Evaluation Tests

101 Performance Evaluation Tests

Periodic testing and measuring is the only way to get the up-to-date, accurate and objective information you need to assess current performance, then make informed decisions about future training and competition goals.

This brand new workbook, 101 Performance Evaluation Tests, is the largest, most complete and authoritative collection of sports performance evaluation tests there is. And it is an essential tool for anyone wanting to predict athletic performance or evaluate an athlete`s current level of fitness.

Select this link to order your copy of 101 Performance Evaluation Tests.

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2