400m Drop Off 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 athlete’s anaerobic efficiency.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • 400m track
  • Stop watch
  • An assistant

How to conduct the test

The test is conducted as follows:

  • The athlete is timed running at full speed over 100 metres
  • The athlete takes a five-minute recovery
  • The athlete is timed running at full speed over 400m
  • The time for the 400m is converted to 100m splits by dividing the time by 4
  • The 100 metre sprint time is then subtracted from the split-time, giving the drop off time

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.

Example

100m time = 13.0 seconds
400m time = 60.0 seconds
60 ÷ 4 = 15 seconds
15 - 13 = a drop off time of 2 seconds

The aim is always to reduce the 'drop off' time by increasing anaerobic efficiency. A top female 400m runner has a ‘drop off' time of around 0.7 seconds.

400m drop off Calculator

Enter times for the 100m and 400m and then select the 'Calculate' button.

100m time seconds 400m time seconds
   
Drop off of seconds

Target Group

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

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.

Free Calculator

101 Performance Evaluation Tests

101 Performance Evaluation Tests

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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

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