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
• Stopwatch
• Cones
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to sprint 100 metres and after a short recover sprint 400 metres.

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant marks out a 100 metre straight section on the track
• The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
• The athlete runs full speed over 100 metres
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s torso crosses the finishing line and records the time
• The athlete takes a five-minute recovery
• The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
• The athlete runs full speed over 400 metres
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s torso crosses the finishing line and records the time
• The assistant converts the 400 metre time to 100m splits by dividing the time by 4 and then subtracts the 100 metre time to give the drop off time

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 athlete has a ‘drop off' time of around 0.7 seconds.

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's anaerobic efficiency.

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. The following link provides a variety of factors that may influence the results and therefore the test reliability.

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.

Advantages

• Minimal equipment required
• Simple to set up and conduct
• The test can be administered by the athlete

Disadvantages

• Specific facilities required - 400m track
• Assistant required to administer the test

Free Calculator

• 400 metre drop off Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which you can download and use on your computer.

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (1998) 400m Drop Off Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/400dot.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

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

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests