505 Agility 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 the 505 Agility Test (Draper 1985) [1] is to monitor the development of the athlete's speed and agility.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 6 cones
• Flat non-slip surface
• Tape measure
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to run from the “Start” line to the “Turn” line and return to the “Start” line as fast as possible (see the diagram below). The athlete must step past the "Turn" line with both feet before returning.

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant sets up the course as detailed in the diagram
• The assistant gives the command "GO"
• The athlete commences the test running from Line A to Line C and back as fast as possible
• The assistant starts the stopwatch as the athlete passes line B on their way to the "Turn" line (the athlete must step past the "Turn" line with both feet before returning)
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete passes line B on their return to the "Start" line and records the time

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 agility and speed.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated. This is a suitable test for games players (e.g. football, rugby, hockey, basketball, squash, tennis, badminton) as the shuttle format makes it sport specific.

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

Disadvantages

• Specific facilities required - no slip surface
• Assistant required to administer the test

Referenced Material

1. DRAPER J.A. and LANCASTER M.G. (1985) The 505 test: a test for agility in the horizontal plane. Aust J Sci Med Sport, 17 (1) p. 8-15

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2005) 505 Agility Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/agility505.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