Burpee 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 agility and balance.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Flat non-slip surface
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

The test requires the athlete to perform as many Burpees as possible in 30 seconds.

The correct technique for one Burpee is: stand erect with the arms by the side – bend the knees and place the hands on the floor in front of the feet (squat position) - thrust the legs back to assume a push up position with a straight line from the shoulders to the heels - return to the squat position - return to the standing position.

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test
• The assistant counts the number of correctly performed Burpees
• The assistant keeps the athlete informed of the remaining time
• The assistant stops the test after 30 seconds and records the number of correctly performed Burpees

Stand Erect

Squat Position

Press Up Position

Assessment

A good result for this test is >16 Burpees for men and >12 for women.

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 strength, agility and balance.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active athletes 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

• No equipment required
• Simple to set up and conduct
• Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

• Assistant required to administer the test

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

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