400 metre Control Tests

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

To monitor the speed, speed endurance, strength/general endurance of a 400 metre athlete.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • 400 metre track
  • Cones to mark 150 metre, 300 metre and 600 metre points
  • Stop watch
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

The test comprises of three separate runs over 150 metres, 300 metres and 600 metres from a standing start and with a full recovery between each run. The assistant should record the time for the athlete to complete each distance.

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.

400 metre Control Test Calculator

Enter the athlete's times for 150 metres, 300 metres, 600 metres and then select the calculate button for an analysis of the results.

150 metre Time - seconds (Basis of 400 metre Speed)
300 metre Time - seconds (Speed Endurance)
600 metre Time - seconds (Strength & General Endurance)
Speed Endurance Index Target Index Value
Strength & General Endurance Index Target Index Value

Speed Endurance Index

If the athlete's speed endurance index is greater than the target index value, and provided the 150 metre time is in line with training targets, then more speed endurance work (lactic anaerobic) is indicated.

Strength & General Endurance Index

If the athlete's strength & general endurance index is greater than the target index value, and provided the 300 metre time is in line with training targets, then more strength and general endurance work (aerobic) is indicated.

Predicted times for the 400m control tests

The following calculator will predict the times for each of the control tests based on the athlete's target 400 metre time. Enter the Athlete's target 400 metre Time and then select the Calculate button.

Athlete's target 400 metre time is seconds
 
Predicted 150 metre time seconds
Predicted 300 metre time seconds
Predicted 600 metre time seconds

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 and the correlation is high with experienced athletes.

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.

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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