Hexagonal Obstacle 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 Hexagonal Obstacle test is to monitor the athlete's agility.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 66 cm sided hexagon marked out on the floor
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to perform a series of two footed back and forth jumps over the sides of a hexagon.

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes The assistant marks out a hexagon with 66 cm sides The athlete stands in the middle of the hexagon, facing line A throughout the test The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch The athlete jumps with both feet over line B and back to the middle, then over line C and back to the middle, then line D and so on When the athlete jumps over line A and back to the middle this counts as one circuit The athlete is to complete three circuits When the athlete completes three circuits the assistant stops the stopwatch and records the time The athlete has 5 minute rest and then repeats the test On completion of the second test the assistant determines the average of the two recorded times. If the athlete jumps the wrong line or lands on a line then the test is to be restarted

Normative data for the Hexagonal Obstacle Test

The following are national norms, (Arnot 1984)^[1], for 16 to 19 year olds.

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 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

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

Disadvantages

• Specific facilities required - 66 cm sided hexagon marked out on the floor
• Assistant required to administer the test

Referenced Material

1. ARNOT, R. and GAINES, C. (1984) Sports Talent. Harmondsworth: Penguin

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Hexagonal Obstacle Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/hexagonal.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