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
  • Stop watch
  • Assistant

Hexagonal Test

How to conduct the test

The Hexagonal Obstacle Test is conducted as follows:

  • The athlete stands in the middle of the hexagon, facing line A
  • At all times throughout the test the athlete is to face line A
  • On the command GO the watch is started and 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
  • On completion of three circuits the watch is stopped and the time recorded
  • The athlete rests and then repeats the test
  • On completion of the second test determine the average of the two recorded times.

If you jump the wrong line or land on a line then the test is to be restarted.

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 in the athlete's agility.

Performance Assessment

For an evaluation of the athlete's performance select the gender, enter the average time from the two tests and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender Time seconds
 
Score = points

Calculations are based on the score table provided by Arnot R and Gaines C, Sports Talent, 1984

Normative data for the Hexagonal Obstacle Test

The following are national norms for 16 to 19 year olds.

Gender Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor
Male <11.2 secs 11.2 - 13.3 secs 13.4 - 15.5 secs 15.6 - 17.8 secs >17.8 secs
Female <12.2 secs 12.2 - 15.3 secs 15.4 - 18.5 secs 18.6 - 21.8 secs >21.8 secs

Table Reference: Arnot R and Gaines C, Sports Talent, 1984

Target Group

This test is suitable for active athletes 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 no published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition.

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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