LAS 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.

The LAS (Lactic vs Speed) Test, a speed endurance assessment for 400 metre athletes, has been provided by Les Archer - a track and field coach from New Zealand.

Objective

The objective of this test is to monitor the 400 metre athlete's speed endurance.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 400 metre track
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to run a time trail over 500 metres and then 24 hours later run time trails over 50m, 100m, 150m and 200m with a 4 minute recovery between each run.

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant marks the 500 metre finishing point with cones
• The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
• The athlete runs 500 metres as fast as possible
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s torso crosses the finishing line and records the time (T1)

• Allow at least 24 hours before continuing the test

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant marks the 50 metre, 100 metre, 150 metre and 200 metre points on the track with cones
• The assistant gives the command “GO” and start the stopwatch
• The athlete sprints 50 metres as fast as possible
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s torso crosses the 50 metre finishing line and records the time (T2)
• The athlete has a 4 minute recovery
• The assistant gives the command “GO” and start the stopwatch
• The athlete sprints 100 metres as fast as possible
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s torso crosses the 100 metre finishing line and records the time (T3)
• The athlete has a 4 minute recovery
• The assistant gives the command “GO” and start the stopwatch
• The athlete sprints 150 metres as fast as possible
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s torso crosses the 150 metre finishing line and records the time (T4)
• The athlete has a 4 minute recovery
• The assistant gives the command “GO” and start the stopwatch
• The athlete sprints 200 metres as fast as possible
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete’s torso crosses the 200 metre finishing line and records the time (T5)

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 speed endurance.

Target Group

This test is suitable for male and female 400 metre runners.

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

Disadvantages

• Specific facilities required
• Assistant required to administer the test

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2004) LAS Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/lastest.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