Medicine Ball Javelin Quadrathlon

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 development of the athlete's fitness and upper body strength

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 1.5kg, 2Kg and a 3Kg medicine balls
• 30 metre tape measure
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The athlete performs a standing throw with a medicine ball  (Men 2Kg - Ladies 1.5Kg)
• The assistant marks the point where the medicine ball lands
• The assistant measures and records the distance from the front foot (on release) to where the ball lands
• The athlete performs a standing throw with a medicine ball  (Men 3Kg - Ladies 2Kg)
• The assistant marks the point where the medicine ball lands
• The assistant measures and records the distance from the front foot (on release) to where the ball lands
• The athlete performs a 3 step throw with a medicine ball  (Men 2Kg - Ladies 1.5Kg)
• The assistant marks the point where the medicine ball lands
• The assistant measures and records the distance from the front foot (on release) to where the ball lands
• The athlete performs a 3 step throw with a medicine ball  (Men 3Kg - Ladies 2Kg)

Explanation of the Throws

Standing Throw Face forward with the medicine ball held overhead in two hands Feet should be parallel and toeing the measuring line Throw the ball for distance A follow through step is allowed Distance is measured from the front foot (on release) to where the ball lands

Three Step Throw

• Start with both feet together in a stationary position
• Take three steps forward with the medicine ball held overhead in two hands
• Throw the ball for distance
• A follow through step is allowed

Distance is measured from the front foot (on release) to where the ball lands

Points

Points are determined for each throw from the table below (Jones 1997)^[1] and the 4 sets of points summed together to give a total score. The world best score for this test is 76 points and the UK best score is 66 points.

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 upper body strength.

Target Group

This test is suitable for throwers (e.g. javelin, discus) 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
• Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

• Specialist equipment required
• Assistant required to administer the test

Referenced Material

1. JONES, M. (1997) Strength Conditioning with Medicine Balls. Leeds: The National Coaching Foundation

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Medicine Ball Javelin Quadrathlon [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/medballquad.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