Overhead Press 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 this test is to monitor the strength of the athletes elbow extensors and superior shoulder girdle muscles

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Universal overhead press station
• A supportive lumbar lifting belt
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

• A supportive lumbar lifting belt is recommended for this exercise during maximal lifts
• The athlete stands and leans into the apparatus with the back leg straight and the front foot leg bent at the knee at about 150 degrees
• The hand grips are adjacent to the front of the shoulders
• The initial resistance should be about 33% of male body mass and 25% of female body mass
• As the weight is lifted, the body should move slightly forward so that the extended arms and trunk and rear leg should form a straight line
• If the athlete can successfully complete one repetition, repeat the procedure after one minute, adding an additional weight to the previous resistance
• Continue with this procedure, allowing one minute recovery between attempts until the 1RM has been determined
• Record the final resistance

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.

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:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests

• Training Books
• Training Products

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