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.

The Quadrathlon was devised in 1982 to test for explosive power improvement of the Great Britain National Throws Squad. The Quadrathlon is easy to carry out and is an excellent way to test an athlete's fitness and progress during the winter months. The Quadrathlon comprises of 4 activities:

• Standing long jump
• Three jumps
• 30 metre sprint
• Overhead shot throw

Practical Uses

The Quadrathlon can be used to gauge whether an athlete is becoming more powerful. The benefits are threefold:

• If the athlete's scores increase, then their power has increased
• Weakness can be identified if the athlete underscores and these areas can be worked on
• Motivational help during the long winter months

How to conduct the test

Standing Long Jump

• Athlete to place their feet over the edge of the sandpit, crouch and lean forward, swing the arms backwards, swing the arms forward and jump horizontally as far as possible, jumping with both feet into the sandpit. Measure the distance from the edge of the sandpit to the nearest point of contact. The start of the jump must be from a static position.

Three Jumps

• Start with the feet comfortably apart with the toes just behind the take off mark. The athlete takes three continuous two footed bounds. Measure the distance covered. The start must be from a static position and the feet must be parallel on each jump phase. Spikes allowed.

30 Metre Sprint

• The athlete sprints from a stationary position (standing or from blocks) as fast as possible to the 30 metre finish line. The timekeeper stands at the finish line and times the run from the moment that the runner contacts the ground on the first stride to the moment when the runner's torso crosses the line. Spikes allowed.

Overhead Shot Throw

• The athlete stands on the shot stop board, facing away from the landing area, with their feet a comfortable distance apart. The shot is held cupped in both hands. The athlete crouches, lowering the shot between the legs, then drives upwards to cast the shot back over the head. There is no penalty for following through, but the athlete must land feet first and remain upright. Measurement is taken from the inside of the stop board to the nearest point of contact. Shot weight as per the BAF age group. Please watch the safety aspect.

Analysis

Analysis of the scores 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.

Quadrathlon Tables

Points are allocated from the Quadrathlon tables depending on the distance or time achieved for each activity. Scores should be compared with the athlete's previous activity scores to determine the level of improvement. Competition can be based on the improvement from the previous test for each activity. The Quadrathlon tables (1992) are not included here but can be obtained from Athletics Coach - Vol 26 No 1 page 29.

The number of points for each event can be calculated using the following equations:

where D is the distance in metres and T is the time in seconds

The following tests results indicate an athlete may mature into a high standard club athlete.

Target Group

This test is suitable for all athletes especially throwers (e.g. javelin, discus, shot, hammer) 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.

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.

Free Calculator

• Quadrathlon Points Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests

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