Ruler Drop 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 athlete's reaction time.
Required Resources
To undertake this test you will require:
- A one 1 metre ruler
- An assistant
How to conduct the test
The ruler is held by the assistant between the outstretched index finger and thumb of the athlete's dominant hand, so that the top of the athlete's thumb is level with the zero centimetre line on the ruler. The assistant instructs the athlete to catch the ruler as soon as possible after it has been released.
The assistant is to record distance between the bottom of the ruler and the top of the athlete's thumb where the ruler has been caught.
Analysis
The algorithm to calculate the reaction speed is d = vt + ½at² where
- d = distance in metres
- v = initial velocity = 0
- a = acceleration due to gravity = 9.81m/s²
- t = time in seconds
We need to manipulate d = vt + ½at² to give us an algorithm for t
As v = 0 then vt = 0 therefore the algorithm is t = Sqrt(2d/a)
Example
- d = 9cm
- t = sqrt(2 × 0.09 ÷ 9.81)
- t = sqrt(0.01835)
- t = 0.135 seconds
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.
Normative data for the Ruler Drop Test
The following are national norms for 16 to 19 year olds.
| Excellent | Above Average | Average | Below Average | Poor |
| <7.5cm | 7.5 - 15.9cm | 15.9 - 20.4cm | 20.4 - 28cm | >28cm |
Table Reference: Davis B. et al; Physical Education and the Study of Sport; 2000
Target Group
This test is suitable for all 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.
Free Calculator
- Ruler Drop Test Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.
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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