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Studies conducted at Indiana University USA (not published) revealed that it is possible to accurately predict performance in selected track and field events using relatively simple tests.
Objectives
To assist coaches recognise the potential of young athletes and predict their performance in selected track and field events. All of the performance tests and calculations are detailed in Rogers (2000)[1]. The following are the basic tests and calculations.
Tests
The basic tests are undertaken in the order given:
- Male Athletes - Standing long jump, vertical jump, five bounds and standing 30 metres
- Female Athletes - Weight, standing long jump, stride length and stride frequency
Standing Long Jump (Male & Female)
The athlete places their feet over the edge of the sandpit. The athlete crouches, leans forward, swings their arms backwards, the jumps horizontally as far as possible, jumping with both feet into the sandpit. The coach should measure from the edge of the sandpit to the nearest point of contact. The start of the jump must be from a static position. Two trials are performed and the best performance used in the calculations. Result to be in metres.
Vertical Jump (Male)
The athlete chalks the end of his finger tips stands side onto the wall, keeping both feet remaining on the ground, reaches up as high as possible with one hand and marks the wall with the tips of the fingers (M1). From a static position the athlete jumps as high as possible and marks the wall with the chalk on his finger tips (M2) The coach then measures the distance from M1 to M2. Two trials are performed and the best performance used in the calculations. Result to be in metres.
Five Bounds for Distance (Male)
From a stationary position with both feet together the athlete executes 4 bounds and a jump into the sandpit. Measurement is made from the start point to the landing point nearest to the starting line. Two trials are performed and the best performance used in the calculations. Result to be in metres.
Standing 30 metres (Male)
From a standing start the athlete runs 30 metres. Two trials are performed and the fastest time is used in the calculations. Result to be in seconds.
Stride Frequency (Female)
From a standing start the athlete runs 60 metres. The time is recorded for athlete to compete 30 metres and 60 metres. The number of strides taken from 30 metres to 60 metres is recorded. The number of strides is divided by the time for the last 30 metres (60 metres time minus the 30 metres time) to give stride frequency. Result to be strides/second.
Stride Length (Female)
From a standing start the athlete runs 60 metres. The number of strides taken from 30 metres to 60 metres is recorded. The number of strides is divided by 30 to give stride length. Result to be in metres.
Weight (Female)
Wearing running clothes, not shoes, measure the athlete's weight. Result to be in pounds.
Free Calculator
- Talent Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.
Referenced Material
- ROGERS, L. (2000) USA Track and Field Coaching Manual. Leeds: Human Kinetics
Page Reference
The reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (2003) Talent Evaluation [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/talent.htm [Accessed
Associated Pages
The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page: