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400m Drop Off 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 anaerobic efficiency.

Required Resources

To undertake this test, you will require:

  • 400m track
  • Stopwatch
  • Cones
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to sprint 100 metres and after a short recovery sprint 400 metres.

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The assistant marks out a 100-metre straight section on the track
  • The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
  • The athlete runs full speed over 100 metres
  • The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the finishing line and records the time
  • The athlete takes a five-minute recovery
  • The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
  • The athlete runs full speed over 400 metres
  • The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the finishing line and records the time
  • The assistant converts the 400-metre time to 100m splits by dividing the time by 4 and then subtracts the 100-metre time to give the drop off time

Assessment

I have been unable to locate any normative data for this test.

Enter times for the 100m and 400m and then select the 'Calculate' button.

100m time secs   400m time secs     Drop off of secs

Example

  • 100m time = 13.0 seconds
    400m time = 60.0 seconds
    60 ÷ 4 = 15 seconds
    15 - 13 = a drop off time of 2 seconds

The aim is always to reduce the 'drop off' time by increasing anaerobic efficiency. A top female 400m athlete will have a ‘drop off' time of around 0.7 seconds.

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 anaerobic efficiency.

Target Group

This test is suitable for sprinters 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

Disadvantages

  • Specific facilities required - 400m track
  • Assistant required to administer the test

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Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (1998) 400m Drop Off Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/400dot.htm [Accessed

Related Pages

The following Sports Coach pages provide additional information on this topic: