Basic Principles of Assessment for Fitness
Training
Outcomes: Upon completion of this module, the student shall have:
1. Appreciated the significance of testing in preventing injuries during the training and
competition proper
2. Explained reasons for performing tests
3. Been able to communicate clearly in the sports world using testing terminology
4. Evaluated a test’s validity and reliability
5. Chosen different tests for some common sports
6. Administered test protocols properly and safely
The strength and conditioning professional with a broad understanding of exercise
science can effectively use tests and measurements to make training decisions that help athletes
achieve their goals and maximize their potential. Tests and measurements form the objective
core of the evaluation process. The basic concept includes the reasons for testing, testing
terminology, evaluation of test quality, the selection of appropriate tests, and aspects of proper
test administration.
REASONS FOR TESTING
Testing helps athletes and coaches assess athletic talent and identify physical abilities and
areas in need of improvement. In addition, test scores can be used in goal setting. Baseline
measurements can be used to establish starting points against which achievable goals can be set,
and testing at regular intervals can help track an athlete’s progress in reaching those goals. Using
tests as a basis for goal setting allows coaches to set specific goals for individual athletes that,
when taken together, help to accomplish group or team objectives.
Assessment of Athletic Talent
It is important for a coach to determine whether an individual has the physical potential
to play a sport at the competitive level of the team. That judgment is not difficult if the candidate
has already excelled at the sport elsewhere and is of adequate body size. However, in many cases,
candidates have not clearly demonstrated their competitive abilities or may lack experience in
the sport. The coach then needs some way of determining whether the candidate has the
, necessary basic physical abilities that, in combination with technique training and practice, could
produce a competitive player. Field tests serve as tools for such assessment.
Identification of Physical Abilities in Need of Improvement
While some physical abilities are innate and not amenable to change, other physical
abilities can be improved through physical training. By using appropriate testing methods and
analysis, the strength and conditioning professional can determine which physical qualities of the
athletes can be targeted by participation in prescribed exercise programs.
Testing Terminology
To communicate clearly with athletes and colleagues, strength and conditioning
professionals should use consistent terminology. The following terms and definitions are widely
accepted and used:
Test – A procedure for assessing ability in a particular endeavor.
Field test – A test used to assess ability that is performed away from the laboratory and does not
require extensive training or expensive equipment.
Measurement – The process of collecting test data.
Evaluation – The process of analyzing test results for the purpose of making decisions. For
example, a coach examines the results of physical performance tests to determine whether the
athlete’s training program is effective in helping achieve the training goals or whether
modifications in the program are needed.
Pretest – A test administered before the beginning of training to determine the athlete ’s initial
basic ability levels. A pretest allows the coach to design the training program in keeping with the
athlete’s initial training level and the overall program objectives.
Midtest – A test administered one or more times during the training period to assess progress
and modify the program as needed to maximize benefit.
Formative evaluation – Periodic reevaluation based on midtests administered during the training,
usually at regular intervals. It enables monitoring of the athlete’s progress and adjustment of the
Training
Outcomes: Upon completion of this module, the student shall have:
1. Appreciated the significance of testing in preventing injuries during the training and
competition proper
2. Explained reasons for performing tests
3. Been able to communicate clearly in the sports world using testing terminology
4. Evaluated a test’s validity and reliability
5. Chosen different tests for some common sports
6. Administered test protocols properly and safely
The strength and conditioning professional with a broad understanding of exercise
science can effectively use tests and measurements to make training decisions that help athletes
achieve their goals and maximize their potential. Tests and measurements form the objective
core of the evaluation process. The basic concept includes the reasons for testing, testing
terminology, evaluation of test quality, the selection of appropriate tests, and aspects of proper
test administration.
REASONS FOR TESTING
Testing helps athletes and coaches assess athletic talent and identify physical abilities and
areas in need of improvement. In addition, test scores can be used in goal setting. Baseline
measurements can be used to establish starting points against which achievable goals can be set,
and testing at regular intervals can help track an athlete’s progress in reaching those goals. Using
tests as a basis for goal setting allows coaches to set specific goals for individual athletes that,
when taken together, help to accomplish group or team objectives.
Assessment of Athletic Talent
It is important for a coach to determine whether an individual has the physical potential
to play a sport at the competitive level of the team. That judgment is not difficult if the candidate
has already excelled at the sport elsewhere and is of adequate body size. However, in many cases,
candidates have not clearly demonstrated their competitive abilities or may lack experience in
the sport. The coach then needs some way of determining whether the candidate has the
, necessary basic physical abilities that, in combination with technique training and practice, could
produce a competitive player. Field tests serve as tools for such assessment.
Identification of Physical Abilities in Need of Improvement
While some physical abilities are innate and not amenable to change, other physical
abilities can be improved through physical training. By using appropriate testing methods and
analysis, the strength and conditioning professional can determine which physical qualities of the
athletes can be targeted by participation in prescribed exercise programs.
Testing Terminology
To communicate clearly with athletes and colleagues, strength and conditioning
professionals should use consistent terminology. The following terms and definitions are widely
accepted and used:
Test – A procedure for assessing ability in a particular endeavor.
Field test – A test used to assess ability that is performed away from the laboratory and does not
require extensive training or expensive equipment.
Measurement – The process of collecting test data.
Evaluation – The process of analyzing test results for the purpose of making decisions. For
example, a coach examines the results of physical performance tests to determine whether the
athlete’s training program is effective in helping achieve the training goals or whether
modifications in the program are needed.
Pretest – A test administered before the beginning of training to determine the athlete ’s initial
basic ability levels. A pretest allows the coach to design the training program in keeping with the
athlete’s initial training level and the overall program objectives.
Midtest – A test administered one or more times during the training period to assess progress
and modify the program as needed to maximize benefit.
Formative evaluation – Periodic reevaluation based on midtests administered during the training,
usually at regular intervals. It enables monitoring of the athlete’s progress and adjustment of the
