Athletic Lab Scholastic and Scholastic Prep Testing Descriptions

Acceleration and Linear Speed Tests

30 Meter Sprint:

The 30 meter Sprint Test may be performed from either a standing start or a downward 3-point start (for Track & Field and Football athletes). The athlete sprints as fast as possible over the 30m distance. The test will be electronically timed using the VALD SmartSpeed System. Results are accurately recorded to the hundredth of a second.

20 Meter Sprint:

The 20 Meter Sprint Test is performed within the 30 Meter Sprint Test and it assesses the ability to accelerate. This time is recorded electronically using the VALD SmartSpeed System. Results are accurately recorded to the hundredth of a second.

Fly 10 Meter Sprint:

The Fly 10 Meter Sprint Test is performed within the 30m Sprint Test and it assesses the maximum speed capabilities of the athlete. During a 30m sprint, the final 10 meters are electronically timed using the VALD SmartSpeed System. Results are accurately recorded to the hundredth of a second.

Change of Direction Speed Tests

Pro Agility (5-10-5)

The Pro Agility test is a commonly used test among the NFL, NBA, and NHL. It measures the athlete’s ability to accelerate and change direction over a 5-yard, 10 yard, and 5 yard section. The test will be electronically timed using the VALD SmartSpeed System.

Power Tests

Standing Vertical Jump

The Standing Vertical Jump Test measures the athlete’s ability to generate power and jump vertically into the air. The test is measured electronically using ForceDecks from VALD, the Laser Contact Grid by MuscleLab, or a sensor from OUTPUT sports. Results are recorded in cm.

Step-In (Approach) Vertical Jump

The Step-In variation of the vertical jump allows the athlete to jump from 1 running step, thus adding momentum to their vertical jump. The test is measured electronically using ForceDecks from VALD, the Laser Contact Grid by MuscleLab, or a sensor from OUTPUT sports. Results are recorded in cm.

Reactive Strength Index

Reactive strength index testing involves repeated jumping to determine how quickly an athlete can produce force. The index represents jump flight time divided by ground contact time and has been shown to be highly correlated with sport performance tasks like sprinting speed. electronically using ForceDecks from VALD, the Laser Contact Grid by MuscleLab, or a sensor from OUTPUT sports. Results are recorded in cm.

Power Clean

The Power Clean is an Olympic Weight Lifting exercise that requires total body coordination, strength, and power. It is a commonly used test at all levels of sport. Greater performances in the exercise are highly correlated with performance in sprinting, jumping and change of direction speed. Results are recorded as the maximum load (in kilograms) that the athlete can successfully move from a static position on the ground to a front rack position on the shoulders without dropping below a 90 degree knee bend.

Downward Medicine Ball Slam

The downward medicine ball assesses upper body power and coordination. It is useful to assess upper body power for overhead athletes such as those that compete in volleyball, tennis, baseball, cricket or swimming. The athlete begins by holding a slam ball at arms length overhead. From this position, they aggressively accelerate the ball down towards the ground as fast as possible using their entire body. Boys use a 15 lb slam ball and girls use a 10 lb slam ball. Throwing velocity (m/s) and power (watts) are measured using a sensor from OUTPUT sports.

Strength Tests

2-Minute Push Up Test

The Push Up Test is an assessment of upper body strength and endurance. The athlete must perform full push ups. Every rep must see the chest touch a 2 inch raised target and then finish with the arms completely extended. During the 2 minute test, the athlete can rest and pause, but must maintain a 4 point contact (hands and feet only) with the ground at all times. The chest and legs must stay off the ground for the duration of the test. The test will end at the 2 minute mark or when the athlete fails to comply with the 4 point contact or torso touch rule.

Pull-Up Test

The Pull-Up Test is an assessment of upper body strength. The athlete hangs from a bar with both hands and attempts to pull their chin above bar level. Arms must start straight and chin must reach above bar level for a repetition to count. The test continues for as long as the athlete can maintain two hands on the bar without touching the ground.

Squat Test

The Back Squat is universally regarded as the best indicator of lower extremity strength. While performing the Squat Test, the athlete will complete a barbell back squat to a depth where the hip crease falls below the top of the thigh. Progressive weight is used until a 3 repetition max is established. Alternatively, a sub-maximal velocity based prediction can be made using the sensor from OUTPUT sports.

Bench Press Test

The Bench Press Test assesses upper body strength, focusing on strength in the arms, chest, and shoulders. The athlete lays horizontal on a bench and performs a pressing action with a weighted barbell. The barbell must grace the chest at the bottom and finish with both arms fully extended at the top. Alternatively, a sub-maximal velocity based prediction can be made using the sensor from OUTPUT sports.

Endurance Tests

1 minute Bike Test

The 1 Minute Bike Test is completed using the stationary Echo Air Bike. The athlete will attempt to cycle as hard as possible for 1 minute. This test is a great measure of Anaerobic Power. The results are recorded in the total calories burned during the 1-minute test.

Bleep Test

Otherwise known as the Multi Stage Fitness Test, the Bleep Test is a commonly used test to estimate VO2 Max and aerobic capacity. The test requires the athlete to run 20m shuttle intervals at progressively decreasing duration. This continues until the athlete can no longer keep up with the pace. The test is measured in stages. The longer the athlete is able to keep with the required pace, the higher the level reached.

YoYo Test

The YoYo test is an alternative to the Bleep Test. It is more commonly used in more physically mature, higher level athletes. Like the Bleep test, the YoYo is a test to estimate VO2 Max or aerobic capacity. The test requires the athlete to run 20m shuttle intervals followed by a 5m jogging rest shuttle. The time to complete the 20m segments progressively decrease in duration. This continues until the athlete can no longer keep up with the pace. The test is measured in stages. The longer the athlete is able to keep with the required pace, the higher the level reached.