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Hand-Eye Coordination Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider the factors influencing the results.

Objective

The test's objective is to monitor the ability of the athlete's vision system to coordinate the information received through the eyes to control, guide, and direct the hands in the accomplishment of catching a ball (hand-eye coordination).

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Tennis Ball
  • Stopwatch
  • Smooth Wall
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to throw and catch a tennis ball off a wall.

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The athlete stands two metres away from a smooth wall
  • The assistant gives the command "GO" and starts the stopwatch
  • The athlete throws a tennis ball with their right hand against the wall and catches it with the left hand, throws the ball with the left hand and catches it with the right hand. This cycle of throwing and catching is repeated for 30 seconds
  • The assistant counts the number of catches and stops the test after 30 seconds
  • The assistant records the number of catches

Assessment

The following normative data for 15 to 16-year-olds is available for this test (Beashel and Taylor (1997)[1])

Age Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor
15-16 years >35 30 - 35 25 - 29 20 - 24 <20

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with previous tests' results. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's hand-eye coordination skills with appropriate training between each test.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended 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 various factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

  • Minimal equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. BEASHEL, P and TAYLOR, J (1997) Fitness for Health and Performance. In: BEASHEL, P and TAYLOR, J, The World of Sport Examined. Croatia: Thomas Nelson and Sons, p. 66

Page Reference

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

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2009) Hand Eye Coordination Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/handeye.htm [Accessed