Hexagonal Obstacle 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 Hexagonal Obstacle test's objective is to monitor the athlete's agility.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

66 cm sided hexagon marked out on the floor
Stopwatch
Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to perform a series of two-footed back-and-forth jumps over a hexagon's sides.

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
The assistant marks out a hexagon with 66 cm sides
The athlete stands in the middle of the hexagon, facing line A throughout the test
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
The athlete jumps with both feet over line B and back to the middle, then over line C and back to the middle, then line D and so on
When the athlete jumps over line A, and back to the middle this counts as one circuit
The athlete is to complete three circuits
When the athlete completes three circuits, the assistant stops the stopwatch and records the time
The athlete has a 5-minute rest and then repeats the test
Upon completing the second test, the assistant determines the average of the two recorded times.
If the athlete jumps the wrong line or lands on a line, then the test is to be restarted

Assessment

The following national norms, Arnot (1984)^[1], are available for 16 to 19-year-olds.

Gender	Excellent	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
Male	<11.2 secs	11.2 - 13.3 secs	13.4 - 15.5 secs	15.6 - 17.8 secs	>17.8 secs
Female	<12.2 secs	12.2 - 15.3 secs	15.4 - 18.5 secs	18.6 - 21.8 secs	>21.8 secs

To evaluate the athlete's performance, select the gender, enter the average time from the two tests and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender

Time seconds

Score points

Calculations are based on the above normative data table^[1]

Analysis

The test result is analysed by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's agility and speed 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 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 factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to how the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made 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
The athlete can administer the test
Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

Specific facilities required - 66 cm sided hexagon marked out on the floor
Assistant required to administer the test

References

ARNOT, R. and GAINES, C. (1984) Sports Talent. Harmondsworth: Penguin

Page Reference

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

MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Hexagonal Obstacle Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/hexagonal.htm [Accessed