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Illinois Agility Run 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 Illinois Agility Run Test (Getchell 1979)[2] monitors the athlete's agility development.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Flat non-slip surface
  • Eight cones
  • Stopwatch
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to run the red line route in the diagram below as fast as possible.

Illinois Agility run

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The assistant sets up the course as detailed in the diagram
  • The athlete lies face down on the floor at the “Start” cone
  • The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch.
  • The athlete jumps to their feet and negotiates the course around the cones following the red line route as shown in the diagram to the finish
  • The assistant stops the stopwatch and records the time when the athlete passes the “Finish” cone

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test.

For 16 to 19-year-olds (Davis et al. 2000)[1]:

Gender Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor
Male <15.2 secs 15.2 - 16.1 secs 16.2 - 18.1 secs 18.2 - 19.3 secs >19.3 secs
Female <17.0 secs 17.0 - 17.9 secs 18.0 - 21.7 secs 21.8 - 23.0 secs >23.0 secs

For evaluating the athlete's performance, select the gender, enter the total time and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender Time seconds   Assessment

Calculations are based on the above normative data table

The athlete's average speed for this test was:

feet/sec mph m/sec Km/hr

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 team sports 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
  • The athlete can administer the test
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. DAVIS, B. et al. (2000) Physical Education and the study of sport. 4th ed. London: Harcourt Publishers. p.129
  2. GETCHELL, G. (1979) Physical Fitness a way of life, 2nd ed. New Jersey, John Wiley and Sons

Page Reference

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

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2000) Illinois Agility Run Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/illinois.htm [Accessed