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35m Sprint Speed 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 sprint speed test aims to assess the athlete's sprint acceleration.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Flat non-slip surface
  • Measuring tape
  • Stopwatch
  • Cones
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to conduct 3 x 35 metres time trails.

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The assistant marks a 35 metres straight section with cones
  • The athlete takes up a sprint start position
  • The assistant gives the commands “On Your Marks, Set, GO” and starts the stopwatch
  • The athlete sprints the 35 metres
  • The assistance stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the finishing line and records the time
  • The athlete conducts 3 x 35metre sprints with a 5-minute recovery between each sprint
  • The assistant uses the fastest time to assess the athlete's performance

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test.

The following table provides ratings for the 35m sprint test (Arkinstall et al. 2010)[1]

Rating Male Female
Excellent < 4.80 < 5.30
Good 4.80 - 5.09 5.30 - 5.59
Average 5.10 - 5.29 5.60 - 5.89
Fair 5.30 - 5.60 5.90 - 6.20
Poor > 5.60 > 6.20

To evaluate the athlete's performance, select their gender, enter their best 35 metres time and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender Best time seconds     Assessment -

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's sprint acceleration 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 therefore, 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

  • Specific facilities required - non-slip surface
  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. ARKINSTALL, M et al. (2010) VCE Physical Education 2. Malaysia: Macmillian. p.250

Page Reference

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

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2005) 35m Sprint Speed Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/speedtest.htm [Accessed