Sports Coach Logo Sports Coach Training Principles Fitness Components

            topics

'T' Drill 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 factors influencing the results.

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's speed with directional change.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

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

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to touch a series of cones set out in “T” shape while sidestepping and running as fast as possible.

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The assistant places three cones 5 metres apart on a straight line (A, B, C), and a 4th cone (D) is placed 10 metres from the middle cone (B) so that the four cones form a 'T'.
  • The athlete stands at the cone (D) at the base of the “T” facing the “T”
  • The assistant gives the signal to 'Go', starts the stopwatch, and the athlete commences the test
  • The athlete runs to and touches the middle cone (B), sidestep 5 metres to the left cone (A) and touches it, sidestep 10 metres to the far cone (C) and touches it, sidesteps 5 metres back to the middle cone (B) and touches it and then runs 10 metres backwards to the base of the 'T' and touches that cone (D)
  • The coach stops the stopwatch and records the time when the athlete touches the cone at the base of the “T”

T Drill

Assessment

The following table, adapted from Hoffman(1961)[1], is for high school athletes.

Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor
<10.01 secs 10.01 - 10.13 secs 10.13 - 10.37 secs 10.37 - 10.67 secs >10.67 secs

To evaluate the athlete's speed, enter the "Time" and select the 'Calculate' button.

Time seconds   feet/sec mph m/sec Km/hr

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with previous test results. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's 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 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, the 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
  • It can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. HOFFMAN, J. (2014) Physiological aspects of sport training and performance. Human Kinetics, UK

Page Reference

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

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2000) 'T' Drill Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/tdrill.htm [Accessed