A practical exploration of fitness tests: balance, coordination, agility and reaction time
I can apply protocols of specific fitness tests that measure balance, coordination, agility and reaction time, and compare results to normative data.
A practical exploration of fitness tests: balance, coordination, agility and reaction time
I can apply protocols of specific fitness tests that measure balance, coordination, agility and reaction time, and compare results to normative data.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Balance is measured by the stork stand test.
- Coordination is measured by the alternate hand wall throw test.
- Agility is measured by the Illinois agility test.
- Reaction time is measured by the ruler drop test.
Keywords
Balance - the maintenance of the centre of mass over the base of support and reference can be made to whilst static (still) or dynamic (whilst moving)
Coordination - the ability to use different parts (two or more) of the body together smoothly and efficiently
Agility - the ability to move and change direction quickly whilst maintaining control
Reaction time - the time taken to initiate a response to a stimulus, i.e. the time from the initiation of the stimulus
Common misconception
When conducting the ruler drop test, the partner or assistant will countdown so the performer knows when the ruler is going to be dropped.
Remind students that they need to drop the ruler randomly, rather than when the performer knows they will drop it, to really ensure validity to test reaction time.
Equipment
Stack of cones, stopwatches x 15, ruler x 15, tennis ball x 15.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Identify the correct definition of balance.
Q2.Which example would require the most reaction time?
Q3.'The ability to move and change direction quickly whilst maintaining control' is describing which component of fitness?
Q4.A dancer moves their arms and legs together in time with the music and with their partners. Which component of fitness do they need high levels of to do this?
Q5.Which athlete would require the least amount of agility?
Q6.Match the fitness test to the correct component of fitness.
Stork stand test
wall throw test
Illinois agility test
ruler drop test
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Information collected from a large group of people to show what's typical or average, so others can compare to it, is known as data.
Q2.Match the fitness test to the correct component of fitness.
stork stand test
wall throw test
Illinois agility run
rule drop test
Q3.When conducting the stork stand test, where should your arms be?
Q4.When conducting the Illinois agility test, how should the participant start?
Q5.Ksanet is a 16 year old female. She scores 6.9cm on the ruler drop test. Using the table of normative data rate Ksanet's reaction time?
Q6.Alistair is a 16 year old male. He scores 33 on the alternate hand wall throw test. Using the table of normative data rate Alistair's coordination.
