- AQA
Reasons for and limitations of fitness testing
I can state the reasons for, and limitations of, fitness testing and evaluate the relevance of fitness testing for sport.
- AQA
Reasons for and limitations of fitness testing
I can state the reasons for, and limitations of, fitness testing and evaluate the relevance of fitness testing for sport.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Fitness tests identify strengths and weaknesses in performance and monitor improvements.
- Fitness tests are used to establish initial fitness levels and inform training requirements.
- Limitations of fitness testing include tests are often not sport-specific and do not replicate movements of an activity.
- Many tests require motivation or have questionable validity.
- Correct procedures are crucial to increase reliability to ensure accurate assessment of fitness levels.
Keywords
Limitation - a potential failing of a test to monitor fitness
Validity - the extent to which a test or method measures what it sets out to measure
Reliability - the consistency and repeatability of a test (to produce the same or similar scores)
Norm - a result that is considered typical for a group
Common misconception
Fitness testing brings about improvements in components of fitness.
Training methods bring about improvement in fitness. Fitness testing is merely about identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a fitness component so the right training method can be allocated and used.
Equipment
Fitness tests protocols. Normative data for listed fitness tests.
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which is the correct measurement for the ruler drop test?
Q2.Which fitness test does the image show?

Q3.Which of the following is a fitness test for strength?
Q4.This fitness test in the image is the sit up test.

Q5.Match the fitness test with the correct fitness component.
flexibility
coordination
balance
speed
aerobic power