A practical exploration of power, speed and strength fitness tests
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply protocols of specific fitness tests that measure power, speed and strength, and compare results to normative data.
Key learning points
- Fitness tests are measured or recorded using various units.
- Power can be measured by the vertical jump test.
- The hand grip dynamometer tests muscular strength.
- The 30m sprint test measures speed.
Keywords
Speed - the rate at which someone can perform a movement or cover a distance
Strength - the amount of force a muscle can exert against a resistance
Power - the ability to undertake strength performance quickly
Normative data - information collected from a large group of people to show what's typical or average, so others can compare to it
Common misconception
Pupils do not stand straight against the wall with their arm touching the wall to gain the initial mark for the vertical jump test.
It is important for reliable results when measuring power that the arm is against the wall and outreached as high as possible, when taking the initial measurement.
Teacher tip
You may wish to go through these slides in a lesson before or after completing the test, so there is enough time to complete all the fitness tests in this lesson.
Equipment
Stack of cones, stopwatches or timing gates, vertical jump board, chalk, tape measure and hand grip dynamometer.
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 speed.
Q2.The fitness test that measures cardiovascular endurance is the step test.
Q3.Which athlete would require the most power?
Q4.Which athlete would require the least flexibility?
Q5.Match the definitions to the correct component of fitness.
the rate at which someone can perform a movement or cover a distance
the amount of force a muscle can exert against a resistance
the ability to undertake strength performance quickly
the range of movement around a joint
Q6.Match the fitness test to the correct component of fitness.
30m sprint test
1 rep max test
vertical jump test
12 minute Cooper run
1 minute press-up test
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the distance of the fitness test, in metres, that measures speed?
Q2.Strength is measured by the grip strength test.
Q3.When conducting the sit and reach test, how should the knees be placed?
Q4.How could you make the 30m sprint test more reliable?
Q5.Elvis is a 15 year old male. He scores 37cm in the vertical jump test. Using the table of normative data, rate Elvis' power.
Q6.Amy is a 15 year old female. She scores 36kg in the grip strength dynamometer test. Using the table of normative data, rate Amy's strength.
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: A practical exploration of power, speed and strength fitness tests, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: A practical exploration of power, speed and strength fitness tests, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Physical training: health and fitness unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.