Named Fitness Tests

Testing fitness

Coaches measure fitness with named fitness tests so they can compare athletes and track progress. Each test measures a particular component of fitness. In the Edexcel course, seven of the eleven components have a named test. This module matches each component to its test, and shows how a couple of the tests are carried out.

Some key tests

Four of the Edexcel named fitness tests:

Component and test

Which test?

Which named test measures flexibility?

• The sit and reach test
• The grip dynamometer
• The 30-metre sprint
• The vertical jump

Edexcel's cardiovascular tests

For cardiovascular fitness, Edexcel names the Cooper 12-minute test (running or swimming as far as you can in 12 minutes) and the Harvard step test (stepping on and off a bench and measuring recovery). Be careful: the multi-stage fitness test, often called the bleep test, is used by some other exam boards, but it is not an Edexcel-named test.

One session, thirty athletes

A coach has a squad of thirty, a running track and one session to test cardiovascular fitness. Which choice works best?

• The Cooper 12-minute test, because the whole squad can run it at once
• The Harvard step test, because one bench is all the equipment needed
• The multi-stage fitness test, because a squad can be tested together
• The grip dynamometer, because it gives a quick reading for each athlete

Not every component has a test

In the Edexcel course, only seven of the eleven components have a named fitness test.

How the sit and reach works

Put the steps of the sit and reach test in order.

• Sit on the floor with your legs straight out
• Place the soles of your feet flat against the box
• Reach forward slowly along the top of the box, as far as you can
• Hold the furthest point without bouncing
• Read off and record the distance reached

Real Edexcel tests

Select the TWO tests that Edexcel names as fitness tests.

• The Illinois agility run test
• The vertical jump test
• The stork stand test for balance
• The ruler drop test for reaction time

The tests in words

Strength is measured with a grip _____. Flexibility is measured with the _____ and reach test. Speed is measured with a _____-metre sprint. Power is measured with a _____ jump. For cardiovascular fitness, Edexcel names the _____ 12-minute test.

Which have a named test?

Tap the TWO components that have a named Edexcel fitness test.

• Strength
• Balance
• Speed
• Reaction time
• Coordination

Test the athlete

Choose the right named test for each athlete.

• A marathon runner wants to measure their cardiovascular fitness. Which Edexcel test fits?
• A gymnast wants to measure how far they can stretch. Which test fits?
• A sprinter wants to measure their speed. Which test fits?

Describe a test

Choose ONE named Edexcel fitness test. Describe how it is carried out and state which component of fitness it measures. Write in clear, full sentences.

• Name the test and the component of fitness it measures
• Describe step by step how the test is carried out
• Explain how the result is recorded
• Say why that result shows the athlete's level in that component