2023 PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Athletes should be prepared to perform the following physiological assessments.
[Electronic Timing Games & Other Electronic Equipment will be utilized]
Maximum Velocity
10y, 40 yd dash
*Athletes will participate in sprint testing to assess the measures of acceleration and maximum velocity.
Procedure: Each athlete will complete a total of two trials unless otherwise informed (the 10yd and 40yd times are measured during the same dash using timing gates). Athletes will be given no less than 60s between trials and the fastest of the two trials will be officially scored. Athlete will start with dominant/foot of comfort on the start line in 2-point, upright stance. Athlete will await proctor to indicate their preparedness for their trial, at which point the athlete will be instructed that they can begin their trial when they are ready. Timing will start on the athletes FIRST movement, regardless of the direction of first motion. Athlete will sprint through the final timing gate and return to the starting position.
Agility/Change of Direction
Field Players: 505 Assessment, Reverse 505 Assessment
*The 505 & Reverse 505 assess 180 degree turning ability, acceleration, deceleration in a field hockey specific format.
Goalkeepers: 5-10-5 Assessment
505 Assessment Procedure: Each athlete will run a total of two trials, one each turning off of the left and right foot. The faster of the 2 recorded trials will be officially scored. Athlete begins in 2-point upright stance and dominant/foot of comfort on the starting line. Athlete will await proctor to indicate their preparedness for their trial, at which point the athlete will be instructed that they can begin their trial when they are ready. Athlete runs from the start line straight to the 15m line, turns and then runs back through the 10m line. Timing begins when the athlete core area gets through the 10m line on the way to the 15m line and stops when the athlete crosses the 10m line after their turn.
Reverse 505 Assessment Procedure: Cones are placed at start line, 10m and 15m beyond the start line. Each athlete will run a total of two trials. The faster of the 2 recorded trials will be officially scored. Athlete begins in 2-point upright stance and dominant/foot of comfort on the starting line. Athlete will await proctor to indicate their preparedness for their trial, at which point the athlete will be instructed that they can begin their trial when they are ready. Athlete runs from the start line straight to the 15m line, and backpedals through the 10m line. Timing begins when the athlete core area gets through the 10m line on the way to the 15m line and stops when the athlete backpedals through the 10m line.
Goalkeepers 5-10-5 Assessment Procedure: Place 3 cones 5 yards apart. The athlete straddles the middle line, one hand in contact with the ground in three-point stance. Athlete turns right, sprints 5 yards and touches the cone with their right hand, turns 180 degrees and runs 10 yards to left and touches the cone with their left hand, turns 180 degrees again and runs back through the starting line. The faster of the 2 recorded trials will be officially scored.
Vertical Power Production
Vertical Leap Assessment
*Vertical leap is an effective assessment of relative power, explosiveness and muscle fiber type predominance.
Procedure: Athlete takes position with both feet in the middle of the mat. On their own time, the player quickly squats down at the bottom of which they explode up into the air as high as possible. The athlete must land with both of their feet on the mat upon return to ground. Athlete should NOT bring their knees to their chest (tuck jump) during this maneuver. Each athlete completes a total of two (2) trials, the best of which is officially recorded.
Linear Power Production
Broad Jump
*The broad jump is an indicator of linear power production and muscle fiber type predominance.
Procedure: Athlete stands with toes flush to starting line On their own time, the athlete quickly squats down at the bottom of which they explode out away from the starting line as far as possible. The athlete is instructed to stick the landing upon return to ground. If the athlete falls forward, they can push themselves back to standing position ONLY if their feet don’t move in the process. A trial during which an athlete falls backward shall not be counted. Each athlete completes two trials, the best of which is officially scored.
Aerobic Endurance/VO2 Max
30/15 Intermittent Fitness Test
* https://www.scienceforsport.com/30-15-intermittent-fitness-test/
PHYSIOLOGY DIRECTOR
KYLE MCMINN
M.S., SCCC, CSCS, ATC
Former Director of Strength & Conditioning, USA Field Hockey Women’s National Team