Fitness Testing and Monitoring
Every pupil at the School of Sport will receive 3-4 fitness tests per year. Fitness testing monitors the physical condition of the player and is normally completed at the start and end of a key training phase within the year. Testing pupils at the start and end of key training phases can evaluate the effectiveness of the training programmes as well as how each pupil has adapted to the training. As a result the High Performance Coaches can adapt training in order to achieve maximum performance.
The tests used in each sport vary depending on the nature of the sport. The tests range from basic field based assessments to more complex lactate testing involving taking blood samples. Irrespective of the type of test the data is used to provide detailed reports to the High Performance Coaches on the areas for improvement and the athletes physical status.
Every pupil in the school will also receive a minimum of two anthropometric assessments per year. Put simply, these tests assess the composition of fat and muscle and monitor aspects of growth. This is extremely important in young athletes, as they may need to reduce training load during periods of accelerated growth. It also provides coaches with information on key windows for accelerated development in particular aspects of fitness.
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Skinfold testing or anthropometric testing is used to assess body composition. This information is used to monitor growth and development and changes in composition in and out of competition. The skin and underlying fat is pinched with the thumb and forefinger and skinfolds callipers are used to measure the thickness. The process is repeated for several different sites on the body along with girth, height and weight measurements.
