‘Making the Most’ of Your Fitness Testing: Research Overview & Practical Applications in Youth RL

‘Making the Most’ of Your

Fitness Testing: Research Overview & Practical

Applications in Youth RL

part of the Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure.

Fitness Testing

Why Fitness Test?

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Talent ID

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Prescribe Training

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Prescribe Training

Provide Feedback

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Prescribe Training

Provide Feedback

Educate Coaches / Athletes

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Prescribe Training

Provide Feedback

Educate Coaches / Athletes

Monitor Readiness

The Challenge

‘Effectively use fitness testing data

to inform the prescription of training

and inform players and coaches of

their needs’

Pyne et al., (2013)

Why Fitness Test?

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Prescribe Training

Educate Coaches / Athletes

‘Effectively

use fitness

testing data

to inform the

prescription

of training

and inform

players and

coaches of

their needs’

Why Fitness Test?

Establish Norms

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Prescribe Training

Educate Coaches / Athletes

‘Effectively

use fitness

testing data

to inform the

prescription

of training

and inform

players and

coaches of

their needs’

Establishing Norms (Till et al., 2013)

• 257 player assessments over

6 year period

• Under 16s to 20s Players –

Backs and Forwards

• Anthropometry - Height,

Body Mass, Sum of 4 Skinfolds

• Physical – 10m & 20m sprint,

Vertical Jump, Yo-Yo Level 1, 1-

RM / Relative Squat, Bench

Press & Prone Row

Key Findings• Comparative data for UK academy RL players between 16 and

20 years by backs and forwards

• Height, Body Mass, Vertical Jump and Strength improve with

Chronological Age

• Sum of four skinfolds, Speed and Estimated VO2max do not

appear to change across age categories

• Forwards – Taller and Heavier with greater 1-RMs

• Backs – Leaner, Quicker, more Powerful with Greater Relative

Strength

Implications

• Consider combinations of anthropometric and fitness

characteristics (e.g., momentum)

Backs U14s (1)n=38

10m Mom (kg.s-1) 295 ± 60.1*

20m Mom (kg.s-1) 406 ± 100.7*

Peak Power (W) 2295 ± 673*

Forwards U14s (1)n=28

10m Mom (kg.s-1) 365 ± 26

20m Mom (kg.s-1) 516 ± 45

Peak Power (W) 3952 ± 365

Implications

• Consider combinations of anthropometric and fitness

characteristics (e.g., momentum)

Backs U14s (1)n=38

U16s (2)n=62

10m Mom (kg.s-1) 295 ± 60.1* 384 ± 55*

20m Mom (kg.s-1) 406 ± 100.7* 530 ±74*

Peak Power (W) 2295 ± 673* 3970 ± 539*

Forwards U14s (1)n=28

U16s (2)n=78

10m Mom (kg.s-1) 365 ± 26 437 ± 50

20m Mom (kg.s-1) 516 ± 45 607 ± 74

Peak Power (W) 3952 ± 365 4268 ± 494

Implications

• Consider combinations of anthropometric and fitness

characteristics (e.g., momentum)

Backs U14s (1)n=38

U16s (2)n=62

U18s (3)n=31

10m Mom (kg.s-1) 295 ± 60.1* 384 ± 55* 448 ± 42*

20m Mom (kg.s-1) 406 ± 100.7* 530 ±74* 619 ± 56*

Peak Power (W) 2295 ± 673* 3970 ± 539* 4700 ± 509*

Forwards U14s (1)n=28

U16s (2)n=78

U18s (3)n=42

10m Mom (kg.s-1) 365 ± 26 437 ± 50 496 ± 43

20m Mom (kg.s-1) 516 ± 45 607 ± 74 694 ± 75

Peak Power (W) 3952 ± 365 4268 ± 494 5075 ± 478

Implications

• Consider combinations of anthropometric and fitness

characteristics (e.g., momentum)

Backs U14s (1)n=38

U16s (2)n=62

U18s (3)n=31

U20s (4)n=18

Post-hoc

10m Mom (kg.s-1) 295 ± 60.1* 384 ± 55* 448 ± 42* 476 ± 45 1<2<3,4,

20m Mom (kg.s-1) 406 ± 100.7* 530 ±74* 619 ± 56* 680 ± 56.82 1<2<3,4

Peak Power (W) 2295 ± 673* 3970 ± 539* 4700 ± 509* 5094 ± 461 1<2<3,4

Forwards U14s (1)n=28

U16s (2)n=78

U18s (3)n=42

U20s (4)n=29

Post-hoc

10m Mom (kg.s-1) 365 ± 26 437 ± 50 496 ± 43 521 ± 54 1<2<3,4

20m Mom (kg.s-1) 516 ± 45 607 ± 74 694 ± 75 711 ± 88 1<2<3,4

Peak Power (W) 3952 ± 365 4268 ± 494 5075 ± 478 5262 ± 526 1<2<3,4

Implications

• Consider combinations of anthropometric and fitness

characteristics (e.g., momentum)

• Relative strength increased with age

• First study to present pulling strength characteristics –

Limited understanding

• Greater pushing to pulling ratio - 104.1 ± 14.4% (under

16s) and 116.6 ± 10.6% (under 19s). Suggested <100%

so programmes should focus on pulling strength.

Practical Implications

‘It is recommended that such data should be used by

strength and conditioning coaches and player

development staff for player identification, assessing

individual player’s strengths and weaknesses, and

monitoring player development.’ (Till et al., 2013)

2 Questions

Why Fitness Test?

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Prescribe Training

Educate Coaches / Athletes

1. Do coaches use research findings? (or their own data sets)

Why Fitness Test?

Talent ID

Assess Strengths & Weak-nesses

Monitor Progress

Prescribe Training

Provide Feedback

Educate Coaches / Athletes

2. How do coaches use their fitness testing data?

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

JSCR (2013)

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2Player 2 – Q2, Avg Maturer,

Hooker

Player 3 – Q1, Early Maturer,

Prop

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

Under 13s

Till et al., (2013)

Player 1 – Q4, Late Maturer, Outside-Back

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

Under 13sUnder 14s

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3-2-1012

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3-2-1012

Under 13sUnder 14s

Player 1 – Q4, Late Maturer, Outside Back

Player 2 – Q2, Avg Maturer,

Hooker

Player 3 – Q1, Early Maturer,

Prop

Till et al., (2013)

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3-2-1012

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3-2-1012

Years from PHVHeight

Sitting Height

Body Mass

Skinfolds

VJ

MBT10m

20m

30m

60m

Agility 505

VO2max

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

Under 13s

Under 14s

Under 15s

Under 13sUnder 14s

Under 15s

Player 1 – Q4, Late Maturer, Outside Back

Player 2 – Q2, Avg Maturer,

Hooker

Player 3 – Q1, Early Maturer,

Prop

Till et al., (2013)

30m = -0.56s 30m = -0.39s

30m = -0.01s

DescriptorsStrength & Conditioning Standards

Poor Excellent

1 2 3 4 5

Body Fat (mm) - 4 site >60 50 40 30 <20

5m Speed (s) >1.30 1.20 1.10 1.00 <0.90

10m Speed (s) >2.05 1.95 1.85 1.75 <1.65

20m Speed (s) >3.45 3.30 3.15 3.00 <2.85

Zig Zag Agility >12.0 11.25 10.50 9.75 <9.0

Vertical Jump (cm) <30 40 50 60 >70

Med Ball Chest Throw (m) <5.0 6.5 8.0 9.5 >11.0

Yo-Yo Level 1 (stage) <12 20 28 36 >44

Gym Competency (out of 13) 1 4 7 10 13

1RM Squat (%BW) 1.0 1.3 1.5 1.8 2.0

1RM Power Clean (%BW) <0.75 0.9 1.05 1.2 >1.35

1RM Bench Press (%BW) <0.75 0.9 1.05 1.2 >1.35

1RM Prone Row (%BW) <0.75 0.9 1.05 1.2 >1.35

Player Reporting

Scoring System

• Aim - Develop a club wide scoring system of physical

development

– Simplify feedback to players and coaches

– Take into account overall physical development

– Monitor progressions with age

• Using standards (1-5) calculate an average score for Speed,

Strength, Power, Agility, Aerobic / Anaerobic Capacity

• Multiply by LEAN body mass

‘Bull Rating’Power = 3.6Strength = 3.2Speed = 3.9Agility = 3.0Aerobic Capacity = 2.4Total = 3.22Lean Mass = 65.5kg

Bull Rating = 211

Avg Rating Bull ScorePlayer 1 3.73 233Player 2 3.37 216Player 3 3.13 211Player 4 3.4 208Player 5 3.08 202Player 6 2.93 198Player 7 2.83 188Player 8 2.93 181Player 9 3.23 179Player 10 3.03 179Player 11 3.08 175Player 12 2.93 174Player 13 2.72 173

Scoring System

Monitoring Progress??

• Although we can compare data with established

norms – This is mostly cross sectional

• What are the expected improvements following a…

– Programme

– Long term

• Establish longitudinal (and change) data

Seasonal Improvements (Till et al., in review)

U14s U16s U18s U20s (1) (2) (3) (4) Post-hoc

Body Mass (kg) 7.4 ± 4.3 (0.8 – 15.3)

5.2 ± 5.0 (-7.9 – 18.5)

2.5 ± 4.7 (-7.5 – 17.5)

1.2 ± 3.3 (-3.8 – 8.8)

1, 2 > 3, 4

∑ 4 Skinfolds (mm) -7.8 ± 11.6 (-24.2 – 13.7)

-4.1 ± 15.1 (-32.0 – 43.4)

-8.2 ± 15.4 (-43.6 – 51.0)

-11.8 ± 12.5(-36.3 – 8.0)

Estimated VO2max -0.4 ± 10.5(-18.7 – 18.2)

0.9 ± 7.2(-32.4 – 15.5)

4.9 ± 6.9(-15.0 – 17.9)

9.2 ± 7.6(0.0 – 17.8)

1 < 3, 4; 2 < 4

10m Sprint (s) 1.3 ± 3.9 (-5.1 – 10.2)

0.5 ± 3.7 (-10.3 – 9.3)

-1.6 ± 2.5 (-4.7 – 3.8)

-1.9 ± 1.2 (-3.5 – -0.5)

1 < 3, 4

20m Sprint (s) -0.1 ± 3.5(-7.5 – 9.2)

-0.1 ± 2.7 (-6.2 – 5.5)

-1.3 ± 2.8 (-4.1 – 5.1)

-1.8 ± 2.3 (-4.4 – 0.9)

Vertical Jump (cm) 7.9 ± 12.7 (-14.3 – 32.0)

9.2 ± 10.7 (-12.5 – 46.0)

1.6 ± 7.4(-11.6 – 21.2)

0.5 ± 7.5(-13.5 – 10.5)

2 > 3, 4

1-RM Squat (kg) 15.8 ± 13.8 (-18.8 – 40.0)

6.5 ± 10.7 (-10.0 – 20.0)

3 > 4

1-RM Bench Press (kg)

16.9 ± 8.3(5.9 - 33.3)

4.1 ± 6.8 (-9.1 – 14.3)

3 > 4

1-RM Prone Row 11.9 ± 8.7 (-10.0 – 27.6)

10.2 ± 6.4 (-5.1 – 19.4)

Table 1. Pre to Post Season changes in anthropometric and physical characteristics

Key Findings• Comparative data for % change in performance from pre to

post Season

• Younger players (U14s and 16s) experienced greater seasonal improvements in body mass and vertical jump performance

• Older players (U18s and 20s) demonstrated greater seasonal improvements in speed and estimated VO2max.

• All players significantly reduced sum of 4 skinfolds across a season

• Under 18s also demonstrated greater improvements in strength than Under 20s players.

Implications• Large individual variation = Individual

Monitoring• Absolute changes in speed and aerobic

performance may not occur so coaches – monitor momentum, etc.

• Findings suggest 3 pre-season and 2 in season strength sessions a week elicit strength gains in academy aged rugby league players – is this optimum?

• The relationships between seasonal changes in characteristics demonstrated that prone row strength was significantly correlated to all variables, excluding sum of skinfolds.

1-RM Prone Row

Body Mass 0.206**

∑4 Skin Fold 0.053

Est VO2max 0.326***

10m Sprint 0.312***

20m Sprint 0.217**

Vertical Jump 0.326***

1-RM Squat 0.509***

1-RM Bench Press

0.500***

Future Directions

• Greater understanding of the expected changes

of short and long term programmes –

Longitudinal Monitoring

• Fitness Testing vs Daily Monitoring?

• Compare players fitness testing scores with well

being measures

Thank You!!Email: K.Till@leedsmet.ac.uk

Kevin@KTConditioning.co.uk

Tel: 07411 227745

part of the Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure.

How can you ‘Make the Most’ of

Your Fitness Testing?