Testing Battery for Developing Athletes: Building a Foundation for Long-Term Performance

Unlocking Potential with Purposeful Testing

 Every young athlete wants to run faster, jump higher, and outperform the competition. But without data, how do you know where to focus your training?

 At Exercise Matters, we offer a comprehensive athlete testing battery tailored for developing athletes. This blog outlines the key assessments we use, the normative data behind them, and how they guide safe and effective long-term athlete development.

Why Test Developing Athletes?

• Identify physical strengths and weaknesses

• Establish a performance baseline

• Track progress over time

• Reduce injury risk

• Build confidence through measurable improvement

Our Testing Battery Includes:

1. Anthropometric Testing (Height, Weight, Body Composition)

2. Speed (10m and 20m Sprint Test)

3. Agility (T-Test or 505 Change of Direction)

4. Lower Limb Power (Vertical Jump using Vertec)

5. Upper Body Power (Medicine Ball Chest Throw)

6. Muscular Endurance (Push-Up and Plank Hold Test)

7. Aerobic Capacity (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test or 20m Beep Test)

8. Mobility & Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach and Overhead Squat)

Normative Data for Youth Athletes (Ages 14–18)

1. Vertical Jump (CMJ via Vertec)

Gender	Average	Above Average	Elite
Male	40–50 cm	50–60 cm	60+ cm
Female	30–40 cm	40–50 cm	50+ cm

2. 10m Sprint Time

Gender	Recreational	Trained	Elite
Male	2.0–2.2 sec	1.8–2.0 sec	<1.8 sec
Female	2.2–2.4 sec	2.0–2.2 sec	<2.0 sec

3. T-Test (Agility)

Gender	Recreational	Trained	Elite
Male	>11.0 sec	10.0–11.0 sec	<10.0 sec
Female	>12.0 sec	11.0–12.0 sec	<11.0 sec

4. Medicine Ball Chest Throw (2kg)

Gender	Average	Strong	Elite
Male	4.5 m	5.0–6.0 m	>6.5 m
Female	3.5 m	4.0–5.0 m	>5.5 m

5. Push-Ups (to fatigue)

Gender	Average	Above Average	Excellent
Male	20–25	26–35	36+
Female	15–20	21–30	31+

6. Plank Hold

Age	Average Time
14–16 y	60–90 sec
17–18 y	90–120 sec

7. Beep Test (VO2 Max Estimation)

Age	Average Level (Boys)	Average Level (Girls)
14	Level 8–9	Level 7–8
15	Level 9–10	Level 8–9
16	Level 10–11	Level 9–10
17+	Level 11+	Level 10+

How We Use the Data

• Goal Setting: Establish specific goals for strength, speed, and power.

• Program Design: Tailor training based on an athlete’s unique profile.

• Injury Risk Reduction: Identify weaknesses in stability, mobility, or asymmetry.

• Re-Testing: Assess training outcomes every 8–12 weeks.

Case Study: Mia, 16, Netball Player

Mia’s initial testing revealed:

• Vertical jump: 32 cm

• Sprint (10m): 2.4 sec

• Push-ups: 12 reps

After a 12-week strength and plyometric program:

• Vertical jump increased to 39 cm

• Sprint time improved to 2.2 sec

• Push-ups increased to 22 reps

Mia also reported improved performance on court and fewer ankle niggles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should young athletes be tested?

Every 8–12 weeks is ideal to track adaptation and guide training changes.

2. What’s the minimum age for testing?

Typically 12–13 years old, once basic movement competency is established.

3. Do these tests replace sport-specific skills?

No. Physical testing complements technical skill development—it doesn’t replace it.

4. Do you adjust for growth and development?

Yes. We track growth velocity and assess relative changes to avoid overloading during rapid growth phases.

Start Building Better Athletes Today

A structured testing battery gives young athletes the tools to train smarter—not just harder. Whether they’re chasing performance or just starting out, we can help them move, feel, and play better.

📞 Book Youth Athlete Testing: (07) 5448 3532 🌐 www.exercisematters.healthcare

References:

• Lloyd RS et al. (2015). National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement on long-term athletic development. J Strength Cond Res.

• Beato M et al. (2019). Monitoring tests in team sports: A systematic review. Front Physiol.

Balyi I et al. (2013). Long-Term Athlete Development. Human Kinetics.