30 Metre Acceleration Test

The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete’s ability to effectively and efficiently accelerate from a standing start or from starting blocks to maximum speed.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 400m track – with a 30m marked section on the straight
• Stop watch
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

The test comprises of 3 x 30m runs from a standing start or from starting blocks and with a full recovery between each run. The assistant should record the time for the athlete to complete the 30m.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

Normative data for the 30 metre test

The following are national norms for 16 to 19 years old.

Gender	Excellent	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
Male	< 4.0	4.2 – 4.0	4.4 – 4.3	4.6 – 4.4	> 4.6
Female	< 4.5	4.6 – 4.5	4.8 – 4.7	5.0 – 4.9	> 5.0

Target group

This test is suitable for sprinters but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual’s level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are published tables to relate results to potential level of fitness and the correlation is high.