Hexagonal obstacle test

 

The objective of the hexagonal obstacle test is to monitor the athlete’s agility.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 66cm sided hexagon marked out on the floor
• Stop watch
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

The hexagonal obstacle test is conducted as follows:

• The athlete stands in the middle of hexagon, facing line A.
• At all times throughout the test the athlete is to face line A.
• On the command GO the watch is started and the athlete jumps with both feet over line B and back to the middle, then over line C and back to the middle, then line D and so on.
• When the athlete jumps over line A and back to the middle this counts as one circuit.
• The athlete is to complete three circuits.
• On completion of three circuits the watch is stopped and the time recorded.
• The athlete rests and then repeats the test.
• On completion of the second test determine the average of the two recorded times.
• If you jump the wrong line or land on a line then the test is to be restarted.

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 in the athlete’s agility.

Performance assessment

For an evaluation of the athlete’s performance determine the average time from the two tests and then see the normative table below for an assessment.

Normative data for the hexagonal obstacle test

Gender	Excellent	Above Average	Average	Below Average	Poor
Male	<11.2 s	11.2 – 13.3s	13.4 – 15.5s	15.6 – 17.8s	>17.8s
Female	<12.2 s	12.2 – 15.3s	15.4 – 18.5s	18.6 – 21.8s	>21.8s

Target group

This test is suitable for active athletes 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 no published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition.