Speed and power tests

It is important to remember that improvement of running speed is a complex process which is controlled by the brain and nervous system. In order for a runner to move quickly, the leg muscles of course have to contract more quickly, but the brain and nervous systems also have to learn to control these faster movements efficiently. If you maintain some form of speed training throughout the year, your muscles and nervous system do not loose the feel of moving fast and the brain will not have to re-learn the proper control patterns at a later date.

Power is a measure of force being applied at speed and therefore is a fitting commodity in the majority of sports requiring fast dynamic movements such as sprinting, jumping, throwing, weightlifting and most field sports.

The following are examples of speed and power tests:

• 10 stride test
• 30 metre acceleration test
• 60 metre speed test
• Shuttle run test
• 150 metre endurance test
• 400 metre sprint test
• 300 yard shuttle test
• Margarita – Kalamen power test
• 40 metre sprint test
• Flying 30 metre test
• PWC-170 cycle test
• The Wingate anaerobic 30 cycle test
• 35 metre speed test
• Multiple sprint test.