Hexagonal Obstacle Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The objective of the Hexagonal Obstacle test is to monitor the athlete's agility.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 66 cm sided hexagon marked out on the floor
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to perform a series of two footed back and forth jumps over the sides of a hexagon.

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant marks out a hexagon with 66 cm sides
• The athlete stands in the middle of the hexagon, facing line A throughout the test
• The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
• 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
• When the athlete completes three circuits the assistant stops the stopwatch and records the time
• The athlete has 5 minute rest and then repeats the test
• On completion of the second test the assistant determines the average of the two recorded times.
• If the athlete jumps the wrong line or lands on a line then the test is to be restarted

Assessment

For an evaluation of the athlete's performance select the gender, enter the average time from the two tests.

Normative data for the Hexagonal Obstacle Test

The following are national norms for 16 to 19 year olds.

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

Table Reference: Arnot R and Gaines C, Sports Talent, 1984

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's agility and speed.

Target Group

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

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. >Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.