Performance Testing for Field Hockey
We’ve mentioned and spoken about the important physical requirements for field hockey players both on the field and in the gym.
The next step is to understand how we measure these.
Table 1 – Proposed physical testing battery for field hockey
| Physical Requirement: | Proposed Test: | Resource: |
| Repeat-Sprint Ability (RSA) | 6 x 30m Sprints performed every 30secs | https://www.topendsports .com/testing/tests/sprint-fatigue |
| Aerobic Capacity / High Intensity Running | 30 – 15 Intermittent Fitness Test Multistage Fitness Test Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Level 1 or 2) | https://www.scienceforsport .com/aerobic-tests/ |
| Change of Direction (COD) | 5-0-5 Agility Test Pro Agility Test | https://www.scienceforsport .com/change-direction-speed-tests/ |
| Maximal Strength | 1RM Strength Testing E.g. Power Clean, Squat, Deadlift | https://www.scienceforsport .com/1rm-testing/ |
| Grip Strength | Hand Grip Dynamometer Testing | https://www.topendsports .com/testing/tests/handgrip |
| Lower Body Power | Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Test Standing Broad Jump Test | https://www.scienceforsport.com/ countermovement-jump-cmj/ https://www.topendsports .com/testing/tests/longjump |
| Rotational Power | Medicine Ball Rotational Throw for Distance | https://www.topendsports.com/testing/ tests/power-ball-rotational-throw |
* Note – There has been no hockey specific agility test developed.
There are examples from other sports that can be transferrable which all use a Y-Shape configuration with a screen that plays footage which the athlete must react to and move left or right (11). A picture has been provided below outlining this.
High Performance Field Hockey 