Testing and profiling athletes: recommendations for test selection, implementation, and maximizing information

Weakley, Jonathon, Black, Georgia, McLaren, Shaun, Scantlebury, Sean, Suchomel, Timothy J, McMahon, Eric, Watts, David and Read, Dale B (2023) Testing and profiling athletes: recommendations for test selection, implementation, and maximizing information. Strength and Conditioning Journal. ISSN 1524-1602

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Abstract

Understanding the physical qualities of athletes can lead to improved training prescription, monitoring, and ranking. Consequently, testing and profiling athletes is an important aspect of strength and conditioning. However, results can often be difficult to interpret because of the wide range of available tests and outcome variables, the diverse forms of technology used, and the varying levels of standardization implemented. Furthermore, physical qualities can easily be misrepresented without careful consideration if fundamental scientific principles are not followed. This review discusses how to develop impactful testing batteries so that practitioners can maximize their understanding of athletic development while helping to monitor changes in performance to better individualize and support training. It also provides recommendations on the selection of tests and their outcome measures; considerations for the proper interpretation, setup, and standardization of testing protocols; methods to maximize testing information; and techniques to enhance visualization and interpretation.