Field Testing Guidelines and Protocols for Netball

Aim and Learning Outcomes

• Aim: Gain skills and knowledge to conduct exercise tests in a real-world setting.
• Learning Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate the use of common sports science equipment and testing protocols practically.
  • Understand and describe guidelines for field tests in relation to NZ Netball.

Workshop Outline

• Workshop on NZ Netball Guidelines: Identify key considerations in field testing with Practical Skills Assessment reference.
• Practical Demonstration: Tests identified in the workshop assessment.

Task 1: Key Information Paraphrasing (10 min)

• Objective: In pairs, paraphrase from the Netball NZ Fitness Testing Guidelines:
  • Purpose of Exercise Testing: Assess various fitness levels.
  • When to Test: Guidelines for timing.
  • What to Test: Considerations in testing.
  • Order of Testing: Sequence of tests and necessary information for fitness testing.
  • Fitness Testing Preparation: Essential preparation guidelines.

Testing Guidelines Summary

• Purpose of Exercise Testing:
  • Determine athletes' strengths and weaknesses to tailor training.
  • Measure improvement post training.
  • Assess readiness for competitive demands.
  • Evaluate recovery post-injury.

When to Test

• Testing Timeline:
  • Early February: At the start of the preseason training.
  • Pre-Competition: Testing before the competition starts to gauge improvements.
  • Team Selection: Prior to or post team selection.

What to Test and Considerations

• Tests to Consider:
  • Speed Tests: 5m, 10m & 20m Straight Line Sprint Test.
  • Lower Body Power Tests: To assess jumping power.
  • Aerobic Test: Yo-Yo test to measure endurance.
• Considerations:
  • Sport-specific demands from needs analysis.
  • Availability and access to equipment.
  • Qualified personnel for test administration.

Order of Testing

• Testing Sequence:
  1. Speed Tests: Conduct the 5m, 10m & 20m Straight Line Sprint Test first.
  2. Lower Body Power Tests: Next, switch groups to get results.
  3. Aerobic Test: Conclude with the Yo-Yo aerobic test for both groups.

Fitness Testing Preparation

• Preparation Guidelines:
  • Provide 48 hours recovery notice prior to testing.
  • Conduct tests indoors to avoid weather interference.
  • Ensure athletes warm-up thoroughly.
  • Athletes should eat at least 90 minutes before testing, especially for multi-test days.
  • Conduct all tests in the same venue with consistent equipment.

Key Information for Conducting Fitness Testing

• Information to Include:
  • Who conducted the test.
  • Time of day.
  • Location of the test.
  • Equipment used.
  • Environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, wind).
  • Observations during testing.

Speed Test Protocol

• Speed Testing Setup:
  • Set up timing lights for sprint testing (5m only).
  • Athletes must start with their toe behind a specific marker.
  • Allow 3 attempts with 3-minute rests; record the best time.

Aerobic Testing Protocol (Yo-Yo Test)

• Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Setup:
  • Mark 20m and 5m lines with cones.
  • The subject runs between marked lines based on auditory cues.
  • One missed shuttle counts as a warning; failing subsequent shuttles finishes the test.
  • Last attempted shuttle counts as the final score.

Lower Body Power Tests Protocol

• Vertical Jump Test:
  • Purpose: Assess lower body power for jumping capability.
  • Test Steps:
  1. Measure standing reach using Vertec.
  2. Perform a countermovement jump.
  3. Record jump height and calculate the difference from the standing reach.
  4. Conduct three attempts with a brief rest between.

Conclusion

• Session Objectives:
  • Demonstrate sports science equipment and testing protocols.
  • Understand guidelines for field tests related to NZ Netball.
  • Practically carry out tests identified in the workshop for assessment.