Measuring Agility & Balance

Physical Education: AQA GCSE, topic 3.2.4

Agility Test - Illinois Agility Test

Equipment needed: 8 cones, a tape measure and a stopwatch.

Arrange the cones in a 10m x 5m rectangle with 4 cones down the middle.
The performer starts face down on the floor.
The performer then runs around the cones in the fastest time possible.
Time the test in seconds. You can compare the results against a general rating scale.

This is an appropriate test for tennis players because they need good agility to change direction quickly to reach their opponent’s shots.
This test may be less appropriate for 100m sprinters because they do not change direction.

Equipment needed: a stopwatch.

The performer starts the test balanced on two flat feet. - They need to place their hands on their hips and lift one foot so that the toes touch the inside of the knee of the standing leg.
The timer tells the performer to raise their heel and the test begins.
The performer needs to balance for as long as possible on one leg until they lose balance and move the toes that are resting on the inside of the knee.
Record the time in minutes and seconds. You can compare the results against a general rating scale.

This is an appropriate test for gymnasts because they need to hold their balance during performances.
This is a less appropriate test for badminton players because they are constantly moving when they play.

Which of the following pieces of equipment are required to carry out an Illinois agility test?
In which shape should the cones in an Illinois agility test be placed?
For which of the following athletes would an Illinois agility test be the most appropriate?
Which of the following pieces of equipment is required to carry out a stork stand test?
For which of the following sportspeople would a stork stand test be most appropriate?