ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 deals with assessments that gauge an athlete’s physical preparation and that provide feedback on the effectiveness of the strength and conditioning program. These assessments are meant to be done with a minimum of equipment and are grouped into strength, power, speed, agility, and conditioning assessments. Each is described in terms of how it is performed. The chapter concludes with literature-based examples of assessments (and their results) using the sports of baseball, basketball, football (American), rugby, and soccer.
Assessing the athlete is important because it provides the coach with objective feedback about what the athlete needs to work on, what the athlete’s strengths are, whether the athlete is achieving their goals for training, and it provides feedback about the effectiveness of the strength and conditioning program.
The following are qualities that are typically assessed:
Strength
Power
Speed
Agility
Conditioning
