Hexagonal Obstacle Test to Assess Agility
Procedure for Conducting Hexagonal Obstacle Test. This article discusses the agility test, named hexagonal obstacle test. The objective of the hexagonal obstacle test is to assess the athlete's agility.
Required resources
To undertake this test you will require:
- 66 cm sided hexagon marked out on the floor.
- Stop watch.
- Assistant.
How to conduct the test
The Hexagonal Obstacle Test is conducted as follows:
- The athlete stands in the middle of the hexagon, facing line A
- At all times throughout the test, the athlete is to face line A
- On the command GO the watch is started and the athlete jumps with both feet over line B and back to the middle, then over line C and back to the middle, then line D and so on
- When the athlete jumps over line A and back to the middle this counts as one circuit
- The athlete is to complete three circuits
- On completion of three circuits, the watch is stopped and the time recorded
- The athlete rests and then repeats the test
- On completion of the second test determine the average of the two recorded times
- If you jump the wrong line or land on a line then the test is to be restarted.
Analysis
Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's agility.
Performance assessment
For an evaluation of the athlete's performance determine the average time from the two tests and then see the normative table below for an assessment.
Normative data for the hexagonal obstacle test
The following are national norms for 16 to 19-year-olds.
Table Reference: Arnot R and Gaines C, Sports Talent, 1984
Target group
This test is suitable for active athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.
Reliability
Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.
Validity
There are no published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition.
Reference
Mackenzie, Brian. 2005. 101 Performance Evaluation Test. Electric World Plc. London.
