The Quadrathlon Test to Measure Explosive Power Improvement

The Quadrathlon was devised in 1982 to test for explosive power improvement of the Great Britain National Throws Squad. The Quadrathlon is easy to carry out and is an excellent way to test an athlete's fitness and progress during the winter months.

The Quadrathlon comprises of 4 activities:

1. Standing long jump

2. Three jumps

3. 30 metre sprint

4. Overhead shot throw.

The Quadrathlon can be used to gauge whether an athlete is becoming more powerful. The benefits are threefold:

• If the athlete's scores increase, then their power has increased

• Weakness can be identified if the athlete underscores and these areas can be worked on

• Motivational help during the long winter months.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Track – 30m marked section

• Shot

• Long jump pit

• 30 metre tape measure

• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

Standing long jump

Athlete to place their feet over the edge of the sandpit, crouch and lean forward, swing the arms backwards, swing the arms forward and jump horizontally as far as possible, jumping with both feet into the sandpit. Measure the distance from the edge of the sandpit to the nearest point of contact. The start of the jump must be from a static position.

Three jumps

Start with the feet comfortably apart with the toes just behind the take off mark. The athlete takes three continuous two footed bounds. Measure the distance covered. The start must be from a static position and the feet must be parallel on each jump phase. Spikes allowed.

30 metre sprint

The athlete sprints from a stationary position (standing or from blocks) as fast as possible to the 30 metre finish line. The time keeper stands at the finish line and times the run from the moment that the runner contacts the ground on the first stride to the moment when the runner's torso crosses the line. Spikes allowed.

Overhead shot throw

The athlete stands on the shot stop-board, facing away from the landing area, with their feet a comfortable distance apart. The shot is held cupped in both hands. The athlete crouches, lowering the shot between the legs, then drives upwards to cast the shot back over the head. There is no penalty for following through, but the athlete must land feet first and remain upright. Measurement is taken from the inside of the stop-board to the nearest point of contact. Shot weight as per the IAAF Competition Rules book age group. Please watch the safety aspect.

Analysis

Analysis of the scores 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.

Points are allocated depending on the distance or time achieved for each activity. Scores should be compared with the athlete's previous activity scores to determine the level of improvement.

The number of points for each event can be calculated using the following equations:

Where D is the distance in metres and T is the time in seconds

The following tests results indicate an athlete may mature into a high standard club athlete.

Target group

This test is suitable for all athletes especially throwers (eg javelin, discus, shot, hammer) 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 published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition and the correlation is high.

Reference: Brian Mackenzie, 2005. 101 Performance Evaluation Test