Burpee Test

What is The Point?

How does the burpee test measure agility and balance? It works on the principle that in order to perform this movement at speed, while demonstrating good technique, an athlete must possess the key elements of strength required.

Agility and balance are essential for any sport where an athlete has to change direction at speed, such as tennis or football.

What Do You Need?

• A non-slip surface
   
• A stopwatch
   
• An assistant

How Do You Do The Test?

First, allow the athlete to practice the technique, as follows:

• Stand erect, arms by the side (this is referred to as the starting position)
   
• Bend the knees to drop into a squat, and place the hands on the floor in front of the feet
   
• Thrust the legs back to assume a push up position, with the body forming a straight line from the shoulders to the heels
   
• Return to the squat position
   
• Return to the starting position
   
• This should be done as fast as possible, in one flowing motion

Once the athlete is comfortable with the skill, they perform as many repetitions as possible in 15 seconds. Good technique is essential, so you will lose half a point for each repetition in which poor technique is demonstrated. Examples of poor technique include:

• Not standing up straight when you return to the starting position
   
• Kicking the feet back prior to hand placement
   
• Not assuming a straight push-up body position

A point is given for every successful repetition.

What Results You'll See

There are no normative results for this test, so the score becomes relevant over time as you can compare your results with previous tests.

What's Being Measured Again?

This test is an effective way of measuring the development of an athlete's agility and balance.