Standing Stork Test

What's The Point?

Although balance is a key skill for many athletes, it is frequently ignored when designing training programs. If you run or jump as a part of your sport, you need good balance and agility the ability to change direction at speed. This can improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury.

The Standing Stork Test is a quick and easy way to assess this on a regular basis.

What Do You Need?

• A flat, non-slip surface
   
• A stopwatch
   
• Paper and pencil
   
• An assistant

How Do You Perform The Test?

• Remove your shoes
   
• Stand with your hands on your hips
   
• Place the sole of your non-standing foot against the inside knee of your other leg
   
• Raise your heel from the floor so you are balancing on the ball of your foot
   
• The assistant starts the stopwatch as soon as your heel is off the floor

If at any point your hands come off your hips, your foot begins to twist in any direction, or the non-supporting foot loses contact with the knee, the test is stopped.

What Results You'll See

Record your best time from three attempts. Compare your result (measured in seconds) with the following chart:

What's Being Measured Again?

This is a simple and effective way of measuring of your standing balance.