5m Sprint Test
The 5m sprint test is a simple and popular test used to measure an athlete’s accelerative abilities.
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By Owen Walker
27 Jan 2016 | 5 min read
Contents of Article
The 5m sprint test is a simple and popular test used to measure an athlete’s accelerative abilities. As short-distance accelerations are common in a large variety of sports, this test is often included in performance testing batteries. Both handheld stopwatches and electronic timing gates have been proven to be reliable assessment devices. As the distance from the start-line, starting position, and the height of the timing gates have all been shown to effect the test results, it is advised that these are all mandated and kept consistent to avoid testing error.
Keywords: sprint, speed, acceleration, linear, sports science
The 5-metre (m) sprint test involves an athlete accelerating from a static starting position to maximum speed in a straight-line over a 5m distance. Therefore, speed tests are typically used solely to measure an athlete’s linear speed capabilities. More specifically, the 5m sprint test is primarily used to measure athlete’s linear acceleration.
In some rare circumstances, this test is also used indirectly to assess an athlete’s force development capabilities; however, this is yet to be validated by any means of research. Before the introduction of timing gates, speed tests were typically officiated using stopwatches, though stopwatches are still useful and can be used reliably, the use of timing gates is highly recommended and essential when a high degree of precision is required (1, 2).
As the 5m sprint measures acceleration from a static position, it is a common testing protocol as a large majority of sports often involve such short-distance sprint movements. Sports that include any form of short-distance acceleration should often include a 5m sprint test in their performance testing battery.
It is important to understand that whenever fitness testing is performed, it must be done so in a consistent environment (e.g. facility) so that it is protected from varying weather types, and with a dependable surface that is not affected by wet or slippery conditions. If the environment is not consistent, the reliability of repeated tests at later dates can be substantially hindered and result in worthless data.
Required Equipment
Before the start of the test, it is important to ensure you have the following items:
Test Configuration
Figure 1 displays the test configuration for the 5m sprint test. This setup must be adhered to if accurate and reliable data is desired.
Important information for using timing gates
The distance between the start-line and the first timing gate (cones A – Figure 1) has been shown to affect 5-m sprint times (3). Put simply, the greater the distance, the faster the sprint time as it allows the athlete to generate more speed before crossing the first timing gate. As the 5m sprint is a measure of acceleration, it is recommended that the start-line is position 0.3m behind the first timing gate in accordance with Altmann and colleagues (3).
The height of the timing gates has also been proven to significantly affect the performance results (4). When testing, it is therefore imperative that a standardised, consistent protocol is used to reduce variances within the data. For example, it may be suggested that the gates are always set at a consistent height of 1-metre.
Test Procedure
Warm-up
Starting the test
After the test
If three sprints were completed, all the scores are normally then generated into a mean score which provides an overall 5m sprint time. This is done by using the following equation.
When conducting the test there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration before you begin – some being:
Credit goes to SportsTrial
To the author’s knowledge, no study to date has directly assessed the reliability of the 5m sprint test, however, the accuracy of handheld stopwatches and electronic timing gates to measure other sprint distances is well-documented (1, 2). Therefore, if both devices can accurately and reliably measure other linear speed tests, then it may be suggested that this also applies to the 5m sprint test.
Some coaches believe that reading one article will make them an expert on Performance Testing. Here’s why they’re wrong…
Performance Testing entails many, many topics. By choosing to simply read up on 5m Sprint Test and ignore the sea of other crucial Performance Testing topics, you run the risk of being detrimental to your athlete’s success and not realising your full potential.
To make you an expert coach and make your life as easy as possible, we highly suggest you now check out this article on The 10m Sprint Test.
Disclaimer
All information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for the administration or provision of any testing conducted, whether that results in any positive or negative consequences. As an example, we do not take any responsibility for any injury or illness caused during any test administration. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
Reference List (click here to open)
Owen Walker MSc CSCS
Founder and Director of Science for Sport
Owen is the founder and director of Science for Sport. He was formerly the Head of Academy Sports Science and Strength & Conditioning at Cardiff City Football Club, and an interim Sports Scientist for the Welsh FA. He also has a master’s degree in strength and conditioning and is a NSCA certified strength and conditioning coach.
Learn how to effectively carry out tests on your athletes without spending a penny. You’ll master performance testing, field tests, gym tests and more for free.