Illinois Agility Test: Marking Cones Stopwatch Measuring Tape Timing Gates

Illinois Agility Test
Agility is an important component of many team sports, though it is not always tested, and is
often difficult to interpret results. The Illinois Agility Test (Getchell, 1979) is a commonly used
test of agility in sports, and as such there are many norms available.
 purpose: to test running agility

 equipment required: flat non-slip surface,
marking cones, stopwatch, measuring tape,
timing gates (optional)
 procedure: The length of the course is 10
meters and the width (distance between the
start and finish points) is 5 meters. Four
cones are used to mark the start, finish and
the two turning points. Another four cones
are placed down the center an equal distance
apart. Each cone in the center is spaced 3.3
meters apart. Subjects should lie on their
front (head to the start line) and hands by
their shoulders. On the 'Go' command the
stopwatch is started, and the athlete gets up
as quickly as possible and runs around the
course in the direction indicated, without knocking the cones over, to the finish line, at
which the timing is stopped. (see illinois test video examples)
 results: The table below gives some rating scores for the test
Agility Run Ratings (seconds)

Rating Males Females
Excellent < 15.2 < 17.0
Good 16.1-15.2 17.9-17.0
Average 18.1-16.2 21.7-18.0
Fair 18.3-18.2 23.0-21.8
Poor > 18.3 > 23.0
 Advantages: This is a simple test to administer, requiring little equipment. Also, the
players ability to turn in different directions and different angles is tested.
 Disadvantages: Choice of footwear and surface of area can effect times greatly. Results
can be subject to timing inconsistencies, which may be overcome by using timing gates.
Cannot distinguish between left and right turning ability.
 Variations: the starting and finishing sides can be swapped, so that turning direction is
reversed.
 References: Getchell B. Physical Fitness: A Way of Life, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley
and Sons, Inc., 1979.
Balsom Agility Test

Balsom Agility Test or Balsom Run is a test of agility designed for the soccer player, in which
the subjects are required to make several changes of directions and two turns. The test was
developed by Paul Balsom in 1994.
 purpose: this is a test of speed, body control and the ability to change direction (agility).
 equipment required: stopwatch or light gates, measuring tape, marker cones, a flat
surface.
 procedure: Set up the cones as illustrated in the diagram to mark the start, finish and the
three turning points. The length of the course is 15m (the distance to cones at B, C and D
have not been confirmed). The subject starts at A and runs to cones at B before turning
and returning to A. Subject then runs through cones at C, turns back at D, and returns
through C. The subject turns to the right and runs through cones at B and through the
finish. Two trials are allowed and the fastest time recorded. (see video).
 scoring: The best (fastest) total time is recorded.

 results: a sample of English Premier League Soccer players achieved an average score of
11.7 seconds (as quoted in Practical Fitness Testing, By Morc Coulson, David Archer,
2009).
 target population: the test was designed for soccer players, but the test would also be
suitable for many team sports where agility is important.
 references: Balsom, P. (1994) 'Evaluation of Physical performance', In Ekblom, B. (ed.)
Football (soccer), Oxford, UK: Blackwell Scientific, p.112.
505 Agility Test
The 505 Agility test is a test of 180 degree turning ability. The test may also be adapted for sport
specific testing by having the subject dribble a soccer ball or hockey ball though the course, or
bounce a basketball.
 equipment required: start/stop timing gates or stopwatch, non-slip running surface, cone
markers
 procedure: markers are set up 5 and 15 meters from a line marked on the ground. The
athlete runs from the 15 meter marker towards the line (run in distance to build up speed)
and through the 5 m markers, turns on the line and runs back through the 5 m markers.
The time is recorded from when the athletes first runs through the 5 meter marker, and
stopped when they return through these markers (that is, the time taken to cover the 5 m
up and back distance - 10 m total). The best of two trails is recorded. The turning ability
on each leg should be tested. The subject should be encouraged to not overstep the line
by too much, as this will increase their time. (see video)
 comments: This is a test of 180 degree turning ability. This ability may not be applicable
to some sports.
Agility Cone or Compass Drill
The Agility Cone Drill is a lateral movement test that measures the agility of the athlete,
especially body control and change of direction.
 purpose: this is a test of speed, explosion,

body control and the ability to change
direction (agility).
 equipment required: stopwatch or timing
gates, measuring tape or or chalk, 5 marker
cones, a flat non-slip surface.
 procedure: The cones are laid out as per the
diagram, with four marker cones placed in a
diamond shape, and one in the middle. The
outer cones are each placed 3 meters from the
center. The player crouches behind and with
their left hand on the middle cone, facing
forwards (towards cone 5). The player then
turns and runs to the right and touches the
cone (2) with their hand. They then turn back and run to the center cone, out to the next
cone (3), back to the center, out to the next cone (4), back to the center and then finally
turn and finish by running through the finish line at cone 5. The player is required to
touch the cone with their hand at each turn. Timing starts when the hand comes off the
center cone, and stops when the chest passes through the line of the final cone. Rest for
three minutes, then repeat the drill, moving in the opposite direction (counterclockwise,
cones in order 1-4-3-2-5).
 scoring: Record the time to complete the test in seconds to the nearest two decimal
places for each direction. The score is the average time of two trials.
 target population: basketball, soccer and other sports where agility is important
 comments: Turning technique and coordination is also a large factor in this test. This test
is also sometimes called the Compass Drill, as it requires you to run to all points of the
compass. This test was once part of the battery for the SPARQ soccer and basketball
rating, and their protocol is listed here. Soccer now use the Arrowhead Agility Drill Test,
and Basketball the Lane Agility Drill.

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Illinois Agility Test

 purpose: to test running agility

Agility Run Ratings (seconds)

Balsom Agility Test

 scoring: The best (fastest) total time is recorded.

 purpose: this is a test of speed, explosion,

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