January 2018 Hangout: Developing a testing framework

For the January 2018 Hangout, we looked at a case study in developing a testing framework. Guests Vern Gambetta and James de Lacey (Austin Elite Rugby) gave their input on how to update a testing system in place for an amateur rugby, including practical suggestions for improving it and ideas on how to get club buy-in for the new approach. Topics included:

• Defining the purpose of the test, and how that differs at different levels.
• The role of testing in motivating and orienting athletes.
• Ranking athletes vs. defining benchmarks.
• How to define benchmarks.
• The order of tests in a testing framework.
• Practical ideas for testing speed.
• Practical ideas for testing jumps.
• Practical ideas for testing fitness/endurance.
• Practical ideas for testing “core” strength.
• Getting coaching buy-in to testing, and where to give and take.
• Technology:defining speed bands with GPS and using the 1080 quantum and 1080 sprint for testing.