1. Performance Coaching Programme
Unit 1: Building for Team Success
Session Topic: Fitness Testing
Tutors : Roger Keenan/Kevin Mc Guigan
Date: 12th October 2011

2. Outcomes At the end of this Unit you will be able to:
Explain the protocols for physiological testing in Gaelic games;
Perform interpretation of a fitness test results spreadsheet;
Analyse how the results can inform your training programme.
Agreed Team Objectives - ownership & accountability -Realistic, achievable, specific, time-bound
Sports Team Analysis – personal development plan – review – Critical Success Factors – collective team development plan –
Recognising and negotiating potential obstacles to success

3. Assessing Fitness Requirements
Group Task:
In groups of 4/5
Discuss the range of aspects of fitness required in Gaelic games;
Provide an example within the game when each aspect of fitness is important.

4. Assessing Fitness Requirements

5. Assessing Fitness Requirements

6. Fitness in Gaelic Games
Physical Fitness
Endurance;
Strength;
Flexibility;
Speed;
Agility;
Motor Fitness
Agility;
Balance;
Co-ordination;
Power (speed & strength);
Reaction Time

7. Assessing Fitness Requirements
Discuss:
In groups of 4/5
What fitness tests have you used with teams?

8. Fitness Tests Fitness Tests Standing Broad Jump Sit & Reach
Medicine Ball Throw
Vertical Jump
1RM Bench Press
Shoulder Rotation
Handgrip Strength
300 Yd Shuttle
Fitness Tests
Bleep Test
Yo Yo Test
Ruler Drop Test
Illinois Agility Run
Abdominal Strength
150 Yd Shuttle
20m Sprint
5m Sprint
VO2 Max
T-Test

9. Scheduling Fitness Tests
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Phase of Season (Club)
Pre Season
In Season
Off Season
 Test
Based on a typical club season, when would you schedule fitness tests?
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Phase of Season (Club)
Pre Season
In Season
Off Season
 Test  P P

10. Practical Demonstration & Discussion Move to the Sports Hall

11. Interpreting Fitness Test Results
Task: In Groups of 5 You have been provided with a complete set of actual fitness test results; Discuss in your groups what trends / issues you can identify;

12. Interpreting Fitness Test Results
Task: In Groups of 5 You have been provided with a set of actual fitness test results for one player; Discuss in your groups what trends issues you can identify;

13. Interpreting Fitness Test Results
Methods for Analysing Trends / Issues?
Range of Results
Is there a big gap between strongest and weakest performers;
Are there any ‘stand out’ performers at either end of the spectrum;
Is the same trend evident across all tests / isolated to specific tests;
Group Average – how do players compare;
Is the average a fair indicator of how the group performed overall;
Are there any ‘rogue’ results that adversely affect the average;
Is being above the group average enough;

14. Interpreting Fitness Test Results
Methods for Analysing Trends / Issues?
Improvement / Deterioration;
Can you compare results with similar previous fitness results;
Are there improvements / Are strong aspects being maintained;
Where would you like to see improvements;
Are Results Reflected on the Pitch;
Do the strengths reflect position of player;
Are there any warning signs for the team / individuals;
Any other ideas?

15. Informing the Training Programme
Some Decisions
Individual v Team programme;
Stage of season (Pre, In season, Post season);
Pitch based activity v Other;
Self driven v Coach driven sessions;
Strengths / Weaknesses.

16. Informing the Training Programme
Task: In Groups of 5 In your group, take 5 minutes, and discuss the full set of team results How would the results inform your training programme?;

17. Summary Are you satisfied that you:
Understand the physiological protocols for fitness testing;
Can effectively carry out an appropriate fitness testing session;
Can interpret a fitness test results spreadsheet;
Can apply findings to your training programme;
Agreed Team Objectives - ownership & accountability -Realistic, achievable, specific, time-bound
Sports Team Analysis – personal development plan – review – Critical Success Factors – collective team development plan –
Recognising and negotiating potential obstacles to success

18. Thank You! Any Questions?
Agreed Team Objectives - ownership & accountability -Realistic, achievable, specific, time-bound
Sports Team Analysis – personal development plan – review – Critical Success Factors – collective team development plan –
Recognising and negotiating potential obstacles to success