Performance Testing

Term from Sports Coaching industry explained for recruiters

Performance Testing is a systematic way to measure and evaluate athletes' physical abilities and skills. Coaches use it to track how well athletes are progressing in areas like speed, strength, endurance, and agility. It's similar to giving a report card, but for athletic abilities. This helps coaches make better training plans and helps athletes understand where they need to improve. Common examples include timing sprints, measuring jump heights, or counting repetitions in strength exercises. This information guides decisions about training programs and team selections.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted Performance Testing sessions for 100+ high school athletes annually

Developed specialized Performance Testing protocols for basketball and volleyball teams

Implemented new Performance Tests that improved athlete development tracking

Typical job title: "Performance Testing Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Strength and Conditioning Coach Athletic Performance Specialist Sports Performance Coach Fitness Assessment Specialist Athletic Trainer Performance Director Sports Science Coach

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you design a comprehensive performance testing program for a team?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating age-appropriate assessments, safety protocols, data collection methods, and how to use results to create training programs. Should mention experience managing multiple coaches and coordinating large-group testing.

Q: How do you handle athlete data privacy and confidentiality?

Expected Answer: Should explain protocols for protecting athlete information, proper documentation methods, and communication strategies with coaches, parents, and athletes about test results.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when selecting tests for different sports?

Expected Answer: Should explain how different sports require different types of testing, considering factors like age, skill level, and specific athletic demands of each sport.

Q: How do you modify testing protocols for injured athletes?

Expected Answer: Should discuss safety considerations, alternative testing methods, and coordination with medical staff or physical therapists.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a performance test?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain fundamental tests like speed, agility, strength, and endurance measurements, and basic safety procedures.

Q: How do you record and track athlete progress?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic data collection methods, simple progress tracking tools, and how to maintain accurate records of athlete performance.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic fitness testing procedures
  • Data collection and recording
  • Safety protocols
  • Basic exercise technique knowledge

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Sport-specific testing design
  • Results interpretation
  • Program modification based on results
  • Group testing coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • Program development and oversight
  • Staff training and management
  • Advanced data analysis
  • Long-term athlete development planning

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No certification in strength and conditioning or related field
  • Lack of hands-on experience with athlete testing
  • Poor understanding of safety protocols
  • No experience with data collection or record keeping
  • Unable to demonstrate knowledge of different testing methods for various age groups