1500 metre Predictor Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The 1500 metre Predictor Test is used to predict an athlete's 1500 metre time.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 400 metre track
• Stop watch
• An assistant

How to conduct the test

The athlete is required to run 2 sets of

• 400 metres
• 45 seconds Recovery
• 800 metres
• 90 seconds Recovery
• 300 metres
• 3 minutes Recovery

The time for each run is recorded and the accumulated time for each set is recorded. The average time of these two accumulated times is the predicted 1500 metres time for the athlete.

Example

• Set 1
  • 400 metres in 63 seconds
  • 800 metres in 129 seconds
  • 300 metres in 48 seconds

• Accumulated time for set 1 is 240 seconds (4 minutes)

• Set 2
  • 400 metres in 67 seconds
  • 800 metres in 164 seconds
  • 300 metres in 52 seconds

• Accumulated time for set 2 is 283 seconds (4 minutes 43 seconds)

Average time of the two accumulated times is (240 + 283) ÷ 2 = 261.5 seconds

Predicted time for the 1500 metres is 4 minutes 21.5 seconds

When to use

To predict performance and monitor progress this test can be used at the:

• beginning of the winter training to establish a baseline (September/October)
• just prior to indoor racing (December/January)
• just prior to the outdoor season (March/April)

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

Target Group

This test is suitable for middle distance athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon, how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition and the correlation is high.

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests

• Training Books
• Training Products

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

• Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
• Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
• Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
• Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
• The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
• Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
• Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
• Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
• PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2