Quadrathlon

Introduction

The Quadrathlon was devised in 1982 to test for explosive power improvement of the Great Britain National Throws Squad. The Quadrathlon is easy to carry out and is an excellent way to test an athlete's fitness and progress during the winter months. The Quadrathlon comprises of 4 events:

• Standing long jump
• Three jumps
• 30 metre sprint
• Overhead shot throw

Practical Uses

The Quadrathlon can be used to gauge whether an athlete is becoming more powerful. The benefits are threefold:

• If the athlete's scores increase, then their power has increased
• Weakness can be identified if the athlete underscores and these areas can be worked on
• Motivational help during the long winter months

How it works

Standing Long Jump

• Place feet over the edge of the sandpit. The athlete crouches, leans forward, swings their arms backwards, the jumps horizontally as far as possible, jumping with both feet into the sandpit. Measure from the edge of the sandpit to the nearest point of contact. The start of the jump must be from a static position.

Three Jumps

• Start with the feet comfortably apart with the toes just behind the take off mark. The athlete takes three continuous two footed bounds. Measure the distance covered. The start must be from a static position and the feet must be parallel on each jump phase. Spikes allowed.

30 Metre Sprint

• On the command the athlete moves to the set position. On the start signal the athlete sprints from a stationary set position as fast as possible to the finish line. The time keeper stands at the finish line and times the run from the moment that the runner contacts the ground on the first stride to the moment when the runner's torso crosses the line. Spikes allowed.

Overhead Shot Throw

• The athlete stands on the shot stopboard, facing away from the landing area, with their feet a comfortable distance apart. The shot is held cupped in both hands. The athlete crouches, lowering the shot between the legs, then drives upwards to cast the shot back over the head. There is no penalty for following through, but the athlete must land feet first and remain upright. Measurement is taken from the inside of the stopboard to the nearest point of contact. Shot weight as per the BAF age group. Please watch the safety aspect.

The following tests results indicate an athlete may mature into an elite level athlete.

Boys

Girls