The purpose of the 40-yard dash is to determine acceleration and speed. This test is simple to administer and does not require much time or equipment. The 40-yard dash, or variations on the test that use other distances, are performed extensively in football and other sports that require quick bouts of speed. Weather conditions and running surface can greatly affect the speed of the client.
On follow-up assessments, it is important to test on the same running surface and in the same conditions as in the initial test. Equipment: • Running track, marked field, or measuring tape and unobstructed surface (of at least 60 yards)
• Stopwatch • Cones • Timing gates (optional) Pre-test procedure: • After explaining the purpose of the 40-yard dash, describe the test to the client. The client should warm up prior to the actual test and even perform some practice starts to work on acceleration techniques.
• The goal of the test is to run as quickly as possible. The client begins in a four- point (track start) or three-point stance if that is more comfortable, and runs past the 40-yard (37-m) mark (see Figure 8-24).
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Four-point stance (track start) Figure 8-24
Sample starting positions for the 40-yard dash
Test protocol and administration: • The client starts in a four-point (track start) or three-point stance with the front foot positioned on or behind the starting line. He or she should place the hands and feet on the line, but not beyond it. The client can lean across the line, but is not permitted to rock. This position must be held for at least three seconds prior to starting.
• Start the stopwatch at the first movement and stop it when the client’s chest crosses the finish line.
• The time is measured to one-hundredth of a second. • Have the client perform two trials with appropriate recovery (at least 2 minutes) between the trials and record the average of the two trials on the testing form.
• Refer to Table 8-34 for descriptive data that can be used to show clients where their performance might rank among various groups of athletes.
