On the left side above this text you can watch World #3 Andy Murray participating in his off-season training and testing. On the right you can watch a sample of a professional football combine that also uses similar testing methods to measure athletic performance. Testing is crucial for players of all ages and abilities because it helps identify physical areas that need improvement. Andy Murray is widely considered as one of the most physically improved athletes in the last 2 years and this is largely in part due to his coaching team and meticulous testing and training.

Testing can also be used as a motivational tool as the scores obtained from test to test can be used in goal setting. The coach or strength and conditioning professional should perform tests to determine specific areas to target in training:

1. Non-fatiguing tests (e.g. height, weight, skin-folds)

2. Agility tests

3. Power tests

4. Sprint tests

5. Local muscular endurance tests

6. Fatiguing anaerobic tests

7. Aerobic capacity tests

(It is vital that the tests are measured in the same way with the same conditions to avoid results that are misrepresentative).

Many athletes and trainers are reluctant to perform testing because it is a measurable and objective way to see if the training you are participating in is effective. However, most prefer a subjective approach which removes accountability. By participating in relevant tests you can develop an athletic profile which is specific to you and your sport. It is important that the tests you administer have appropriate parameters so that they can be considered valid, for example testing a 40 yard sprint would not be considered valid for a professional wrestler.

Many people do not understand the purposes and concepts of testing but if you look around you there are many everyday scenarios such as; in your workplace, when driving your car or asking for a promotion or a new job. Consider a phone conversation with a personal friend who is planning to visit your house to celebrate you winning the Wimbledon Championships and needs driving directions. The first question you would ask is where are you coming from? This is the same as being a professional athlete, without knowing where you are now or where you are going it is impossible to get anywhere!

Remember, it is important not to be deterred if your results do not always improve but it is much better to test regularly (approximately once per month) so that you can make necessary changes in your training if you are not receiving the desired results.