Observation process
Tests should preferably be conducted at the beginning and end of a new training phase. This provides the athlete with an indication of their fitness status and makes it easy to see the results when comparing later tests. By comparing future tests with this, it is easy to notice changes and improvements and get an idea of how effective the training program is. The time between tests depends on several factors, with the athlete's training phase normally being the most important. The time between tests can vary from two weeks to six months, and when planning, it should be borne in mind that it normally takes between two and six weeks to see a significant difference in training progress.
Stimulus
The desire and ability to develop can be greatly influenced by the desire to achieve a specific test result. Just knowing that they will be tested again at a later date makes athletes focus extra hard on improving.
Talent identification
Tests are primarily used to design the most suitable training program. A general test without any specific focus can give you an idea of your basic physical condition, strengths, and weaknesses. Based on these results, you can find out whether you are better suited to certain sports than others. Tests are sometimes used to predict future sporting talent. These are often based on growth curves, and attempts to identify talent in this way are very rarely successful. In addition to physical fitness, sporting success is mainly based on technique, tactics, and psychological factors.