Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Strength > Max Bench Press
Maximum Bench Press Test
A set weight maximum bench press test, such as described here, is part of the NBA pre-draft camp fitness test, NHL combine testing and the NFL combine testing
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purpose: to measure maximum strength endurance of the chest muscle groups.
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equipment required: Bench with safety, standard Olympic bar, and various free weights up to 225 lbs.
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weight: In the pre-season draft testing combines, the NBA uses 185 lbs, NHL 150 lbs, and the NFL 225 lbs. In the SPARQ rating system for football, the weight used is 185 lbs.
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description / procedure: An appropriate warm up procedure should be followed. For the NBA combine protocol, the warm up involves 10 push-ups, then after 60 seconds rest, 5 reps at 135 pounds, then after another 90 seconds attempt 185lbs as many times as possible. The bar is set to the appropriate weight, depending on the group to be tested. The athlete begins by lying in a supine position on the bench, with their feet flat on the floor and the upper and lower back in contact with the bench at all times. The bar is grasped at approximately 6 inches wider than shoulder width apart, so that the elbows are at right angles at the lowest point. A complete successful lift is counted from the starting position of the arms fully extended with the weight directly above the chest, to the weight just touching the chest, then returned to the starting position. The movement of the bar should be at a controlled speed and with a smooth motion, and the weight should remain in line with your nipples. In the SPARQ rating system, for safety reasons, no bouncing off the chest is allowed. The testing ends as soon as the athlete is unable to complete a repetition. See Bench Press Video.
- scoring: the maximum number of full repetitions successfully completed is recorded.
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advantages: the required equipment is readily available in most gymnasiums, and the test is simple to perform.
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disadvantages: This test should only be performed by those experienced at performing the bench press lift with good technique. Good technique will also enable the lifter to maximize their score. If the weight is too light or too heavy, the results may not be a good indication of the subject's upper body strength, as the number of repetitions changes the involvement of the muscle energy systems.
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comments: For safety, a spotter should stand at the head of the bench throughout the test. The test results of this test may be specific to the equipment used (height of bench, variations in weights), so is best to use the same equipment for test-retest measures. If any variation in technique was allowed, this should be recorded on the results sheet for referral when the test is repeated.
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variations / modifications: the weight for this test can be varied depending on the fitness level and experience of the subjects to be tested.
Related Pages
- see the similar Bench Press 1RM fitness tests
- see video examples of bench press testing in action
- bench press technique
- NBA pre-draft camp fitness tests, NHL combine testing and the NFL combine testing
- this test was once part of the Football (Gridiron) SPARQ Rating
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