Fitness Testing

20 Yard Shuttle Test

This test is part of a battery for the NFL Combine Testing and for the SPARQ rating for baseball, hockey, and football. It is also called the Pro Agility Shuttle or 5-10-5 Shuttle. The USA Women's Soccer Team use a very similar test the 20 yard agility shuttle. The NFL also conduct the similar but longer 60 yard shuttle test.

purpose: this is a test of speed, explosion, body control and the ability to change direction (agility).
equipment required: stopwatch or timing gates, measuring tape or marked football field, 3 marker cones, a flat non-slip surface.
description / procedure: Three marker cones are placed along a line five yards apart. The player straddles the middle line and puts one hand down in a three-point stance. The player can start by going either to the right or left direction. For example, on the signal 'Go' the player turns and runs five yards to the right side and touches the line with his right hand. He then runs 10 yards to his left and touches the other line with his left hand, then finally turns and finishes by running back through the start/finish line. The player is required to touch the line at each turn. See video.

scoring: The time to complete the test in seconds to the nearest two decimals is recorded. The score is the best time of three trials.

target population: This test is part of the NFL testing combine, though it would be suitable for athletes involved in many team sports such basketball, hockey, rugby, soccer.
comments: Turning technique and coordination is also a large factor in this test. This test is also called the Pro Agility Shuttle or 5-10-5 Shuttle. It is called the 20 yard shuttle as the total distance covered is 20 yards. 20 yards = 18.3 meters.