Contact Sports SPARQ
Do you have what it takes to be a boxer? The SPARQ is a rating system designed to measure sport-specific athleticism. The results from these tests are combined and weighted using a specific formula.
Note: Despite being a very popular assessment method for some time, the SPARQ business is no longer active and is not available to conduct testing and rate athletes.
This battery of tests was used to assess the boxers on the TV show 'The Contender', and are not routinely conducted.
- Quick-Strike — measures peak punch and striking output, using a 100-pound heavy bag while wearing gloves
- Punch Power — measures the peak punch power during six punches, using a 100-pound heavy bag while wearing gloves .
- Upper-Body Arm Crank — involves cranking an arm ergometer while standing, at maximum speed for two 15-second intervals against variable resistance. Peak and average upper body power is recorded.
- Agility Jump — involves measuring the number of two-footed hops back and forth over a 12-inch hurdle for 45 seconds. This test measures agility, leg power and endurance.
- Light Board — This test involves standing on a Bosu™ ball and facing a light board, which displays a target light that moves to different cells across the board. The athlete tries to press as many active lights as possible out of 90. This test measures reaction time, hand-eye quickness and coordination.
Related Pages
- Fitness testing for boxing
- See some of these SPARQ tests in action
- Punching speed test
- Anthropometry and boxing
- Poll: Fitness components for boxing
- About the SPARQ Rating System
- Boxing was rated the most demanding sport.
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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