Hexagonal Obstacle Agility Test (Hex Jump)
The Hexagonal Obstacle Test, also called the Hex Jump, is a test of agility developed specifically for alpine skiers. The test involves quickly jumping over obstacles arranged in a hexagon shape. It is similar to the hexagon test, except that in this test the participants jump over an obstacle when they move in and out of the hexagon, rather than just over a line.
aim: This is a test of the ability to move quickly while maintaining balance.
equipment required: obstacles ranging in height from 20cm to 35cm, stopwatch, recording sheets.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. Measure out the jump area and place the obstacles as per the procedure. Perform a standard warm-up, including practice going over the hurdles. See more details of pre-test procedures.
test layout: Place the six obstacles in a hexagon. The length
of each side of the hexagon should be 66 cm (26 inches).
procedure: The participant starts with both feet together in the middle of the hexagon, side-on to the 20 cm hurdle. On the command 'go', they jump off two feet laterally over the obstacle, then back over the same obstacle, returning to the middle of the hexagon. Then turn a little and jump laterally over the adjacent obstacle and back into the hexagon, continuing around the hexagon, completing two complete circuits. Two trials are performed in the clockwise direction, and two trials in the anti-clockwise direction.
scoring: The participant's score is the time taken to complete two full revolutions. The stopwatch starts on the command go, and finishes after completing two circuits and when landing back in the middle after jumping the 32 or 35cm hurdle (depending on the direction of travel). If you hit one of the obstacles the trail needs to be repeated. The score is the combined best time for each direction.
norms:
These are target scores for junior elite alpine skiers.
| AGE | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 14-16 | 23.0 - 20.1 | 23.0 - 20.5 |
| 17-18 | 22.0 - 19.7 | 22.0 - 19.7 |
| 19-20 | 21.0 - 19.0 | 21.0 - 19.3 |
source: Alpine Canada Fitness Testing Protocols, published Fall 2016
disadvantages: Only one person can perform the test at a time, and specific hurdles of a range of heights are required.
variations: The test can be conducted using cones (which are all the same height). There is also a Hexagon Test, a version with no obstacles.
target population: this test was created to assess alpine skiiers.
reference:
- Ironman Testbatteriene, "Attacking Vikings," Norges Skiforbund Olympiatoppen, Versjon 4.2, 15. aug 2013 (Ironman Test‐batteries; "Attacking Vikings," version 4.2, August 15, 2013, att. 7)
Similar Tests
- Hexagon agility test — involves jumping in and out of a hexagon shape as fast as possible.
- Quadrant Jump Test — involves two-legged jumping around a cross shape on the floor, as fast as possible.
- Multistage Hurdle Jump Test — count the number of jumps over a hurdle in two 20-second periods.
- 30 Second Endurance Jump — jump across a hurdle as many times as possible in 30 seconds.
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