Modified Illinois Agility Test
The original Illinois Agility Test is a popular test of agility. The original version may be heavily influenced by the ability to sprint quickly over short distances instead of measuring the ability to change directions. Also, it can take longer than 15 seconds and fatigue can play at part. This modified version, proposed by Vescovi & McGuigan (2008), has the same layout but takes less time as it has less straight sprinting (2 x 10m instead of 4 x 10m), while the same movement elements remain. The original version is still most commonly used and this modified version is just presented as a possible alternative. There is another modified version, conducted over a shorter distance.
purpose: to test running agility using various turns and movements over a shorter time period than the standard Illinois Agility Test.
equipment required: flat non-slip surface, 8 marking cones, stopwatch, measuring tape, timing gates (optional)
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 and mark out the test area using cones. Check timing gate equipment and calibrate if required. See more details of pre-test procedures.
course layout: The length of the course is 10 meters and the width is 5 meters. Four cones are used to mark the start, finish and the two turning points. Another four cones are placed down the center an equal distance apart. Each cone in the center is spaced 3.3 meters apart.
procedure: Participants should lie on their front (head to the start line) and hands by their shoulders. On the 'Go' command the stopwatch is started, and the athlete gets up as quickly as possible and runs forwards 10 meters to run around a cone, then runs through a slalom course of four cones, and back again. Finally, the athlete runs the 10 meters back past the finishing cone, at which the timing is stopped. Several trials should be completed, with the best score recorded.
advantages: This is a simple test to administer, requiring minimal equipment. Also, the player's ability to turn in different directions and at different angles are tested. The test is considered an improvement on the standard Illinois Agility Test as it can be completed in a quicker time (so fatigue plays a lesser part) and there is less emphasis on straight sprinting speed.
disadvantages: The choice of footwear and the running surface can effect times greatly. Results can be subject to timing inconsistencies, which may be overcome by using timing gates. There are no norm values available for the modified version.
reference: Vescovi, J. D., & McGuigan, M. R. (2008). Relationships between sprinting, agility, and jump ability in female athletes. Journal of Sports Sciences, 26(1), 97-107.
Similar Tests
- Illinois Agility test — a change of direction test involving 180-degree turns and slalom running
- Illinois Agility Test (Short) — a modification of the standard Illinois test which reduces the distance covered.
- T-Test — running a T-shape course involving forward, lateral, and backwards running.
- Zig-Zag Test
- Figure-of-Eight Agility Run Test
Related Pages
- See rating norm scores for the Illinois Test (for the original test)
- Other Agility Tests
- See Illinois test video examples
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