SPARQ Testing for Hockey
Do you have what it takes to be a hockey player? The SPARQ is a rating system designed to measure hockey-specific athleticism. The results from these tests are combined and weighted using a formula specific to hockey. A similar program is the Next Testing, which also uses on-ice tests.
Note: Despite being a very popular assessment method for some time, the SPARQ business is no longer active and is not available to conduct testing and rate players.
ice hockey The SPARQ tests for hockey were recently redesigned. Below are the current tests used for testing boys and girls, and also listed is the previous protocol that was once part of the hockey SPARQ testing.
Hockey SPARQ protocol
- 2-Hop Jump — leg power test involving two consecutive double leg jumps for maximum distance.
- 20-meter sprint — maximal running speed over 20m.
- Rotational Power Ball Throw — The test involves throwing a Power Ball across the chest for maximum distance. It measures core strength and total body power and simulates the rotational core movement common to baseball.
- Shuttle Cross Pick-Up — a hockey specific hand-eye coordination and agility test.
- Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test — measures endurance capacity and ability to recover from intense bursts of activity.
Previous Hockey Testing Protocol
The previous hockey SPARQ rating also included the Rotational Power Ball Throw and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery tests, plus the following tests.
- Vertical Jump — jumping for maximum height, this test measures explosiveness, and is a reliable indicator of speed. The preferred method is using a digital jump mat though other methods can be used if required.
- Kneeling Power Ball Throw — performed like a chest pass while kneeling, this test measures upper body power. Also called the Chest Launch.
- Hand Grip Strength — measures forearm muscle development
- 20 Yard Shuttle — A lateral movement test that measures the agility of the athlete, especially body control and change of direction.
Related Pages
- Fitness testing for hockey
- Warm Up for Hockey
- Poll about the important fitness components for ice hockey
- About the SPARQ Rating System
- NHL Draft Combine fitness tests and Next Testing
- Fitness testing for sports
- About Testing for Intermittent Sports
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