03/14/2026
Athlete testing has become common across sports performance facilities.
Vertical jumps.
Sprint times.
Agility drills.
Movement screens.
But a simple question should always follow testing:
What is being done with the information?
Testing is often performed using outdated methods or administered by individuals without advanced training in movement analysis. Data is collected, numbers are recorded, and athletes are then placed into generalized training programs.
If the results of testing do not directly influence the athlete’s program, the purpose of the test becomes unclear.
Testing should serve a specific function.
Testing should allow a qualified movement specialist to analyze how an athlete produces force, controls movement, manages load, and compensates within sport-specific demands. From there, the findings should guide the development of a fully individualized training and corrective program.
Each athlete presents with different:
• Movement patterns
• Strength and power profiles
• Biomechanical tendencies
• Sport and position demands
• Injury risk factors
Because of this, development programs should reflect those individual characteristics.
The purpose of testing is straightforward:
• Improve the athlete’s performance
• Reduce injury risk
• Address inefficiencies in movement
• Provide a competitive advantage when competing for playing time or positions
If athletes complete testing and then receive the same program as everyone else, the testing did not meaningfully guide their development.
Athletes are not identical.
Their movement patterns are not identical.
Their training programs should not be identical.
Testing should exist for one reason:
To make the individual athlete better.
PhysicalTherapy PTPLab SportsScience
