Sport-specific Tests Research Articles

Comparing visio-spatial intelligence in amateur rugby and netball players using hand-eye coordination tests

Background: Research investigating the differences in visio-spatial skills (VSS) between athletes and non-athletes, as well as variations across sports, presents conflicting findings.Aim: The objective of this study was to determine if there exist significant differences in visio-spatial intelligence (VSI) skills between rugby players and netball players, and whether such disparities are present when comparing both groups to non-athletes.Setting: All participants, including the control group (non-athletes), rugby players and netball players, were recruited from the Zululand region of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, specifically from all premier league rugby and netball teams in the area.Methods: Participants underwent an optometric assessment, followed by an evaluation of VSS using six established tests: The Hart Near Far Rock, saccadic eye movement, evasion, accumulator, flash memory and ball wall toss tests.Results: The results revealed that rugby players significantly outperformed netball players in speed of recognition, peripheral awareness and hand-eye coordination (P = 0.000). Moreover, both rugby players and netball players performed significantly better than non-athletes in five of the six tests (P = 0.000), with the exception being the visual memory test (P = 0.809).Conclusion: This discrepancy in performance suggests that certain VSS are superior in athletes compared to non-athletes, highlighting potential implications for theories of vision, test selection and the development of sport-specific VSS testing batteries. Furthermore, the use of a hand-eye coordination-specific VSS test battery effectively differentiated between different sports.Contribution: The identified pattern was not consistent across all VSS tests, indicating that further research should explore the training methods employed by both sports, as these factors may contribute to the observed differences.

No Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Following a Single Set of Plyometric or Flywheel Exercises in National Team Rugby Players

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a key objective following regular warm-up routines, especially in sports that rely heavily on sprinting speed and power. Rugby is a team sport characterized by a range of repeated high-intensity efforts, irrespective of positional roles or match demands. In this study, we examined and compared the effects of two different conditioning activities (CAs) on the power- and speed-related abilities of National Team rugby players. Thirteen male rugby union players sequentially performed countermovement jump (CMJ), 30 m sprint, and change-of-direction (COD) tests (pre-testing session) 5 min before executing either one set of six repetitions of 45 cm drop jumps or one set of six repetitions of flywheel eccentric-overload squats. In addition to the sport-specific tests, the muscle mechanical properties of the athletes were also assessed through the use of tensiomyography (TMG). At post-testing sessions conducted 5 and 10 min after the PAPE protocols, no significant changes were observed in any of the assessed variables, either in positions as backs or forwards. However, some meaningful variations were detected at the individual level when using the “true-changes” analysis. Despite some positive individual changes, it can be concluded that these specific protocols did not elicit the expected responses typically observed in other team-sport athletes. Practitioners are encouraged to implement more comprehensive (but not exhaustive) and tailored PAPE interventions prior to training sessions and competitions.

Anaerobic Sport-Specific Tests for Taekwondo: A Narrative Review with Guidelines for the Assessment.

The ATP-PCr system represents the main source of energy during high-intensity attack actions in taekwondo matches. In contrast, the glycolytic system supports the maintenance of these actions when repeated techniques are performed. Given the close relationship between anaerobic energy systems and attack activity in combat, the literature relating to the use of sport-specific test protocols for anaerobic assessment has experienced a remarkable increase. This narrative review aims to illustrate the sport-specific anaerobic tests available in taekwondo by retracing and examining development and validation process for each test. Forty-one articles published between 2014 and 2023 were selected via the MEDLINE and Google Scholar bibliographic databases. These tests are the Taekwondo Anaerobic Test and Adapted Anaerobic Kick Test (i.e., continuous mode testing); the 10 s and multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Tests; the chest and head Taekwondo Anaerobic Intermittent Kick Tests; and the Taekwondo-Specific Aerobic-Anaerobic-Agility test (i.e., intermittent mode testing). Coaches and strength and conditioning professionals can use all the tests described in taekwondo gyms as they feature short and easy-to-implement protocols for monitoring and prescribing specific anaerobic training. The guidelines in this review evaluate each test from several perspectives: basic (e.g., validity, reliability, and sensitivity), methodological (e.g., continuous or intermittent mode testing) and application (e.g., time-motion structure and performance parameters). This comprehensive approach aims to assist stakeholders in selecting the most appropriate test.

Creativity in sports: The crucial role of motor skills

What enables athletes to perform creative actions in their sports? In the last two decades, sports studies have predominantly assumed that divergent thinking (DT) is the key ingredient and have developed sport-specific DT tests to assess players’ creativity. However, a fundamental question remains: Do players who score high on sport-specific DT tests perform more creative actions on the field? The DT approach in sports has recently been challenged by the hypothesis that creative actions are primarily enabled (or limited) by players’ motor skill repertoires. Here, predictions based on the DT and motor skill approach are tested in the domain of soccer. Studies 1a and b tested male under-12 players, and Study 2 tested female under-19 players of a professional soccer club. All three studies indicated no correlation between the creativity of actions performed on the field (rated with the Consensual Assessment Technique) and players’ soccer-specific DT. In contrast, moderate to high correlations between on-field creativity and motor skills were found. These results challenge the DT approach in sports and the validity of sport-specific DT tests, highlighting the crucial role of sensorimotor skills in performing creative actions in sports or other domains in which creative performance is embodied through motor actions.

Relation of general-perceptual cognitive abilities and sport-specific performance of young competitive soccer players.

In soccer, skill is significantly influenced by motor skills and physical constitution. In addition, perceptual-cognitive abilities are thought to affect sport-specific performance. Nevertheless, there are hardly any studies investigating the relationship of general cognitive abilities with sport-specific performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze relationships between general perceptual-cognitive abilities and soccer-specific performance in competitive youth sports. Thirty highly talented male youth soccer players aged 12-14years completed various perceptual-cognitive (selective attention, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, working memory, peripheral perception, and choice response) and sport-specific on-field tests. Cognitive abilities were assessed using a computer-based test system. Soccer-specific performance skills were evaluated by two sport-specific on-field tests. The relation between perceptual-cognitive abilities and soccer-specific performance was examined using a correlation analysis as well as a four-stage regression analysis. Overall, the expression of general perceptual-cognitive abilities was found to have an impact on performance in soccer-specific test situations, particularly cognitive flexibility and selective attention. Our results suggest that general cognitive tests could be an important tool for the evaluation of cognitive abilities in soccer. This study brings together key approaches in expertise research and makes a significant contribution to a better understanding of expertise in soccer.

Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning on Sport-Specific Performance in Highly Trained Taekwondo Athletes.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), which involves episodes of blood flow restriction followed by reperfusion, has uncertain effects on athletes. Additionally, employing sports-specific tests that are highly familiar to athletes can enhance methodological rigor in determining IPC's effects on taekwondo performance. This study aimed to investigate IPC's influence on taekwondo athletes' performance through two studies. To induce occlusion in both studies, the cuff was inflated to an individualized occlusion pressure established for each athlete's lower limb, with four cycles of occlusion lasting five minutes each, alternated with five-minute reperfusion intervals. Both traditional frequentist statistics and Bayesian analysis were employed. In the first study, eleven high-level athletes were subjected to either IPC or a placebo (SHAM) procedure on both legs, followed by performing countermovement jumps (CMJs) and a specific taekwondo endurance test. However, no significant differences were observed in taekwondo endurance performance or CMJ between the IPC and SHAM conditions. The second study involved fourteen elite athletes who underwent the same IPC or SHAM conditions, performing CMJ and three bouts of the Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick test (FSKTmult) in three blocks, each separated by approximately thirty minutes. Again, the results indicated no significant differences in FSKTmult measures or CMJ performance between the two conditions. In conclusion, IPC did not significantly affect neuromuscular (in both studies), endurance (in the first study), or anaerobic (in the second study) performance in these taekwondo athletes.

Unique Specific Jumping Test for Measuring Explosive Power in Young Basketball Players: Differences by Gender, Age, and Playing Positions.

When playing basketball, players are required to have high explosive power, which requires the ability to move in efficient, specific, and game-specific movement patterns that combine both horizontal and vertical abilities. Differences have been seen between young male and female basketball players in this measure. The aim of this study was to examine differences in players' unique movements by gender, age, and playing positions using a novel test for basketball players. This study included 232 young basketball players, male and female, from a range of Israeli leagues, who were divided into three categories: under-14, under-16, and under-18. Our findings showed that males presented better results than females in all age categories. Moreover, females in the under-18 category presented better results than those in the under-14 category, but not more than those in the under-16 category. Differences in playing positions were only examined between males and females in the under-18 category, where players begin to specialize in playing positions, and here, guards showed better results than forwards and centers. Our conclusions highlight the importance of including unique, sport-specific tests in talent identification and selection processes, as these tests can provide valuable information about a player's skill set and potential for success. The findings are presented in an achievement table of the expected physical fitness results by age and gender for the benefit of basketball coaches and strength and conditioning coaches when assessing their players.

Pilates increases resistance performance in young volleyball players

IntroductionThe aim of this work was to determine whether the Pilates method could promote changes in the activation and performance of core muscles in young volleyball players. MethodSixteen athletes (16.00 ± 1.09 years old; 2.68 ± 1.32 years of sports practice) were evaluated using surface electromyography (EMG) and the sport-specific endurance plank test (SEPT), applied before and after an eight-week Mat Pilates protocol. ResultsThere was a significant increase in SEPT performance after the protocol (p < 0.001). There were also significant reductions of external oblique (EO) and erector spinae (ES) EMG activities after the protocol. There was a significant and moderate correlation between SEPT performance and EO activation (p < 0.01; r = - 0.59), while a weak correlation was observed with ES activation (p < 0.05; r = - 0.39). DiscussionThe Pilates method can improving performance and inducing changes in muscle activation and core muscle resistance this is because one of the pillars of the Pilates method is the stimulation of isometric contractions in all the core/spine stabilizer muscles. ConclusionThe Mat Pilates protocol altered the activation of core muscles and increased resistance performance in young volleyball players.

Testing in Intermittent Sports-Importance for Training and Performance Optimization in Adult Athletes.

Performance in intermittent sports relies on the interplay between multiple physiological systems determining the capacity to perform short explosive efforts as well as repeated intense actions with limited recovery over the course of an entire game. Testing should reflect these demands to allow for sport- and position-specific capacity analyses that eventually may translate into optimized training and improved performance. This may include individual load management and optimized training prescription, intensity targeting for specific positions or individual athletes, as well as benchmarking for monitoring of training progression and enhanced engagement of athletes. This review provides an overview of available tests in different exercise domains identified as relevant (from assessment of single explosive actions to intermittent endurance capacity), forming the basis for recommendations on how to compose a comprehensive yet feasible test battery that may be integrated into the seasonal competition and training plan. The test procedures should cover the performance spectrum of relevance for the individual athlete-also in team sports to account for positional differences. We emphasize the benefits of sport-specific tests, highlight parameters of importance for test standardization, and discuss how the applied test battery may be supplemented with secondary tests directed toward specific energy systems to allow for more in-depth analyses when required (e.g., in terms of an underperforming athlete). The synergy between testing and tracking of match performance (utilizing time-motion or global positioning systems) is highlighted, and although tracking cannot substitute for testing, combining the tools may provide a comprehensive overview of the physiological demands and performance during competition contextualized to the athletes' maximal exercise capacity.

Biopsychosocial Analysis of Imagery in Elite Athletes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between elite athletes' imagery abilities and their body awareness, plank stance duration, psychological and social skills.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The study included 53 healthy elite athletes (female:32, male:21). The imagery abilities of the athletes were evaluated using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3. A Body Awareness Questionnaire was used for body awareness assessment. Plank stance duration, psychological and social skill levels were evaluated using Sport Specific Core Muscle Strength and Stability Plank Test, Athletic Psychological Skills Inventory and Social Skills Inventory, respectively.&#x0D; Results: External and kinesthetic imagery was found to correlate with body awareness (r=0.33, p=0.02; r=0.39, p

THE EXAMINATION OF BALL SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYERS

In modern football, in addition to advanced physical and mental abilities, players must have excellent technical skills. Coaches must emphasize the development of ball skills during youth training that will enable athletes to execute technical elements accurately and precisely, even at a fast game pace. The present research investigated the significance and effects of ball skill development among youth football players. The study focuses on the role and importance of technical elements in football, implementing the Coerver training method. &#x0D; Material and methods: The U11, U13, and U14 youth teams of Loki Focisuli Debrecen KSE participated in the study. We examined the effect of a 14-week training program on ball skills. We implemented sport-specific tests to assess these technical skills. Fourteen weeks later, we conducted the second measurement under the same conditions. &#x0D; Results and conclusion: The study confirmed that youth football players may improve ball skills with the help of a 14-week training program based on Coerver's training method. The most significant improvement was measured in the U11 age group.

Asymmetries in Postural Stability and Balance Parameters during Specific Elements in Sub-Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the level of lower-limb functional asymmetries in sub-elite rhythmic gymnasts while performing sport-specific elements, including passe and side passe balance stance. Methods: The analysis focuses on postural stability and balance parameters, measured using Gyko, a 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer device. The task was to execute a passe balance and maintain the position for 30 seconds, which was the duration of the test, and then perform the same task with the other leg. The test was repeated for both legs in a side passe balance stance. Sixteen active female sub-elite rhythmic gymnasts participated in the study. Results: The results reveal significant differences in the mean travel velocity in all anatomical planes during the passe elements, indicating asymmetry in postural stability in favor of the non-dominant leg (P≤ .01). Similarly, in the side passe balance test, significant differences were observed in the mediolateral (in favor of the dominant leg) and anteroposterior (in favor of the non-dominant leg) total distances, indicating asymmetry in postural stability (P= .03). However, no significant differences were found in other postural stability parameters, the ellipse (EA) and the total length of the trajectory (Len(D)). Conclusions: Evident asymmetries in movement speed during the passe element and imbalances in weight distribution during the side passe balance test do not appear to compromise overall postural stability considering that asymmetry was not proven in several variables, such as the ellipse or the total length of the trajectory. These findings shed light on the potential impact of asymmetries on performance and injury risk in rhythmic gymnastics, emphasizing the importance of considering sport-specific balance tests.

Youth Female Field Hockey Players Physical Condition

Introduction: lower limb injuries and low back pain are common injuries in field hockey that have different risk factors. The aim of this study was to characterize youth field hockey players’ physical condition to determine their possible injury risk factors. Methods: youth field hockey players of the Club Deportivo Universidad Católica of Chile were assessed during April and May of the 2022 season. The test used were: Ely’s, Thomas, Ober and AKE for flexibility, Biering Sorensen, Plank Test, Sport Specific Endurance Plank Test, Single Leg Bridge Test, Lunge Test, Hop Test (single, triple and croo-over) and Y Balance Test. Statistical analyses were performed using R Statistical Software (2023.09.0+463; R Core Team 2023). Results: 87 youth field hockey players from the under 14, 16 and 19 were assess (age 15.1 ± 1.5). Poor core and back extensor endurance was found, along with poor hamstring strength and unipodal balance. Significant difference was found between categories in the plank test and sport specific endurance plank test (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: several impairments were found in chilean youth field hockey players that could pose a risk of injury, however, further research is needed in order to determine if these impairments really are risk factors in this sport and population.

Reliability of the Maximal Lactate Accumulation Rate in Rowers.

The maximal lactate accumulation rate (VLamax) has been linked to lactic anaerobic performance. Hence, accurate and reliable assessment is crucial in sport-specific performance testing. Thus, between-day reliability data of rowing-specific VLamax assessment was examined. Seventeen trained rowers (eight females and nine males; 19.5±5.2 yrs; 1.76±0.08 m; 70.2±8.9 kg; V̇O2max: 54±13 ml/min/kg) performed 20-s sprint tests on two separate days (one week apart) on a rowing ergometer. VLamax, peak lactate concentration, time to peak lactate, and mean rowing power were measured. Good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), low standard error of measurement (SEM), and acceptable levels of agreement (LoAs; 90% confidence interval) for VLamax (ICC=0.85; SEM=0.02 mmol/L/s; LoA±0.09 mmol/L/s), peak lactate (ICC=0.88; SEM=0.3 mmol/L; LoA±1.4 mmol/l), time to peak lactate (ICC=0.92; SEM=0.1 min; LoA±0.5 min), and mean rowing power (ICC=0.98; SEM=3 W; LoA±39 W) were observed. In addition, VLamax was highly correlated (r=0.96; p≤0.001) to rowing power. Thus, VLamax and sprint performance parameters can be measured highly reliably using this sport-specific sprint test in rowing.

Evaluating Functional Performance Tests in those with Non-arthritic Intra-articular Hip Pain: An International Consensus Statement.

Non-arthritic intra-articular hip pain, caused by various pathologies, leads to impairments in range of motion, strength, balance, and neuromuscular control. Although functional performance tests offer valuable insights in evaluating these patients, no clear consensus exists regarding the optimal tests for this patient population. This study aimed to establish expert consensus on the application and selection of functional performance tests in individuals presenting with non-arthritic intra-articular hip pain. A modified Delphi technique was used with fourteen physical therapy experts, all members of the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA). The panelists participated in three rounds of questions and related discussions to reach full consensus on the application and selection of functional performance tests. The panel agreed that functional performance tests should be utilized at initial evaluation, re-evaluations, and discharge, as well as criterion for assessing readiness for returning to sports. Tests should be as part of a multimodal assessment of neuromuscular control, strength, range of motion, and balance, applied in a graded fashion depending on the patient's characteristics. Clinicians should select functional performance tests with objective scoring criteria and prioritize the use of tests with supporting psychometric evidence. A list of recommended functional performance tests with varying intensity levels is provided. Low-intensity functional performance tests encompass controlled speed in a single plane with no impact. Medium-intensity functional performance tests involve controlled speed in multiple planes with low impact. High-intensity functional performance tests include higher speeds in multiple planes with higher impact and agility requirements. Sport-specific movement tests should mimic the patient's particular activity or sport. This international consensus statement provides recommendations for clinicians regarding selection and utilization of functional performance tests for those with non-arthritic intra-articular hip pain. These recommendations will encourage greater consistency and standardization among clinicians during a physical therapy assessment.

Sport-Specific Tests for Endurance in Taekwondo: A Narrative Review With Guidelines for the Assessment

ABSTRACT To sustain the specific intermittent activity of an official taekwondo match, high demands are placed on both aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms. Studies determining the contributions of the energy systems during the simulated match found a 62–74% participation of the oxidative system. In parallel with the widespread use of general tests for assessing endurance in taekwondo athletes, research has focused on developing sport-specific tests. This narrative review aims to present the sport-specific tests available in the current literature for assessing endurance in taekwondo. It summarizes and analyzes the development and validation process of each test. Additionally, we provide practical applications, recommendations, and future perspectives as guidelines for assessment, with the ultimate objective of encouraging scientists, coaches, and physical trainers to use sport-specific methodologies. All the tests described in this review represent alternative methodologies to classical general tests. They are easily accessible, noninvasive, simple to conduct, and specifically designed for assessing endurance in taekwondo athletes. However, it is important to consider that each test has specific methodological and application characteristics and a different development and validation path. These factors must be taken into consideration when deciding which test to use.

Stroboscopic Eyewear Applied During Warm-Up Does Not Provide Additional Benefits to the Sport-Specific Reaction Speed in Highly Trained Table Tennis Athletes.

While long-term training with stroboscopic eyewear suggests performance-enhancing effects on visuomotor abilities, it remains unclear whether a short-term application, for example, during a warm-up, results in immediate performance gains. This study evaluated potential performance-enhancing effects of stroboscopic eyewear applied during warm-up on reaction speed that may provide athletes an edge in visuomotor-demanding sports. Twenty-eight international-level table tennis athletes participated in this study. Participants performed their individual 10-minute table-tennis-specific warm-up under normal visual conditions and with stroboscopic eyewear. Prior to and after the warm-up, visuomotor reaction time was assessed in a sport-specific reaction test where athletes had to return 30 table tennis balls played by a ball machine at high speed to their backhand side. Reaction time was determined as the interval between ball output and movement onset as triggered by a mechanical switch. Furthermore, the time between ball-table contact and ball-racket contact (hit time) was analyzed as an indicator of how early the athletes intercepted the ball. Reaction time significantly improved following the warm-up (P < .001, ηp2=.393). However, there was no additional benefit of the stroboscopic eyewear (P = .338, ηp2=.034). No changes after the warm-up were observed for hit time (P = .246, ηp2=.055). The results indicate that warm-up facilitated visuomotor reaction speed; however, stroboscopic eyewear did not provide additional positive effects when compared to a warm-up under normal visual conditions. While shutter glasses may be useful for training over longer periods, short-term positive effects were not supported in this study.

What happens in the prefrontal cortex? Cognitive processing of novel and familiar stimuli in soccer: An exploratory fNIRS study

ABSTRACT The importance of both general and sport-specific perceptual-cognitive abilities in soccer players has been investigated in several studies. Although these perceptual-cognitive skills could contribute significantly to soccer players’ expertise, the underlying cortical mechanisms have not been clarified yet. Examining activity changes in the prefrontal cortex under different cognitive demands may help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of sports expertise. The aim of this study was to analyse the prefrontal activity of soccer experts during general and sport-specific cognitive tasks. For this purpose, 39 semi-professional soccer players performed four perceptual-cognitive tests, two of which assessed general cognition, the other two assessed sport-specific cognition. Since soccer is a movement-intensive sport, two tests were performed in motion. While performing cognitive tests, prefrontal activity was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) (NIRSport, NIRx Medical Technologies, USA). Differences of prefrontal activity in general and sport-specific cognitive tasks were analysed using paired t-tests. The results showed significant increases in prefrontal activity during general cognitive tests (novel stimuli) compared to sport-specific tests (familiar stimuli). The comparatively lower prefrontal activity change during sport-specific cognition might be due to learned automatisms of experts in this field. These results seem in line with previous findings on novel and automated cognition, “repetition suppression theory” and “neural efficiency theory”. Furthermore, the different cortical processes could be caused by altered prefrontal structures of experts and might represent a decisive factor for expertise in team sports. However, further research is needed to clarify the prefrontal involvement on expertise in general and sport-specific cognition.

Predictors of Speed and Agility in Youth Male Basketball Players

Player performance in an intense sport such as basketball is known to be related to attributes such as speed, agility, and power. This study presents a comparative analysis of associations between anthropometric assessment and physical performance in different age groups of elite youth basketball players, while simultaneously identifying the predictors for speed and agility in these players. U14 (n = 44), U15 (n = 45), and U16 (n = 51) players were tested for anthropometry, lower-body power, speed, and agility. U16 players were found to be taller, heavier, more muscular than U14 and U15 players. In addition, the U16 group showed better performance in all performance tests. Age had a significant positive correlation with countermovement (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) performance in U14 players, and a significant negative correlation with 15m and 20m sprint times in the U15 group. CMJ and DJ emerged as the most significant predictors for sprint and agility variables, respectively. Body fat percentage was found to be a significant predictor for the speed and agility tests in all age groups, but a negative lower-body power predictor. Therefore, besides all sport-specific and fitness tests, it is essential to place emphasis on the percentage of body fat when designing players’ individualized training programs, and during team selection.

New Specific Kinesthetic Differentiation Tests for Female Volleyball Players: Reliability, Discriminative Ability, and Usefulness.

This study aimed to determine the test-retest reliability and discriminative ability of five sport-specific kinesthetic differentiation ability tests in female volleyball players. The sample of participants consisted of 98 female volleyball players aged 15.20 ± 1 years from six clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kinesthetic differentiation ability was determined by the overhead passing test, forearm passing test, float service with a net test, float service without a net test, and float service 6 m from the net test. To estimate test-retest reliability, a sub-sample of 13 players performed all tests on two testing occasions. Furthermore, the discriminative ability of the tests was determined by analyzing the performance between players of different playing positions and situational performances. Parameters of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were excellent (0.87-0.78) in all tests except for the float service with the net test, whose reliability was good (0.66). For the absolute reliability estimates, the SEM was higher than SWC (0.2) for all variables except the float service 6 m from the net test, and the SEM was lower than SWC (0.6, 1.2). One-way ANOVA detected no statistically significant inter-positional differences in all five tests (p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between less and more successful players (p < 0.01) for all applied tests. The results of this study show that a specific battery test is a reliable and valid measure and can be used to monitor kinesthetic differentiation ability in young female volleyball players.