Agility Testing: Modified Edgren Side Step Test

The Modified Edgren Side-Step Test is a physical performance test that measures an individual's agility, specifically their ability to move laterally and change direction quickly. It is commonly used in sports such as basketball, soccer, and football, where quick changes in direction are necessary for effective performance.

Procedure:

1. Set up the cones: Place 6 cones in a straight line, about 3 feet apart from each other. Then, place 3 cones on each side of the middle cone, about 5 feet away, forming a zigzag pattern.
2. Warm-up: Prior to performing the test, warm-up for about 10 minutes to reduce the risk of injury. This can include light jogging, stretching, and other dynamic movements.
3. Start the test: Start at the first cone on the left side, facing the right side of the course.
4. Side-step: Side-step to the second cone on the right side of the course, then side-step back to the first cone on the left side.
5. Cross-over: Cross over with your right foot and side-step to the third cone on the right side of the course, then cross over with your left foot and side-step back to the second cone on the right side.
6. Repeat: Repeat the side-step and cross-over movements, zigzagging through the cones until you reach the last cone on the right side of the course.
7. Finish: Once you reach the final cone, run through the finish line and stop the timer.
8. Record your time: Record your time to the nearest tenth of a second.
9. Rest and repeat: Take a short break, then repeat the test two more times, recording your time for each attempt.
10. Cool down: After completing the test, cool down with a few minutes of light exercise and stretching to reduce the risk of injury.

References:

1. Edgren, R. E. (1986). An integrated approach to sports conditioning. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
2. Wilkerson, G. B., Colston, M. A., Short, N. I., & Neal, K. L. (2012). Comparison of modified edgren side-step test and pro-agility test results in collegiate football players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(7), 1824-1827.
3. Brown, T. D., Weir, P. L., & Royer, T. D. (2015). The effects of two agility training protocols on strength, power, and agility performance in female softball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(5), 1301-1308.
4. McGuigan, M. R., Wright, G. A., & Fleck, S. J. (2012). Strength training for athletes: Does it really help sports performance? International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 7(1), 2-5.