Testing procedures

All teams were tested at the beginning of the 2017/2018 netball season at the Exercise and Sport Science Centre of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Tests took place in the mid-afternoon over a two-day period. A logical sequence of tests was compiled to determine the correct order the tests should follow and that the necessary duration of rest periods between tests was ensured for test reliability.^[11] The following measurements and tests were performed on the first day from non-fatiguing tests:

Anthropometric measurements according to the International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (ISAA);^[12]

The Star Execution Balance Test (SEBT) which determined the balance and postural control in a dynamic test that is functional in netball.^[1]

During this test, the participant stands with their hands on their iliac crest centred in a “star sign”. The participant is then instructed to reach out with one foot while balancing on the opposite leg. Each participant is asked to reach out in eight different directions at 45° increments from the centre of the “star sign”. The participant has to reach to the furthest possible point with the distal part of their foot while maintaining their balance, and to return to the start position after each reach position. The distance reached is recorded on the measuring tape that is attached to the star sign. The test is performed on both legs.^[13]

The standing broad jump test of explosive horizontal leg power and double- and single-leg vertical squat jump tests of vertical explosive power which determines the participant’s explosive horizontal leg power. The participant was required to stand behind a marked line with feet shoulder width apart on the ground. The participant had to stand without swaying or rocking their feet but with knees bent, and only swinging their arms. They then had to perform a two-foot forward drive take-off, landing with both feet on the ground simultaneously. The maximum distance achieved via the best of three trials was recorded.^[8]

Before the double- and single-leg vertical squat jump test, the participant was instructed to stand next to the Vertec vertical jump tester and reaching up, touch the highest vane possible with one hand while maintaining both feet firmly on the ground. This height was recorded as the participant’s standing reach height. Participants performed the best of three trials with sufficient rest between them. The maximal vertical jump was determined as the difference between the maximum height jumped and standing reach height.^[8] The reliability and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) is excellent for the double-leg vertical jump (0.94) and coefficient of variation (CV) 3.3 cm. The single-leg vertical jump has also an excellent reliability of ICC of 0.96 and 0.91 for the right and left legs respectively, with CV of 4.2 cm.^[14]

The Yo-Yo IR1 Aerobic Test evaluates aerobic fitness over a period of time, which is according to the level deducted from the cd playing. Cones marked out three lines: 5 m (recovery), 0 m (start line) and 20 m (turn line). The participant started on or behind the start line (0 m) and began running 20 m when instructed to by the recorded audio. The participant then turned and returned to the starting point. The participant must then complete the active recovery period (5 s) during which they must walk or jog around the other (5 m) cone and return to the starting point. A warning was given when the participant did not complete a successful out and back shuttle and recovery shuttle in the allocated time. The participant was then told to stop the test. A participant’s final Yo-Yo score was the last successful shuttle completed.^[8}

The following tests were performed on the second day:

Horizontal pull-up and press-up tests to evaluate pulling, pushing strength and endurance, and the prone bridge (plank) to test core endurance.

A weight lifting bar was placed in a squat or power rack. The participant’s arms had to be fully extended, with their body just off the ground. The participant gripped the bar, which was slightly wider than shoulder width, by means of an overhand grasp. Their feet were flat on the floor, with knees bent at a 90° angle. Their hips were then lifted so that their body was straight and their arms fully extended. They then pulled their body towards the bar until their chest touched it (nipple line aligned with bar). They then lowered themselves back down until their arms were again fully extended. The participant continued doing as many repetitions as possible until they could no longer touch the bar. The examiner recorded the total amount of correct repetitions completed.^[8]

The press-up evaluates the participant’s upper body’s pushing and endurance strength. The start was in the plank position with their hands and knees off the ground. The examiner then placed a closed fist in line with the participant’s chest. They then lowered their body so that it was in line with the fist and thereafter pushed up again until their arms were once more fully extended. The total number of correct repetitions were counted.^[8]

As previously mentioned, the prone bridge (plank) evaluates the participant’s core strength and endurance. The participant started in the plank position, with elbows on the ground, feet approximately hip distance apart, knees off the ground and the body straight, with no arching of the back. The head and neck faces towards the ground, keeping the whole body aligned. The participant was required to maintain the plank position for as long as possible, maintaining normal breathing. Once the participant can no longer keep their body straight, i.e. they start to excessively arch or curl their back, the test is stopped. The total time that the participant maintained a correct plank position was recorded.^[8]

Sprints over 5, 10 and 40 metres (m) respectively to test acceleration and speed.

The aim of this test was to determine the acceleration and rapidity of each participant in sprinting. Electronic timing lights were placed at the start at distances of 5, 10 and 40 m to ensure that there was enough space past the 40 m marker for participants to decelerate and stop. Each participant started from a stationary position with one foot behind the start line, ensuring there was no rocking or swaying prior to the start. An adequate warm-up was provided (5 minutes light jog, 10 minutes dynamic stretches) before the test to minimise risk of injury. Each participant had to complete three trials with approximately two–three minutes of rest between attempts, and the best score was used.^[8]

The Octorepeater anaerobic fitness test, consisting of 10 m and 20 m repeated shuttle sprints, mimics the game of netball.

This test assesses the player’s ability to perform repeated maximal sprints that incorporate a change of direction. Each participant completes four sets of 2 x 20 m and four sets of 4 x 10 m sprints respectively, alternating between the 2 x 20 m and 4 x 10 m sprints, with 25-second rest intervals between each 2 x 20 m and 4 x 10 m set. The participant first completes the 2 x 20 m followed by the 4 x 10 m sprint. The fatigue index is then calculated as 100·(Average time - Best time)/(Best time), where “Average time” is the average time achieved in the four sets of 2 x 20 m and 4 x 10 m sprints, and “best time” is the sum of the best times achieved in the four sets of 2 x 20 m and 4 x 10 m sprints, respectively.^[8]