Three Quarter Sprint
A players maximum speed can be a key advantage when it comes to draft selection. For a larger player like a centre or a guard, maximum speed is an uncommon trait to have. For a small to medium player like a point guard speed is absolutely essential. The ¾ Court Sprint involves a player sprinting for a 75ft distance. The drill is setup in a straight line with SMARTSPEED timing gates placed 15ft apart from start to finish line (see diagram below). In a game scenario this drill can relate to how fast a player makes it down the court off of a fast break.
Lane Agility
Both offensively and defensively it is important that players have the ability to change direction, react quickly and control their body position. The Lane Agility drill allows talent scouts, coaches and the fans to see a player sprint, slide, shuffle and back pedal, whilst maintaining a squared body position. The drill is setup in rectangular shape (see diagram below). The player starts by moving off the start/finish line in a sprint for 19 feet, they then cut to the right and shuffle for 16 feet, they then run backwards for 19 feet, they then cut to the left and shuffle for 16 feet. This process is reversed from this point until they reach the start/finish line (see diagram below). The SMARTSPEED gates are placed on each of the cut points to record split times. In a game scenario, these lateral movements resemble the defensive positions a player would use to track their opponent.
Shuttle Run
Both offensively and defensively it is important that players have the ability to change direction, react quickly and control their body position. The Reactive Shuttle Run tests a players change of direction, speed from a static position, body control and reaction time. The drill is setup using the 16 feet of the key, with three SMARTSPEED gates placed 8 feet apart (see diagram below). The drill starts with the player in a straddling position in the middle of the key. The timing system will initiate the drill with a red light from either one of the gates to the left or right of the player. The player then runs 8 yards in the direction indicated by the red light, then 16 yards back to the opposite line, and finally running back through the middle line triggering the end of the drill. In a game scenario this drill can relate to how fast a player cuts and the time it takes to react from offence to defence.
Vertical Jump
The vertical jump is a test of an athlete's explosive ability. The test is done with two variations. The first is a no step vertical jump, and the second is a running max vertical. The max vertical jump should allow a running start from a distance of 15 feet.