Preparation for the Physical Test
Athletes who work as diligently on physical fitness as they do on their softball skills will be more prepared than those who do not. Distance running, short sprints, and weight lifting can all be useful when preparing for the iQ test. There are many training facilities throughout the United States that can help improve your strength and fitness level prior to taking the iQ test as well. The athlete should be aware that quite a bit of rigorous activity will take place during this test and should consider preparing months in advance.
Because softball skill is measured in the iQ test as well, the athlete must work on detail in practices—such as hitting a target on an overhand throw, or proper bunt techniques, to name a few. Game play will be helpful as it will prepare the athlete’s ‘mind’ as well as their ability to play the game. Additionally, practicing in situations where the athlete is exhausted or fatigued (i.e. running before practicing) will help with preparation for the iQ test.
Athletes who have a difficult time completing the iQ Physical Testing provide as much information to the athlete and coaches as an athlete who was able to perform the test with ease. Therefore, the iQ test is recommended for those who have adequately prepared as well as those who have not. It serves not only asa recruiting tool, but also as a gauge to tell the athlete if they need to work more in specific areas or if they are progressing in a positive direction.
The Day Before the Test
It is not recommended for the athlete to perform rigorous activity that may cause fatigue or muscle soreness the next day. Just as you would prepare for a game, you should prepare for this test. Eating carbohydrates for dinner the night before the test can also help the athlete with energy and endurance for testing the next day.
Print off and Sign the Athlete Liability Release, Parent Consent, and Code of Ethics documents from the iQ home page. Athletes will not be allowed to participate in an iQ event without these documents signed and turned into their iQ instructor prior to the iQ Physical Test.
Athletes must also print off their Athlete I.D. # and bring it to the iQ Physical Test. This number will placed on your testing sheet.
Preparation for the Mental Toughness Profile
The Mental Toughness Profile was developed in collaboration with college coaches, athletes, and researchers determined to understand the role of mental toughness in Fastpitch. College coaches were asked to define Mental Toughness and to identify what behaviors and attitudes characterized mental toughness in training and competition environments.
College coaches were clear: Mental Toughness is an important aspect of athletic performance, but they also agreed it was difficult to measure and hard to clearly identify.
Our research team then investigated the published research on Mental Toughness and by combining the "gut" feel, knowledge and experience of coaches with the science and psychology of sports performance, we developed something unique which we are confident opens the door to a new level of understanding of Mental Toughness.
In putting the Mental Toughness Profile together, we realized that we needed to measure both the athlete's perspective and the coach's views on how the athlete performed in tough situations and difficult moments in training and competition.
The athlete and coach versions of the profile contain identical questions. The responses to these identical questions are matched, cross-referenced and the scores of each individual athlete and their nominated coach are compared.
There are two scenarios which arise from the cross matching process:
Where the scores of the athlete and the coach are closely matched, we are confident that the Profile is an excellent representation of the athlete's Mental Toughness abilities in training and competition and of their capacity to deal effectively with tough situations and difficult moments.
Where the scores of the athlete and the coach do not match, we believe it is important for both of them to work together to better understand Mental Toughness and how the athlete can enhance their capacity to deal effectively with tough situations and difficult moments. A miss-matched athlete/coach score opens the door for discussion and learning and provides the opportunity for the athlete to grow and develop.
*Athletes should be in good health and free from any conditions known or unknown that might be aggravated by the iQ Physical Test & iQ Physical Training. Please consult your family doctor before participating in an iQ Physical Test & or iQ Physical Training. Athletes with a history of recent surgery, heart trouble/high blood pressure, asthma, or any other condition that could be aggravated should consult their family doctor before taking the iQ Physical Test or participating in iQ Physical Training. Please advise your iQ instructor if you have any illnesses, injuries or any other condition that could be aggravated or potentially affect your capacity to take part in the iQ Physical Test & iQ Physical Training.
*The IQ Mental Toughness Profile is not a formal psychological test and should not be used as a mental health diagnosis tool. Athletes requiring a formal psychological testing program should consult a suitably qualified and licensed mental health services provider.
