SPARQ testing has been called the SAT of athleticism measurement. It is an objective measure of physical capacities summarized statistically by a combination of four football-specific tests to assess peak power (vertical jump), change-of-direction speed (20-yard short shuttle), linear speed (40-yard dash) and upper-body power (kneeling power ball toss).
These four tests have proven over time to accurately determine how a player stacks up against other prospects, what areas of training should be focused on based on results, and also to track improvement. These four tests have been chosen because they closely resemble athletic traits needed to maximize on-field production in the game of football.
What the SPARQ testing cannot do is create or improve talent, nor can it transform a poor player into a good player. SPARQ testing is employed to accentuate and improve the talent a player does have in order to allow that player to be the best he can be. Unlike the NFL combine, where testing is combined with football-specific drills, SPARQ rating is exclusively comprised of testing. There are no drills where a football is actually used.
Here is a brief outline of each of the four areas of testing and why they are an important part of the evaluation process:
