As a 17-year-old applicant for the Class of 2030, I have submitted a Letter of Intent and believe I present a strong candidacy, supported by a high GPA, participation in varsity track and field, a Private Pilot License, and involvement in a police explorer program. Today, I completed the Candidate Fitness Assessment and was asked to attempt it a second time, which came as a surprise since I felt my scores were solid overall, with the exception of the basketball throw. A Lieutenant Colonel who reviewed my performance agreed.
My results included a basketball throw of 47 feet, 12 pull-ups, a shuttle run time of 6.8 seconds, 71 modified sit-ups, 52 push-ups, and an 8:02 mile. While the basketball throw clearly needs improvement, and shaving 30 to 45 seconds off my mile time would be beneficial, I plan to focus on refining my technique and enhancing all areas of performance. I welcome additional perspectives as I prepare for my retake.
Your basketball throw score really stood out to me, as I remember struggling with that event’s technique myself—it’s more about form than raw strength. Your overall scores are impressive, especially the 12 pull-ups, which shows great upper body strength. Have you considered working on hip torque drills for the throw?
Thanks for noticing the basketball throw—you’re right that technique is key, and I appreciate the suggestion on hip torque drills. I’ve been focusing on rotational power exercises like medicine ball slams, which seem to help transfer strength from events like pull-ups. If you have a favorite drill, I’d be curious to hear how it worked for you as I prepare for the retake.
Aim for a 6:30 mile, but realistically, a 7-minute mile is very achievable.
Noted. Thank you.
I did well on the shuttle run, and the push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups went smoothly. I just didn’t realize how much one poor event could impact the overall score.
After a week of practice, I reached 60 feet on the basketball throw.
Tips:
– Use your wrist to balance the ball.
– Twist your entire body to throw the ball at a tangent.
– There may be another tip I’m forgetting.
You’re welcome.