Shoulder Mobility Test

Chapter 4 · Fitness Assessment · 4.03

Assess the shoulder and rotator cuff range of motion on both sides using the hand-behind-back reach.

1. Stand upright and keep the head neutral, looking forward.
2. Reach the right hand down the back from above the shoulder. Reach the left hand upward behind the back and try to connect the fingers.
3. Record the reach for the upper arm, then switch sides and repeat with the left hand above the shoulder.
4. If the hands do not connect, use a tape measure to record the distance between them. Compare the two sides.

The upper arm tests the externally rotated, abducted position; the lower arm reaches in internal rotation and adduction. Avoid twisting or forcing the reach to change the result.

These photographs show the same shoulder reach at different hand separations. They are illustrations of positions, not a substitute for observing finger contact and measuring the gap on each side.

• Good: two or more fingers connect.
• Fair: the middle finger connects.
• Poor: no fingers touch; record the gap with a tape measure.

Score each shoulder separately. A photograph labeled “OK” cannot be assigned Fair if finger contact is not visible.

The book recommends Bar Rotator Cuff Stretch, Towel Shoulder Stretch, and Arm Circles to improve range of motion. Choose the exercise that addresses the observed limitation, then retest both shoulders using the same procedure.

4.03 Shoulder Mobility Test, Chapter 4 of Advanced Concepts of Strength & Conditioning for Tennis. Return to Fitness Assessment.