Objective: to design and validate a test to assess the ability of underwater non-linear displacement with athletes from the Antioquia League of Underwater Activities. Method: 26 underwater rugby players (15 men, 11 women) participated in the study. An underwater change of direction test (CDS) was designed and applied in two moments (test re-test) with an interval of 7 days between takes. Results: it was found that the underwater change of direction test has high reliability and consistency in men and women. Conclusion: the designed test (CDS), in one session, non-invasive and economical, demonstrated concurrency and reliability to evaluate athletes and possible responses to training in the ability of underwater non-linear movements, becoming the first valid tool for the evaluation of said ability.