Diagrams to be added
Performance testing for football players can be designed to cover all of
the fitness components of the game, as well as the technical, tactical and
psychological aspects.
Fitness Assessments can produce valuable information to the coach
about: -
- the effectiveness of a training programme
- the fitness levels of players
- long and short term planning of training programmes
- to evaluate whether a players is ready to play following illness or injury
Tests for Football Players
It is important that when designing a testing programme, the tests should
be selected to provide as much information as possible in the context of
football.
Tests in football should involve the players performing intermittent exercise
as in match play, and, where possible, the tests should be concluded on a
football field, with the players wearing football boots.
It is important that, if the test is to be repeated, that the conditions
of the field, and the weather, are similar. To eliminate a variation in
conditions, the testing can be performed indoors, although some specificity
to match play will be lost.
A Testing Model for Football
It is important that the coach is able to conduct a series of football related
tests, with a large squad, in the minimum of time. The use of "field" tests,
as outlined, will provide important information to the coach on the players
fitness levels. More elaborate laboratory tests can be used to provide more
detailed information on individual players, and their specific individual
needs.
When performing tests, it is important that certain factors are taken into
consideration:
- the players shall be well rested;
- the players should be thoroughly warmed up;
- the players should understand how to perform the test;
- the players should have a practice attempt at the test,
- the players should understand "why" they are doing the test.
Player Physical Profile
| FOOTBALL SPECIFIC ENDURANCE |
SPRINTING |
JUMPING |
| Continuous Exercise Specific Jumping.Intermittent Exercise |
Short Sprint (<40m) |
Football |
|
Short Sprint with change of direction |
|
Performance Testing
WHEN? Testing should be conducted throughout the season, at regular intervals.
It is useful to test intermittent endurance performance four to six times
per year.
A testing schedule could be designed as follows:
- Test at start of pre-season training.
- Test at the end of pre-season training.
- Early in the season - this test would allow the coach to assess whether fitness
levels have dropped as a result of the reduced amount of fitness training
brought about by the competitive playing season. This then allows the coach
to modify the training programme as required.
- Mid Season Test.
- Late Season Test.
In addition to regular testing of the squad, individual players may require
to be tested at other times throughout the season. Players returning from
injury or illness can be tested to evaluate their recovery, and to determine
whether they are ready to play in competitive matches. This can be done by
comparing their test results prior to injury with their post injury score.
Football Specific Endurance
Performance in the game is a form of intermittent exercise consisting of
repeated short bouts of high intensity exercise, interspersed with periods
of running at difFerent speeds, walking and standing still.
Examples of football specific endurance field tests, which can be performed
on a football field, are given below. Each test is based on either the time
taken to cover a set distance, or the time taken to fatigue during an exercise
protocol with progressively increasing running speeds.
1. SWEDISH RUN TEST
This test involves forward, backward, sideways and slalom type running. The
aim is to complete 4 laps of the test circuit in the shortest possible time.
Test Circuit: As shown in the diagram below - it can be varied, but
it is important that the same layout is used when the test is repeated.
Performing the Test: Players start at 15 second intervals. Up to eight
players can be tested together.
Test Score: The time taken to cover 4 laps of the circuit. (Swedish
players: 10 min 21 sec pre- season. 8 min 49 sec in-season)
2. MULTI-STAGE FITNESS TEST
This test consists of repeated 20m shuttle runs with a progressively increased
running speed. The aim of the test is to complete as many shuttle runs as
possible.
Test Circuit: Two lines marked on the ground, 20m apart.
Performing the test: Players work back and forward between the two
lines at a running speed which increases every minute.
A whole squad of players can be tested at the same time.
Test Results: The test score is presented as number of completed running
levels, plus the number of completed shuttles.
This can be translated, using the accompanying booklet to give an approximate
VO2
Comparative Date:
- English Professionals 13.12
- English International Team 13.13
- U-18 Swedish 13.5
- Senior Swedish I st Division 14.1
*Copies of this test can be obtained from the National Coaching Foundation,
Leeds, or from National Coaching Centres in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Sprint Tests
The tests outlined below involve the measurement of sprint speed while at
the same time looking at the ability of the player to perform repeated bouts
of exercise with a short recovery-the type of activity that often occurs
during a match.
Test 1
Test Circuit
This test consists of seven 34m sprints interspersed with 25 sec recovery
(jogging).The aim is to complete each sprint A->B in the shortest possible
time.
Performing the test
The test consists of seven sprints A->b,through the markers,with a recovery
jog back to C.
Test Results
Results can be used to provide:
- Fastest time
- Average sprint time of all 7 sprints: - this expresses a players ability
to perform several sprints within a short period of time during match play.
- Fatigue index: this is the difference between the slowest and the fastest
time - a high fatigue time indicates poor ability to recover from a sprint.This
time indicates how a player's performance is affected by bouts of high intensity
exercise during match play.
Comparative Data:
Danish Players
- Best Time 6.80 (6.53 - 7.01)
- Average Time 7.10 (6.83 - 7.31)
- Fatigue Index 0.64 (0.15 - 0.92)
Sprint/Agility Test
During play,players are frequently required to make rapid changes of directions.
Test circuit:
Performing the test:
Players spring from A to B, back to A, from A through the cones at C to D back
to C, Through the cones at B to finish.
Test Results:
Fastest sprint time
TEST 2:
This test consists of 20 repeated 10 x 10 x 10m sprints interspersed with
42 sec active recovery periods. The aim of the test is to complete each sprint
circuit in the shortest possible time.
Test Circuit:
The circuit consists of a 10m sided triangle (sprint circuit) and a recovery
circuit which has the same dimensions as the penalty area.
Performing the Test:
Players complete the sprint circuit (ABCA) in the shortest possible time.
On completion the player has 42 sec to complete the recovery circuit and
return to the start. Repeat this procedure 20 times.
Test Results:
- Fastest sprint time:
- Sum of 20 sprint times
- Average sprint time
- Fatigue index: The difference between the average of the first two and the
average of the last two sprint times.
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