ASSESSMENT AND TESTING OF SPECIFIC ENDURANCE IN SOCCER PLAYERS
GARY STEBBING, CSCS
S
occer is a multifaceted game requiring a complex interaction
of multiple physical abilities. Elite soccer players rarely
demonstrate exceptional ability or capacity in one physical
domain, yet they are often highly competent in several different
areas. When analyzing soccer performance, it can be very difficult
to differentiate the various physical factors due to significant
crossover and interactions between abilities. Individual game
physiology varies based on technical and tactical demands, and
specific requirements and characteristics of each position. Large
variations also exist across individuals and playing levels, in terms
of game demands and fatigue. With this in mind, both training and
testing protocols should be individualized to each specific player.
Strength and conditioning professionals are expected to support
players of various ages, abilities, and genders; therefore, any
assessment or training intervention must be carefully matched
with the specific group and individual profiles. The focus of this
article is to describe the needs of soccer athletes and then provide
assessments for testing endurance.
BASIC PHYSIOLOGY OF SOCCER
Although decisive moments are defined by anaerobic activities
such as sprints, jumps, and contests for the ball, aerobic
metabolism still dominates so that soccer has a high endurance
component (14). Endurance is generally understood in terms of
ability to resist fatigue. Fatigue in soccer can be described as short
term relating to immediate activities, or longer term resulting
from the cumulative effect of work rate demands towards the
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conclusion of the match. Endurance performance in soccer is
usually measured using the total distance covered in the match.
Although this is a reasonable indicator, total distance does not
clearly differentiate the varying intensities at which that distance
was achieved (6). This issue is slowly being addressed with
increased access to motion tracking devices. A well trained
aerobic system has a positive relationship with overall distance
covered, duration on the ball, and repeated sprint ability during
a match (19).
FITNESS ASSESSMENT AND TESTING
It is important to reaffirm that tests selected accurately target the
physiology and main performance related abilities in the sport.
All tests also have a natural variability in results, and coaches
must be mindful of falsely interpreting small changes in scores as
positive or negative (measurement error). In addition to options
for calculating worthwhile change that are discussed extensively
elsewhere, coaches should consider what constitutes a worthwhile
change and what level of change is meaningful (10).
Physiological demands of intermittent sports are difficult to
reproduce in the laboratory and the use of sport-specific field
testing is an accepted and valid approach to physical fitness
assessment in soccer (5,6). Field-based testing is popular as
it enables multiple players to be tested either together or in a
relatively short time, and it can take place in a normal training
environment. Basic, well-established field tests can be used to
assess key endurance abilities related to soccer. Analysis within
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the context of real play or related scenarios designed to replicate
game play continue to be developed. Specific field-based
endurance tests have been explored that incorporate forwards,
backwards, and sideways running along with turning and jumping
(5). Further specificity to soccer includes ball dribbling and a 290m soccer circuit track (7).
Contemporary methods are now providing much improved data
on previous notational and observational approaches. The use
of multiple cameras, Global Position Systems (GPS), and time
motion videos are just three ways in which soccer physiology and
performance is now being analyzed.
TESTING AEROBIC ENDURANCE
Assessing or measuring aerobic endurance is achieved via
establishing rate of maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max).
Laboratory tests using step-like or ramped protocols with
incremental intensities can be used for accurate measure of
VO₂max and parameters related to lactate, as well as running
economy. Researchers suggest that a VO₂max greater than 60
ml/kg/min is required at elite levels of soccer (15). Commonly
used field tests include the multi-stage fitness test (MSFT),
Loughborough intermittent shuttle test (LIST), yo-yo intermittent
recovery test, and Hoff test.
MULTI-STAGE FITNESS TEST (MSFT) (FIGURE 1)
A commonly used field test for aerobic endurance is the MSFT,
which was originally devised by Ramsbottom, Brewer, and
Williams. MSFT is easy to administer and reproduce, and involves
common activities in soccer such as deceleration, turning, and
acceleration (13).
The MSFT protocol uses a prerecorded audio program with a
series of timed beeps. The participant performs shuttle runs
between the cones in time with the beeps of the program. The
program progresses through a series of levels with running speeds
increasing at each level. This test correlates well with VO₂max;
however, recording total distance covered during the program
rather than estimating VO₂max from the results may be a better
strategy in this situation (18).
LOUGHBOROUGH INTERMITTENT SHUTTLE TEST (LIST)
(FIGURE 1)
The LIST is a variation on the shuttle run test designed for
intermittent team sports and uses the same basic setup used for
the MSFT (11). The LIST test has two parts and uses a prerecorded
audio program to provide the signals that control the speed of the
participants speed during the test.
The first part of the test begins with the participant between
cones set up for 20-m shuttles to help determine their speed.
Their speed can be calculated based on predetermined fitness
level and specific sport. The audio beeps control the participant’s
speed during each bout. The participant then performs 15-min
bouts of the following cycle:
•
•
•
•
•
3 x 20-m shuttle walk
1 x 15-m sprint
3 x 20-m running
3 x 20-m jog (approximately 11 cycles in 15 min)
Rest for 3 min and repeat for 5 bouts
The second part of the LIST test consists of the participant moving
straight to intermittent shuttles alternating between jogging
and running speed. The participant performs these shuttles until
failing to stay with the audio for two consecutive beeps or 10 min
expires, whichever comes first. An alternative modification for
soccer players would be to skip the second part of the test and to
perform six cycles of the first part of the LIST test, which would
amount to 90 min of exercise.
YO-YO INTERMITTENT RECOVERY TEST (FIGURE 2)
The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test consists of 20-m shuttles
similar to the MSFT, but instead there is a short recovery period
following each shuttle run (2). Two speed profiles exist for this
test: level 1 (speed 10 km/hr) targets the aerobic energy pathway
and level 2 (speed 13 km/hr) targets both the aerobic and
anaerobic pathways.
For this test, the participant begins at the middle of three cones.
The prerecorded audio program signals the start of the test and
the participant must perform a 20-m shuttle run between the
cones in time with the beeps. Upon returning to the starting cone,
the participant has 10 s of recovery to either walk or jog out to the
5-m cone and back to the starting cone before the beep signals
the next shuttle. The participant’s inability to stay in time with
the predetermined beeps on two consecutive occasions ends the
test. Upon ending, the final point is marked and the total distance
covered is calculated. The level 1 speed profile relates to on-field
performance and an individual with a VO₂max greater than 60 will
cover in excess of 2,250 m on this test (8).
HOFF TEST
Developed by Hoff et al., the Hoff test is ideally marked out on
half of a full-sized soccer field (7). The participant dribbles a ball
in the direction of the arrows around a track. The dribbling track is
designed to replicate various soccer skills to complete the 290-m
lap. The participant completes the maximum number of circuits in
10 min. Elite players should cover more than 2,100 m on this test
(18). Recent research also suggests that the Hoff test may be able
to predict maximal lactate steady state (9).
TESTING FOR MAXIMAL AEROBIC SPEED (MAS)
MAS describes the minimum speed that elicits VO₂max and
may be indicative of a high anaerobic capacity (16). It has been
suggested that MAS may be a critical factor in developing aerobic
power in sports such as soccer (1). Interval training using MAS can
be a useful approach for improving aerobic power (1).
Testing for MAS can be done by using a fixed distance shuttle run
where participants cover as much distance as possible in 5 min
(300 s) using an out and back shuttle method (1). To calculate
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PREPARING FOR THE NFL COMBINE ­— A FUNCTIONAL AND MOVEMENT-SPECIFIC
ASSESSMENT AND TESTING OF SPECIFIC ENDURANCE IN SOCCER PLAYERS
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM FOR ELITE-LEVEL PLACEKICKERS
MAS, divide distance covered (meters) by the time (seconds).
Researchers have suggested that a MAS of 4.4 – 4.8 m/s is
common in high-level soccer players (1).
REFERENCES
TESTING FOR REPEATED SPRINT ABILITY (RSA)
(FIGURE 3)
2. Bangsbo, J. Fitness Training for Football: A Scientific
Approach. August Krogh Institute: Copenhagen University; 1994.
1. Baker, D. Recent trends in high intensity aerobic training for
field sports. Professional Strength and Conditioning 22: 3-8, 2011.
Anaerobic endurance (i.e., RSA) is also a critical factor as soccer
players are often expected to perform multiple, short duration
near-maximal or maximal-effort activities with limited recovery.
RSA has recently been of great interest in team sports (3). Initial
evidence in soccer indicates a relationship between performance
on an RSA test and the distance a player can cover at high
intensity in a game (12).
3. Bishop, D, Giraud, O, and Mendez-Villanueva, A. Repeated
sprint ability – Part II: Recommendations for training. Sports
Medicine 41(9): 741-756, 2011.
RSA tests have used mixed protocols ranging up to 15 repetitions
of 6 – 10 s effort with 23 – 30 s of recovery (3,12). However, it
has been suggested that RSA tests should involve no more than
eight sprints if 20 – 30 s recovery bouts are used to avoid speed
decrement (4). A question has been raised regarding appropriate
protocols for soccer-specific RSA tests concerning the protocol
design in regards to the number of sprints required to induce a
performance drop off (4).
5. Ekblom, B. Handbook of Sports Medicine and Science, Football
(Soccer). Wiley-Blackwell, United Kingdom; 1994.
Testing protocols for RSA in soccer should reflect game
characteristics and analysis. For instance, a typical RSA adapted
protocol for soccer might use 30-m sprints interspersed with 25-s
active recovery (e.g., jogging) periods. When collecting the data,
the following factors should be considered:
• Average time for all efforts
• Fatigue index: difference between first and last effort
• Percentage drop off: [mean sprint time ÷ best sprint time]
x 100 (-100)
SOCCER-SPECIFIC TEST FOR REPEATED SPRINT
ABILITY (FIGURE 4)
Bangsbo proposed a soccer-specific RSA test (2). This test uses
a standard protocol for RSA testing as described previously. The
participant runs as fast as they can from the starting cone to a
finishing cone with a single sideways direction change, covering
a distance of 34.2 m in total. The test consists of seven sprints
of this 34.2 m course, with a 25-s recovery to walk back to the
starting cone between sprints.
CONCLUSION
There are many factors that contribute to success for each
individual soccer player, such as position, experience, abilities,
and gender. Regardless of these aspects, utilizing assessments
and testing for endurance can be a useful tool in training. These
assessments and tests can be easily performed and may provide
valuable performance measures for soccer-specific endurance
abilities including areas of improvement and the effectiveness of
the current training program.
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4. Chaouachi, A, Manzi, V, Wong, DP, Chaalali, A, Laurencelle,
L, Charmari, K, and Castagna, C. Intermittent endurance and
repeated sprint ability in soccer players. Journal of Strength and
Conditioning Research 24(10): 2663-2668, 2010.
6. Hoff, J. Training and testing physical capacities for elite soccer
players. Journal of Sports Sciences 23(6): 573-582, 2005.
7. Hoff, J, Wisløff, U, Engen, LC, Kemi, OJ, and Helgerud, J.
Soccer specific aerobic endurance training. British Journal of
Sports Medicine 36(3): 218-221, 2002.
8. Krustrup, P, Mohr, M, Amstrup, T, Rysgaard, T, Johansen,
J, Steensberg, et al. The yo-yo intermittent recovery test
physiological response, reliability, and validity. Medicine Science
Sports and Exercise 35(4): 697-705, 2003.
9. Loures, J, Chamari, K, Ferreira, E, Campos, E, Zagatto, A,
Millioni, F, et al. Specific determination of lactate steady state in
soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
29(1): 101-106, 2015.
10. McGuigan, M. Evaluating Athletic Capacities. In High
Performance Training for Sports. Joyce, D, and Levindon, D (Eds.).
Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2014.
11. Nicholas, CW, Nuttall, FE, and Williams, C. The Loughborough
intermittent shuttle test: A field test that simulates the activity
pattern of soccer. Journal of Sports Sciences 18(2): 97-104, 2000.
12. Rampini, E, Bishop, D, Marcora, SM, Ferrari Bravo, D, Sassi,
R, and Impellizzeri, RM. Validity of simple field tests as indicators
of match related physical performance in top level professional
soccer players. International Journal of Sports Medicine 28(3): 228235, 2007.
13. Ramsbottom, R, Brewer, J, and Williams, C. A Progressive
Shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen uptake. British
Journal of Sports Medicine 22(4): 141-144, 1988.
14. Reilly, T. An ergonomics model of the soccer training process.
Journal of Sports Sciences 23(6): 561-572, 2005.
15. Reilly, T, Bangsbo, J, and Franks, A. Anthropometric and
physiological predispositions for elite soccer. Journal of Sports
Sciences 18(9): 669-683, 2000.
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16. Renoux, JC, Petit, B, Billat, V, and Koralsztein, JP. Oxygen
deficit is related to the exercise time to exhaustion at maximal
aerobic speed in middle distance runners. Archives of Physiology
and Biochemistry 107(4): 280-285, 1999.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
17. Silva, JR, Magalhães, J, Ascensão, A, Seabra, AF, and Rebelo,
AN. Training status and match activity of professional soccer
players throughout a season. Journal of Strength and Conditioning
Research 27(1): 20-30, 2013.
18. Stølen, T, Chamari, K, Castagna, C, and Wisløff, U. Physiology
of soccer – An update. Sports Medicine 35(6): 501-536, 2005.
19. Turner, A, and Kilduff, L. Defining and developing the aerobic
capacity. Professional Strength and Conditioning 23: 2-11, 2011.
Gary Stebbing studied sport and exercise science as an
undergraduate and sport and performance psychology at the
postgraduate level (PG Dip). He has been certified as a Certified
Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) through the National
Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for 13 years. He
trains clients for challenging objectives such as ultra-endurance
and multi-day events. Since 1995, Stebbing has been a trainer
and freelance performance and conditioning coach, including
practicing, writing, and lecturing on coaching psychology, training,
and conditioning for sport in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Prior to this, he was a professional soccer player, spending 11 years
in English leagues and captaining England at the U18 and U19 levels.
FIGURE 1. MULTI STAGE FITNESS TEST AND LOUGHBOROUGH INTERMITTENT SHUTTLE TEST
Start
20 m
FIGURE 2. YO-YO INTERMITTENT RECOVERY TEST
5m
Start
20 m
FIGURE 3. TEST FOR REPEATED SPRINT ABILITY
Start
30 m
FIGURE 4. SOCCER-SPECIFIC TEST FOR REPEATED SPRINT ABILITY
5m
Start
Finish
5m
10 m
Sprint
10 m
10 m
10 m
Recovery
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