Fitness testing in football (soccer) can be a useful tool to 1) identify individual's needs, 2) reduce the risk of injuries, and 3) optimize training plans and performance. There is a number of tests that a sport scientist and practitioner can use. Before you choose, it would help if you answer the following questions:
-Why am I testing the players?
-What is my plan for the next month and the whole season?
-Which of the tests in the literature are valid, reliable and sensitive to training?
-Which of those that fulfill criterion 3 above, does my coach like?
To make it simple for you, I have summarized in table 1 below the most common tests. Their validity and reliability varies a lot and should you want to know the in-depth details you can read table 2 as well as our review paper on that topic (Paul & Nassis, 2015a). In general, all the below tests have acceptable validity and reliability.
While this is a guide, I advise you, especially the junior practitioners, before you go ahead and speak to the coach, better to have plan B too. Sometimes coaches may prefer a different test to the ones on the list.
Table 2. Summary of the tests advantages and disadvantages (modified Paul & Nassis, 2015a)
Sources & related links
Bangsbo et al (2008). Sports Medicine 38(1): 37-51, read here
Buchheit (2008). Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 22(2): 365-374, read here
Huijgen et al. (2010). Journal of Sports Science 28(7): 689-698, read. here
Paul, Gabbett & Nassis (2016). Sports Medicine 46(3): 421-442, read here
Paul & Nassis (2015a). Pediatric Exercise Science 27(3): 301-313, read here
Paul & Nassis (2105b). Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 29(6): 1748-58, read here
-Why am I testing the players?
-What is my plan for the next month and the whole season?
-Which of the tests in the literature are valid, reliable and sensitive to training?
-Which of those that fulfill criterion 3 above, does my coach like?
To make it simple for you, I have summarized in table 1 below the most common tests. Their validity and reliability varies a lot and should you want to know the in-depth details you can read table 2 as well as our review paper on that topic (Paul & Nassis, 2015a). In general, all the below tests have acceptable validity and reliability.
While this is a guide, I advise you, especially the junior practitioners, before you go ahead and speak to the coach, better to have plan B too. Sometimes coaches may prefer a different test to the ones on the list.
Table 1. Common tests used for fitness assessment in football (soccer)
Football Fitness Element
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How to test?
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Where can I find more info to back up my proposal?
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10-m, 20-m, 30-m, 40-m sprint
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||
Huijgen et al (2010)
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||
Repeated Sprint Ability
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7 X 30m or 6 X 20m
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|
Dribbling ability
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Huijgen et al (2010)
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|
Table 2. Summary of the tests advantages and disadvantages (modified Paul & Nassis, 2015a)
Sources & related links
Bangsbo et al (2008). Sports Medicine 38(1): 37-51, read here
Buchheit (2008). Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 22(2): 365-374, read here
Huijgen et al. (2010). Journal of Sports Science 28(7): 689-698, read. here
Paul & Nassis (2015a). Pediatric Exercise Science 27(3): 301-313, read here
Paul & Nassis (2105b). Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 29(6): 1748-58, read here
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