Repeated High Intensity

What is it testing?

This test is designed to measure a player’s anaerobic energy system and rate of fatigue by repeating a number of high intensity sprints.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The test is highly based on the individuals desire to undertake it, as accurate results depend on the players ability to perform at their maximum during each stage of the test. The time keeper must also ensure they are accurate with their readings.

At this is a maximum intensity test no training should occur beforehand, instead the player should only undergo a warm up. Once the test is completed the individual will be greatly fatigued so should be allowed sufficient time to recover before being expected to do anything else.

Required Equipment / Facilities / Personnel

• 2 cones to mark the start and finish
• A pole for the player to run around
• 2 Stop watches (for test and for 30 second countdown)
• Measuring apparatus

Process

The player completes 6 x 80 metre sprints as fast as they can. On the word ‘go’ the player must go from a standing start and run 40 metres to the pole, go around the pole and return to the start. Once they cross the start / finish line the timer stops the watch and records the result to the nearest 100th of a second.

They have 30 seconds to complete each run before they begin their next one (so if the run takes 20 seconds then they have 10 seconds rest before completing it again). The individual timing this is the person who will start the test and say ‘go’, the other individual will start the stop watch to time the player on this signal.

The player must no pace themselves for the 6 sprints but must go flat out for each one.

Analysing Results

The formula to calculate a player’s drop off is:

(Slowest sprint – Fastest sprint) ÷ Slowest sprint x 100 = % drop off

This test can be performed a number of times throughout the season to analyse the player’s progression. For example, the beginning of pre season, end of pre season, mid season and end of season (or even more regularly). Then as the history is recorded and increased the player and yourself will be able to assess their fitness and performance.