The beep test, also known as the "20-metre shuttle run test", the Multi Stage Fitness Test (MSFT), or the "yo-yo test", is a universally recognised fitness assessment tool. It's used across a range of sports, including tennis, basketball, and athletics, but it's particularly prominent in football.
As football teams across Europe gear up for the new season, the beep test becomes a crucial part of their pre-season training regimen.
Understanding the Beep Test: A Measure of Aerobic Fitness
The beep test, developed by Professor Luc A. Leger at the University of Montreal in the 1970s, is a maximal running aerobic fitness test designed to measure a person’s aerobic capacity (VO2max).
Participants run back and forth between two points set 20 meters apart, guided by a pre-set audio recording that "beeps" at intervals. As the test progresses, the frequency of the beeps increases, pushing the runners to progressively increase their speed. This interval training is a key aspect of the beep test.
Scoring in the Beep Test: Assessing Physical Stamina
The beep test consists of 21 levels, each with a set number of shuttles or stages (the number of times participants run back and forth between the two endpoints). The number of stages increases as the test progresses, with Level 1 having 7 stages and Level 21 having 16 stages.
Scoring is based on the level a participant reaches, with the aim being to stay in the test until they're unable to reach the end line in two consecutive beeps, or they voluntarily stop participating.
The Beep Test in Professional Football: A Benchmark for Fitness Levels
Despite the physical demands of the beep test, it's a common feature in professional football training. For instance, English manager Sean Dyche, upon his arrival at Everton, faced criticism for using the beep test to condition his players.
However, he defended its use, stating that it's a measure of the players' capabilities. Similarly, Manchester United's successful teams of the 1990s and 2000s were known for their stamina, partly attributed to the beep test.
Beep Test Scores for Premier League Players: A Measure of Athletic Performance
Premier League players are among the fittest athletes globally, and many have completed the beep test. David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Dwight Yorke are among the former United stars known to have completed the test.
The world standard score for football players is 13.09, and any score above 15 is considered excellent.
How to Conduct the Beep Test: A Tool for Stamina Training
To conduct the beep test, you'll need a beep test audio file, a device to play audio, markers for the two endpoints, a flat 20-meter area, and a 20-meter tape measure.
Once you've set up the area and lined up the participants, you can start the beep test audio recording and begin the test.
Despite its simplicity, the beep test remains one of the most challenging cardiovascular workouts in sports. It's a staple in football training and looks set to remain so for the foreseeable future. If you're interested in how training groundwork can enhance fitness, strength, and conditioning among top-level players, consider exploring tactical periodisation, a coaching philosophy that has significantly impacted the Premier League in recent years.
