what is the "Beep Test"?

Beep Tests

A variety of popular fitness tests are generically called "Beep Tests" because an audio tape is used to control timed runs over a measured course, and an audio tone communicates timing information the the test subjects (runners). The tests are run continuously until the subjects can no longer continue or start to miss (arrive late at gates). The highest running pace and number of repetitions that the runner can accomplish successfully is then the players rating. The rating is translated, by some biometric wizardry, into an estimate of VO2Max, the amount of Oxygen that the athlete can consume per unit of body mass.

In the standard Beep Test (also known as the Leger Test), the runner covers a 20 meter interval at steadily increasing pace, with several iterations to be completed at each pace before moving on to the next.

In the Birtwell Test, a 40 meter course is used. There are also tests for which the running pace varies randomly, in an attempt to more closely match game conditions. There are also variations that allow some recovery time between running intervals.

The Yo Yo Endurance Test is based on 20 meter running intervals. At each running speed, players complete between 7 and 15 repetitions, one running intervals per repetition being accomplished. Players start each interval when the audio tape sounds a beep, and try to reach the end of the interval and turn before the next beep. There are 20 running speeds in the first level tests, as shown on the Endurance Test Record that is used to record results for each player. A player who was able to continue running through 8 intervals at the 16th running speed would be reported as 16-8, which corresponds to 66.9 ml of O2 per kg of body mass. Bangsbo includes a conversion from the running speed and repetition completed (which actually corresponds to aggregate distance run during the test) to VO2Max.

Warm-Up
Before the Endurance Test begins, the players must be warmed up and thoroughly stretched out.

 

I did it once for rugby, but I was coming off an injury so I don't think whatever I got was a good measure. Not that it matters since I don't remember my score.

But in any case, it's a good way to calculate a player's cardiovascular, so you can see if a player's fit enough to compete at a certain level. Not surprising that Frankie was the last man standing, since he spends 90 minutes running up and down the flanks.
Marathon runners and road cyclists score the highest, football linemen do not do so well.

 

We did these in gym all the time. Pointless and stupid.

 

Actually you might be right about that. Can't run in a game you can see that pretty easily.

The danger of doing these at the youth level is the inevitable comparion that a coach makes between his players results.

It is not made for that it is to test an individual player during different times of the year to see improment or not.

I can see a coach cutting one player over another based on a comparison of results between players, that is not good.

Richie

 

You say this like you're shocked.

 

Did I? I don't shock easily, seen to much in my short life.

Richie

 

I was kidding.

 

Interesting thread.

From what I can tell, it's good to measure fitness, but I don't think you should ultimately decide who goes onto the field because of it -- though you can decide to keep someone on the bench because he won't have the gas to go all the way.

IIRC, Brad Friedel had the top score for the Nats last year with something wicked like a 24, and that the team average was something like 18.

EDIT: I was not correct:

http://www.mlsnet.com/content/02/usa0502notes.html

 

I think you have a lot of information on the first part of the question.

As to the second, Arena has used variations of the beep test over the last couple of years--especially in the run-up to the World Cup last year.

He has seemed increasingly to stress physical fitness and conditioning in his training camps. It is clear that he wants his outside backs in the attack but also to track back, and he often has forwards apply pressure on the ball (to the point of ball chasing sometimes). The same is generally true of his midfields.

So the beep test gives him a constant or repeatable measure of cardiovascular fitness. It's also something players coming to camp (especially new ones) know about and can prepare for

Now, as to whether this is the best use of camp time and whether it sets a bad precedent for coaches who use BA as an example, I'll let you decide.

In my opinion, U.S. coaches sometimes stress physical fitness over technical skill or tactical awareness--especially at the youth levels.

Nevertheless, I have not coached a national team to the quarterfinals yet.