MULTI - STAGE FITNESS TEST (BEEP TEST)

• The test is progresive and maximal.
• Each 20m is called a shuttle.
• The shuttles are repeated a number of times within a level
• With each level the time between the beeps is shortened.
• There are normally twenty - five levels.
• The test was the developed by the National Coaching Foundation.

A degree of caution is necessary when administering the test, in that it requires an individual to push themselves hard. If one is suffering from injury or illness or has any other reason where they think that they may be at risk it is best to consult your doctor first.

EQUIPMENT

• A firm surface with lines marked 20m apart.
• A good quality tape recorder
• The NCF tape/CD
• Tables for analysing scores.
• Measuring tape (20m)
• Marking Cones
• Pre recorded Beep test
• Recording Sheets

PROCEDURE

• Mark the 20 metre area with cones
• Instructions are given at the start of the tape, which also identifies the signals for a change of pace.
• The test is conducted:
• Initially, the footballers run slowly from one line to the next.
• Each footballer must judge the pace so as to put one foot on or beyond the line as the beep sounds.
• If a footballer arrives at the end of the shuttle before the beep sounds they must wait to hear it before proceeding.
• When the footballer can no longer keep up the required pace, by arriving at the line after the beep they withdraw. They should be allowed two or three attempts to regain the pace before doing so.
• 

After finishing, footballers warm down and stretch

Their number of levels is recorded and fitness checked against the tables to analyse the results.