What is a Yo-Yo Test in Cricket? – Explained

The Yo-Yo Test is used in many sports, including cricket. The test is conducted to assess a player’s fitness level and their ability to sustain high-intensity physical activity throughout a match.

In this article, we will talk about the Yo-Yo Test in cricket.

How Does the Yo-Yo Test Work?

It is conducted on a flat, non-slip surface with two cones placed 20 meters apart. Players start at one cone and run to the other cone, then back to the starting cone.

In the test, the player runs 20 meters towards the cone. Upon reaching the cone, the player must touch the line with their foot and then run back to the starting point.

There is a short rest period (usually 10 seconds) after every two 20-meter shuttles. The speed or pace at which the players run is dictated by a series of beeps. The time between beeps decreases as the test progresses, requiring players to run faster.

When the test begins, the player has around 14.4 seconds to complete the 40-meter run, followed by a ten-second recuperation period before his next shuttle. If he reaches stage 21, he will only have eight seconds to go 40 meters and must run at a speed of 18 KPH to reach the cones in time.

The player begins with level 5, which consists of one shuttle, and progresses until level 23. Level 9 has one shuttle, Level 11 has two shuttles, Level 12 has three shuttles, Level 13 has four shuttles, and Level 14 has eight shuttles. Each shuttle travels a 40-meter distance.

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Scoring in Yo-Yo Test

The test continues until the player reaches exhaustion or cannot maintain the required pace. The score is based on the level achieved or completed.

The test measures a player’s ability to recover between high-intensity efforts, which is crucial in cricket due to the stop-start nature of the game. Different cricket boards set minimum scores for players to qualify for selection.

Who Invented the Yo-Yo Test?

Danish soccer physiologist Dr Jens Bangsbo introduced the Intermittent Recovery Test (Yo-Yo test) in the 1990s. The test was initially done on footballers to improve their overall fitness and aerobic capacity.

The routine, however, did not follow the template of running long distances. Over a period of time, other sports started embracing the Yo-Yo test.

Benefits of Yo-Yo Test

The Yo-Yo test is important in cricket as it helps evaluate a player’s fitness level and their ability to sustain high-intensity physical activity throughout a match. It is used to assess a player’s readiness for competitive cricket and to monitor their fitness progression over time.

It helps the players improve their recovery capacity. It helps them meet the physical demands of the game, such as running between wickets, fielding, and maintaining performance during long matches or tournaments.

The Yo-Yo test serves as an additional tool to evaluate a player’s physical capabilities and readiness for the game. Moreover, it also allows the coaches and trainers to compare the fitness levels of different players objectively.

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