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Validity of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test in

young soccer players
a b c a b
Pui-Lam Wong , Anis Chaouachi , Carlo Castagna , Patrick W. C. Lau , Karim Chamari
e d
& Ulrik Wisløff
a
Department of Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
b
Tunisian Research Laboratory “Sport Performance Optimisation”, National Centre of
Medicine and Science in Sport, Tunis, Tunisia
c
School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
d
Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and
Technology, Trondheim, Norway
e
ISSEP Ksar-Said, Manouba University, Tunisia
Published online: 02 Sep 2011.

To cite this article: Pui-Lam Wong , Anis Chaouachi , Carlo Castagna , Patrick W. C. Lau , Karim Chamari & Ulrik Wislff (2011)
Validity of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test in young soccer players, European Journal of Sport Science, 11:5, 309-315,
DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2010.521579

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 European Journal of Sport Science, September 2011; 11(5): 309
315

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Validity of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test in young soccer

players

PUI-LAM WONG1, ANIS CHAOUACHI2, CARLO CASTAGNA3, PATRICK W. C. LAU1,

KARIM CHAMARI2,5, & ULRIK WISLØFF4
1
Department of Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, 2Tunisian Research Laboratory ‘‘Sport
Performance Optimisation’’, National Centre of Medicine and Science in Sport, Tunis, Tunisia, 3School of Sport and Exercise
Sciences, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata’’, Rome, Italy, 4Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian
University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, and 5ISSEP Ksar-Said, Manouba University, Tunisia
Downloaded by [Universite De Paris 1] at 10:45 25 July 2013

Abstract
The Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test is frequently used to assess aerobic endurance performance in young soccer players
but only the logical validity of the test has been shown to date. The main ai m of this study was to assess the criterion
(i.e. association with maximal aerobic capacity, V̇O2max) and construct validities of the test in young soccer players.
A secondary aim was to examine possible shared variance of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test with other physical
capacities. Sixty-two soccer players (age 13.790.5 years) from an Under-14 team participated. All players performed a
battery of fitness tests to assess V̇O2max, aerobic endurance performance (Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test), soccer
dribbling endurance performance (Hoff dribbling test), and power performance (maximal vertical jump, 30-m sprint with
10-m split time). Results showed that the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test was strongly correlated with V̇O2max (r0.63,
P B0.001), thereby showing the test’s criterion validity. Players with the best performance on the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test had significantly higher V̇O2max (P B0.001, large effect), and significantly better soccer dribbling endurance
(P B0.001, large effect) and 30-m sprint times (P B0.05, medium effect). Logistic regression (r 0.79, P 0.0001) showed
that Hoff dribbling test performance (explained variance 50.4%), V̇O2max (explained variance 39.7%), and 30-m sprint
time (explained variance 14.4%) were significant independent parameters contributing to performance on the Yo-Yo
intermittent endurance test. Therefore, the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test is a valid on-field aerobic endurance
performance test for young soccer players, which can also be used to differentiate the maximal aerobic capacity, soccer
dribbling endurance, and 30-m sprint performance of these players.

Keywords: Football, soccer, aerobic, youth, fitness, Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test

Introduction affected by players’ aerobic metabolism and previous

Soccer is an intermittent sport that involves low-
intensity running interspersed with high-intensity
actions over 90 min (Stolen, Chamari, Castagna, &
Wisloff, 2005). It has been reported that youth soccer
players cover distances of approximately 6
9 km
during competition (Castagna, D’Ottavio, & Abt,
2003; Helgerud, Engen, Wisloff, & Hoff, 2001). In
soccer match-play, over 90% of energy is provided by
the aerobic metabolism and the average intensity of
exercise is close to the anaerobic lactate threshold
(Bangsbo, 1994). Soccer match-play performance is
research has shown that aerobic endurance perfor-
mance is affected by several factors, including max-
imal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max), exercise economy,
lactate threshold, and oxygen uptake kinetics (Jones
& Carter, 2000). Improved aerobic endurance of
soccer players has been reported to improve physical
performance in match-play. For example, players run
greater overall distances, perform more actions with
the ball, and demonstrate similar technical perfor-
mance despite performing at a significantly higher
exercise intensity (Helgerud et al., 2001). Moreover,

Correspondence: U. Wisløff, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7489
Trondheim, Norway. E-mail: ulrik.wisloff@ntnu.no

ISSN 1746-1391 print/ISSN 1536-7290 online # 2011 European College of Sport Science
DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2010.521579
 310 P.-L. Wong et al.
recent research has reported success in youth soccer
may be associated with good aerobic endurance
performance (Vaeyens et al., 2006). Consequently,
assessment of aerobic endurance performance in
youth soccer players on a regular basis is important
to monitor their fitness, the effectiveness of physical
conditioning programmes, and prepare for further
training content.
Intermittent aerobic endurance field tests that
simulate the exercise pattern of soccer have been
developed with the aim of assessing players’ aerobic
endurance performance (Castagna et al., 2006a;
Reilly, Bangsbo, & Franks, 2000a). The Yo-Yo
intermittent endurance test (Level 1) consists of
low running speeds (8
14.5 km × h 1) and a total
distance of 4320 m, whereas the Yo-Yo intermittent
recovery test (Level 1) involves higher running speeds
(10
19 km × h 1) but with a total distance of 3640 m
(Castagna et al., 2006a; Castagna, Impellizzeri,
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Chamari, Carlomagno, & Rampinini, 2006b). These
aerobic endurance performance tests are commonly
used by soccer coaches and strength and condi-
tioning specialists with senior (Castagna, Abt, &
D’Ottavio, 2005; Stolen et al., 2005), Under-17,
and Under-18 soccer players (Castagna et al., 2006a;
Metaxas, Koutlianos, Kouidi, & Deligiannis, 2005)
because it allows squad-based testing whereby all
players can be assessed simultaneously. The validity
of Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test has been widely
studied (Castagna et al., 2006a; Krustrup et al.,
2003), whereas the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test has received little attention. Previous studies
reported moderate to high correlations (r 0.47

0.65) between peak V̇O2 values obtained during
treadmill running and the Yo-Yo intermittent endur-
ance test in adolescent soccer players aged approxi-
mately 16
18 years (Castagna et al., 2006a; Metaxas
et al., 2005). Despite the fact that the validity of the
Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test in young soccer
players has yet to be shown, it has been used in several
studies to assess aerobic endurance performance
in soccer players aged 11
15 years (Figueiredo,
Goncalves, Coelho e Silva, & Malina, 2009; Malina,
Ribeiro, Aroso, & Cumming, 2007).
Castagna et al. (2006a) suggested that perfor-
mance on the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test,
which as an aerobic endurance performance test, is
not solely determined by maximal aerobic capacity
(i.e. V̇O2max) in adolescent soccer players, but there
is no information available in the literature on the
association between the Yo-Yo intermittent endur-
ance test and other physical capacities, such as
soccer dribbling endurance performance and power
performance in young soccer players. Therefore, the
main aim of the present study was to assess the
criterion validity (i.e. association with V̇O2max) and
the construct validity (i.e. ability to differentiate
among players of varying ability) of the Yo-Yo
intermittent endurance test in a cohort of young
soccer players to gain useful information for players’
training and development. A secondary aim was to
determine whether performance on the Yo-Yo inter-
mittent endurance test has shared variance with the
aforementioned physical capacities.
Methods
Design
To determine the criterion validity of the Yo-Yo
intermittent endurance test (YYIET), we assessed
the relationship between the test and V̇O2max. In
addition, players were divided into two groups based
on performance in the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test: higher (YYIETHigh) or lower (YYIETLow) than
the median YYIET performance score (i.e. 2160 m).
The construct validity of the test was examined by
comparing the performance of the two groups
(YYIETHigh and YYIETLow). In addition, logistic
regression and correlations between the Yo-Yo inter-
mittent endurance test and other physical capacities
were calculated to determine the shared variance
between them.
In the present study, aerobic endurance perfor-
mance was assessed by the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test, soccer dribbling endurance perfor-
mance by the Hoff dribbling test (Hoff, 2005), while
power performance was assessed using a maximal
vertical jump and 30-m sprint (with 10-m split time).
The Hoff dribbling test was selected because it is a
soccer-specific aerobic endurance performance test
that has been reported to correlate strongly (r 0.68,
P B0.01) with V̇O2max in young soccer players
aged 14 years (Chamari et al., 2005). Further-
more, the test items in the present study have been
reported to demonstrate high discriminating power
in young soccer players. For example, V̇O2max has
been reported to differentiate between elite and sub-
elite soccer players aged 12
16 years (Reilly,
Williams, Nevill, & Franks, 2000b). Maximal ver-
tical jump performance was shown to be the most
discriminating variable for young soccer players (Gil,
Gil, Ruiz, Irazusta, & Irazusta, 2007). In addition,
Reilly et al. (2000b) compared elite and sub-elite
soccer players aged 15
16 years and found sprint
time to be the most discriminating variable. Speci-
fically, a 30-m sprint (with 10-m split time) has been
suggested as the ‘‘standard’’ sprint test for soccer
players (Stolen et al., 2005).
Each player performed the V̇O2max test and had
anthropometric measurements (body mass, height,
and body mass index) during the first visit to the
laboratory. After at least 5 days but no more than
7 days, further testing was conducted on a soccer

pitch with soccer sportswear in the following order:
maximal vertical jump, 30-m sprint, Hoff dribbling
test, and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test. Players
performed a 20-min warm-up consisting of slow jog,
static and dynamic stretching before testing. The
players rested for 20 min between tests for recovery
(Wong, Chamari, Dellal, & Wisloff, 2009) and
additional time was allowed if requested by the
players.
Participants
Altogether, 62 Under-14 male soccer players (ex-
cluding goalkeepers) participated in the study during
the regular season. Players (age 13.790.5 years,
soccer experience 3.791.4 years, body mass
51.198.5 kg, height 1.6690.09 m, body mass
index 18.891.8 kg × m 2) were members of regional
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Under-14 representative teams competing at the
highest regional level for their age category. All
players participated in soccer training twice a week
with each session lasting 2 h, and played in one
formal eleven-a-side match at weekends.
All players were instructed not to perform vigor-
ous exercise in the 48 h before the day of testing.
During the course of the study, all players were
instructed to maintain their normal daily food and
water intake and no dietary interventions were made.
All players were instructed to give their maximal
efforts during all tests, and verbal encouragement
was provided by the first author.
The study was conducted according to the
Declaration of Helsinki and the protocol received
approval from the local clinical research ethics
committee before testing commenced. Written in-
formed consent was received from all players and
parents after receiving a detailed explanation of the
aims, benefits, and risks involved with the study.
Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test
The Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test (level 1) was
performed in line with the guidelines presented pre-
viously (Castagna et al., 2006a). Following the
pre-recorded acoustic signals of the Yo-Yo intermit-
tent endurance test (Castagna et al., 2006a), players
run for 20 m, turn around, and then run to the
starting line. Then, the players jog and turn back in a
2.5-m shuttle during the 5 s of active recovery. The
test was terminated when a player was unable to
maintain the required speed. The distance covered in
the shuttles was recorded for analysis, but the
distance covered during rest was excluded (Castagna
et al., 2006a). Fifty-one players performed the Yo-Yo
intermittent endurance test a second time 3 days
after the initial test to verify the reliability of the test.
Validity of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test 311
Hoff dribbling test
The Hoff dribbling test is a soccer-specific aerobic
endurance test during which players have to dribble
the ball through a route of obstacles (Hoff, 2005).
Before the test, players were instructed to jog slowly
for one lap to familiarize themselves with the route;
this was followed by a self-paced dribble for another
lap. The distance for one lap has been established at
290 m by Chamari et al. (2005) to create an endur-
ance dribbling test, and the maximal distance
covered in 10 min was recorded for analysis.
Maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) test
Players ran on a motorized treadmill (cos10198, h/p/
cosmos, Germany) at a slope of 5.5% for 4 min at
7 km × h 1, followed by an increment of 1 km × h 1
each minute until exhaustion (Chamari et al., 2005).
Cardiorespiratory variables were determined using a
calibrated breath-by-breath analysis system (Meta-
Max 3B, Cortex, Germany). Heart rate was deter-
mined from a portable monitor every 5 s (Polar,
Finland). Samples of capillary blood (25 ml) were
drawn from a fingertip 3.5 min after the V̇O2max test
for subsequent determination of blood lactate con-
centration using an enzymatic method (YSI 1500,
Yellow Springs, OH, USA). All players met the
following criteria when V̇O2max was tested: (a) an
increase in V̇O2 of no more than 2.5 ml × min 1 ×
kg 1 despite the increase in running speed (Midgley,
Carroll, Marchant, McNaughton, & Siegler, 2009);
(b) a respiratory gas exchange ratio 1.1; and (c) a
blood lactate concentration 6 mmol × l 1. Max-
imum oxygen uptake was considered as the average
of the last 30 s of the test (Chamari et al., 2004).
Maximal vertical jump
In bare feet, the players commenced from an upright
standing position and performed a vertical counter-
movement jump with arm-swing on a portable plat-
form (Just Jump System, Probotics Inc., Huntsville,
AL, USA) (Wong & Wong, 2009). Jump height was
determined based on flight time (Kean, Behm, &
Young, 2006). Each player performed three jumps
interspersed with 1 min of rest, and the highest
jump was recorded for analysis (Wisloff, Castagna,
Helgerud, Jones, & Hoff, 2004). All players were
familiar with the vertical countermovement jump
because they performed this action on a regular basis
in training.
30-m sprint
The players started from a standing position with
their forward foot placed just behind the starting line
 312 P.-L. Wong et al.
and their rear foot on the device pedal. They per-
formed a 30-m sprint from a stationary start
(Chamari et al., 2004), and timing began as soon
as the rear foot left the pedal using an infrared
photoelectronic cell device (Speedtrap II Wireless
Timing System, Brower Timing System, Australia)
positioned at 10 m and 30 m from the starting line at
a height of 1 m. Players performed three trials in
total with 3 min of recovery between efforts. The
fastest 30-m sprint and the associated 10-m sprinting
time were selected for analysis (Wong et al., 2009).
Statistical analysis
Data are expressed as means9standard deviations.
Before using parametric tests, the assumption
of normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk
W-test. Pearson’s product
moment correlation coef-
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ficient was used to assess the relationship between
performance on the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test and other physical capacities. To determine
which independent parameters contributed to Yo-
Yo intermittent endurance test performance, logistic
regression was performed with the Yo-Yo intermit-
tent endurance test as the dependent parameter. The
magnitude of the correlations was determined using
the modified scale of Hopkins (2000): trivial, r B0.1;
low, r 0.1
0.3; moderate, r 0.3
0.5; high,
r 0.5
0.7; very high, r 0.7
0.9; nearly perfect,
r 0.9; and perfect, r 1. In line with this scale,
criterion validity was accepted when a ‘‘high’’ value
(or above) was observed between the Yo-Yo inter-
mittent endurance test and V̇O2max. Furthermore,
an independent-samples t-test was used to examine
differences in physical performance between the
players based on performance in the Yo-Yo inter-
mittent endurance test: higher (YYIETHigh) or lower
(YYIETLow) than the median YYIET performance
score (i.e. 2160 m). Effect sizes (Coden’s d) were
calculated to determine the practical difference
between YYIETLow and YYIETHigh. Effect size
values of 0
0.19, 0.20
0.49, 0.50
0.79, and ]0.8
were considered to represent trivial, small, medium,
Table I. Correlations between physical performance tests (N62)
YYIET Hoff dribbling test
YYIET
Hoff dribbling test 0.71***
V̇O2max 0.63*** 0.57***
Vertical jump 0.14 0.18
10-m sprint time 0.20 0.16
30-m sprint time 0.38** 0.30*
Note: YYIET  Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test; V̇O2max maximal oxygen uptake. Significant correlation: *P B0.05, **P B0.01,
***PB0.001.
and large differences, respectively (Cohen, 1988).
Statistical significance level was set at P B0.05.
The reliability of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test was assessed by the intra-class correlation
coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV).
The present study found the Yo-Yo intermittent en-
durance test to be highly repeatable (ICC 0.99;
CV5.7%, N51). Previous studies have shown
that other tests in the present study are also highly
repeatable: Hoff dribbling test (CV 4.8%) (Kemi,
Hoff, Engen, Helgerud, & Wisloff, 2003); incre-
mental treadmill test for determination of V̇O2max
(CV B5.0%) (Pivarnik, Dwyer, & Lauderdale,
1996); maximal vertical jump (ICC 0.97;
CV4.0%) (Wong et al., 2009); and 30-m sprint
(ICC 0.96; CV2.3%) (Wong et al., 2009).
Results
The distance covered in the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test was highly correlated with V̇O2max
(P0.0001, Table I). Altogether, 32 players were
classified as YYIETHigh (26949557 m) and 30
players as YYIETLow (13219443 m). Compared
with the YYIETLow players, the YYIETHigh group
had significantly higher V̇O2max (P0.0001, large
effect, Table II), and significantly better performance
on the Hoff dribbling test (P 0.0001, large effect)
and 30-m sprint (P0.015, medium effect). The
distance covered in the Yo-Yo intermittent endur-
ance test was very highly correlated with Hoff
dribbling test performance (P0.0001, Table I),
moderately correlated with 30-m sprint time
(P0.002), but had a low correlation with 10-m
sprint (P 0.12) and vertical jump performance
(P0.28).
The distance covered in the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test had shared variance with the Hoff
dribbling test (50.4%), V̇O2max (39.7%), 30-m
sprint (14.4%), 10-m sprint (4.0%), and vertical
jump performance (2.0%). Logistic regression
(r 0.79, P 0.0001, N62) showed that Hoff
dribbling test performance (P 0.0001), V̇O2max
(P0.002), and 30-m sprint time (P0.028) were
V̇O2max Vertical jump 10-m sprint time
0.11
0.21 0.27*
0.23 0.33** 0.71***

Table II. Characteristics of the YYIETLow and YYIETHigh groups (mean9s)
Physical performances YYIETHigh (N 32)
Age (years) 13.790.5
Soccer experience (years) 4.191.1
Body mass (kg) 51.497.1
Height (m) 1.6690.09
Body mass index (kg × m 2) 18.391.4*
Hoff dribbling test (m) 14899158***
V̇O2max (ml × min 1 × kg 1) 58.494.5***
Vertical jump (cm) 53.6911.7
10-m sprint time (s) 2.0690.19
30-m sprint time (s) 4.7890.27*
Note: YYIET  Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test; V̇O2max maximal oxygen uptake. Significant difference between YYIETLow and
YYIETHigh: *PB0.05, **P B0.01, ***PB0.001.
significant independent parameters contributing to
performance on the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test, while vertical jump and 1-0m sprint time
were not:
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YYIET ¼ 0:48 ðHoff diistance coveredÞ
þ 0:32 ðV_ O2 max Þ
 0:28 ð30m sprint timeÞ
Discussion
The criterion validity of the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test to assess maximal aerobic capacity
in youth soccer players was confirmed in the present
study. Furthermore, players who performed better
on the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test had
significantly higher V̇O2max and performed signifi-
cantly better on the Hoff dribbling test and 30-m
sprint. Moreover, Hoff dribbling test performance,
V̇O2max, and 30-m sprint time were significant
independent parameters contributing to perfor-
mance on the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test.
In the present study, there was a high correlation
between distance covered in the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test and V̇O2max during the treadmill
running test. This relationship is stronger than that
reported by Castagna et al. (2006a) and Metaxas
et al. (2005). Castagna et al. (2006a) reported a
moderate relationship (r 0.49) between V̇O2max
measured during continuous treadmill running and
distance covered in the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test in non-elite soccer players aged 16.6 years. In
addition, Castagna et al. (2006a) reported no sig-
nificant difference in V̇O2max values and heart rates
recorded during the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test and continuous treadmill running. Metaxas et al.
(2005) examined the correlation between V̇O2max
values obtained during the Yo-Yo intermittent en-
durance test and treadmill running tests in late
adolescent elite soccer players (i.e. 18.191.0 years)
and reported values ranging from 0.47 to 0.59.
Validity of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test 313
YYIETLow (N30) Effect size
13.790.6 0.04 (trivial)
3.491.6 0.50 (medium)
50.899.8 0.07 (trivial)
1.6690.09 0.07 (trivial)
19.492.0 0.59 (medium)
13259139 1.10 (large)
52.996.9 0.97 (large)
52.496.9 0.12 (trivial)
2.0990.14 0.18 (trivial)
4.9990.38 0.63 (medium)
Previous researchers have reported high correla-
tions between continuous shuttle running tests and
V̇O2max (r 0.87
0.92) (Leger, Mercier, Gadoury, &
Lambert, 1988; Ramsbottom, Brewer, & Williams,
1988). The weaker association observed in the
present study is similar to that previously reported
for other intermittent field test protocols involving
intermittent shuttle running over 20 m (Bangsbo,
Iaia, & Krustrup, 2008; Rampinini et al., 2010),
which could be attributed to the mode of running in
the treadmill protocol (continuous vs. intermittent).
In this regard, Metaxas et al. (2005) reported a
higher association between V̇O2max measured in the
Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test and an intermit-
tent treadmill running test (r 0.59, PB0.001)
compared with a continuous protocol (r 0.47,
P B0.005). It might be speculated that in the present
study the correlation between the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test and V̇O2max would have been higher if
an intermittent treadmill protocol had been used,
because intermittent exercise has a lower rate of fat
oxidation and higher rate of carbohydrate oxidation
than continuous exercise (Christmass, Dawson,
Passeretto, & Arthur, 1999).
In the present study, there was a stronger correla-
tion between the Hoff dribbling test and the Yo-Yo
intermittent endurance test (r 0.71) compared
with V̇O2max (r 0.57, Table I). Although the Hoff
dribbling test requires a complicated field set-up
before implementation, the dribbling movement in
the test and change of direction at various running
speeds in the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test are
similar to match requirements (Stolen et al., 2005).
The treadmill V̇O2max test fails to take this into
account because it does not require players to turn or
change direction. In the present study, Hoff drib-
bling test performance was highly correlated with
V̇O2max (r 0.68, P B0.01), confirming findings
previously reported by Chamari et al. (2005) in elite
soccer players of a similar age (i.e. 1490.4 years) to
the present participants. Although in the present
study the physiological demands during the Yo-Yo
 314 P.-L. Wong et al.
intermittent endurance test were not measured in the
way Castagna et al. (2006a) and Metaxas et al.
(2005) did, the aerobic nature of the test is clearly
evinced by the high association with criterion
V̇O2max and the very high association with the Hoff
dribbling test. Moreover, the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test is better than V̇O2max when assessing
soccer dribbling endurance performance.
Castagna et al. (2006a) suggested that variables
other than aerobic capacity may affect performance
on the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test, but no
significant correlation or trend between counter-
movement jump and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test performance was reported in their study. The
present study showed only low to moderate associa-
tions between short-term power performance and
performance on the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test. Despite logistic regression showing that 30-m
sprint time is a significant independent parameter
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contributing to Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test
performance, it only shared 14.4% variance with
distance covered in the Yo-Yo intermittent endur-
ance test. Based on the results of the present study, it
appears that Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test
performance may be associated with other power
and anaerobic physical capacities. We speculate that
performance in the domain of repeated sprint ability
may exert an influence on Yo-Yo intermittent en-
durance test performance and further study is
warranted. Moreover, performance on the Hoff
dribbling test and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance
test might have been affected, as there was only
20 min recovery between the two tests in the present
study. This might have led to carry-over fatigue
effects, and thus might have influenced the results.
Future studies should examine the optimal recovery
duration between two maximal aerobic endurance
performance tests, so that there is no carry-over
fatigue effect and several tests can be efficiently
conducted within a short period of time.
Conclusions
Improved aerobic endurance performance of soccer
players has been reported to improve physical
performance in match-play and therefore regular
assessment of aerobic endurance performance is
warranted. In the present study, the distance covered
in the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test (Level 1)
was highly correlated with maximal aerobic capacity
(i.e. V̇O2max). Therefore, the Yo-Yo intermittent
endurance test is a valid on-field aerobic endurance
performance test for young soccer players, which can
also be used to differentiate the maximal aerobic
capacity, soccer dribbling endurance, and 30-m
sprint performance of these players. Coaches can
use the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test as a valid
assessment of aerobic endurance performance in
youth soccer players to monitor fitness, the effec-
tiveness of physical conditioning programmes, and
prepare for further training content.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Mr. Christopher Carling for his
review of and comments on the original draft of the
manuscript.
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