2012 Youth Coaching Manual - AFL Community

4. SPEED ENDURANCE
6 x 30m repeat sprint
Protocol:
1) The over-ground, repeated-sprint test requires the players to perform six maximal 30m sprints, departing every 20 seconds.
2) Timing gates at the 0-30m marks for the number of lanes being used (typically one to three depending on the number of players
to be tested, available equipment and staff). Place a cone marker for the turnaround point at both ends exactly 10m from the 0m
and 30m timing gates. At each running lane position a starting line exactly 1m behind the 0m line of the timing gates.
3) All players should be given appropriate instruction and a short warm-up of light running and stretching should be
undertaken prior to the test. The start position for each sprint in both directions is at the line marked 1m from each timing
gate.
4) The test starts with a 30m sprint. The player gradually decelerates through to a jog/walk by the 10m cone, turns and
commences the return journey back to the 1m starting line. As a five-second warning is given, the player should be at the
starting line in a relaxed position, and only assumes the ready position immediately before the ‘go’ command to commence
the next sprint.
5) The total time (seconds) is used as the criterion score. Other possible outcome measures to include are the comparison of the
fastest time against the primary 20m sprint test time, and the percentage decrement in velocity (time) over the test.
5. Endurance
20m Shuttle Run
Protocol:
1) Players line up at the start line of the 20m. Shuttle run.
2) Players are instructed to continue until they can no longer keep up with the progressively increasing running pace
determined by the beep signal from the tape. At every beep the runners foot must be on or over the red line.
3) The test is complete when the player can not maintain the running speed for two successive beeps. After the first miss
the player is cautioned and told they must make the line by the next beep. If the player’s foot is then not on, or over the
line by the next beep, the test is terminated and the score given is the last level attained, not the current level they are
attempting.
3km Time Trial
Groups of 15-25 players, on a synthetic athletics track, participate in each trial under strict supervision with individual times recorded.
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