Skills tests are nothing new to football and coaches come up with ever more inventive ways to implement them. However the question must be asked, why do we skills test a player? If the answer is for entertainment value and keep player amused during a session then so be it. But can these tests be much more? Can they be of entertainment value and stimulate the development interest of each player? Not only that but can the data gained from the tests be used to create coaching sessions that help a player develop their all round ability?
For example when a player is injured, how do we as coaches know when they are fully fir again? The answer is simple and has been staring us in the face for a long time. If we had a record of a player fitness levels prior to an injury, then we can measure their fitness levels after an injury and know exactly when they are "FULLY FIT" again. Many many a player get injured then proclaims to be fit again but gets another type of injury. This is because the body has over compensated during the healing process, for instance if a player gets an injured ankle he/she may limp for a few weeks while it is healing. This limp will create stress on other parts of the body, such as the opposite ankle or in the groin area. The player will declare fit and play in matches and training then break down with this opposite ankle or groin.
By fitness testing the coach can have a clear picture of how a players body is coping and progressing.
PFA have created 3 fitness tests and 3 skills tests that will allow a player to use various muscle groups and demonstrate a level of fitness. This level of fitness can be used in various ways, for example, as mentioned above to regain full fitness or to give the coach particular knowledge of any areas that a player may require to develop to improve. Through these tests a player may show signs of weakness in his/her speed endurance rate. This may have been apparent to the coach but the player may argue this fact, but by using the fitness test guide the coach has specific evidence to prove the point. Therefore specific coaching sessions can be set up to cater for this weakness and then assist the player to develop.
This can be the case for both fitness testing and skills testing and the knowledge gained from these tests will be used to enhance the ability of every player.
DRIBBLING
The Test
The player stands behind the start/finish line with a ball. The coach calls three, two, one, "GO". On the command GO, the player dribbles the ball round cone A, then round cone B, and round cone C. The player then dribbles back round cone B and then round cone A. The players then dribbles the ball through the finish line. When both the ball and the player are over the finish line the coach stops the timer and records the score.
RUNNING WITH THE BALL
The Test
The player stands behind line B. The coach passes a ball to the player who controls the ball behind line B (If the player controls the ball in front of line B the test must be restarted). When the player first touches the ball the timer is started. The player must run the ball up and control it in between line C and D. The player must then collect the second ball and run it back and control it between lines A and B. The coach stops the timer as soon as the player puts his/her foot on top of the ball between lines A and B. The player must ensure that both balls have been controlled within the correct areas, if this is not done then the test is void and no score recorded.
TURNING
THE TEST
The player stands at the start line B. The coach calls three, two, one, "GO". On the command GO, the player dribbles the ball past line C then turns with the ball. The player must then dribble the ball past line back past line B and again turn with the ball, Then dribble past line D and turn. The player then runs the ball past line A and stops the ball with the sole of the foot. When the player stops the ball passed line A the coach stops the timer and records the players score.
AGILITY RUN
SPRINT TEST
