The creator of the Yo-Yo Test says ‘cannot select players based on a single test’

Dr Jens Bangsbo, a Danish soccer physiologist, who created the Yo-Yo Test has not said that one cannot select players based on a single test.

In the press conference prior to the UK tour Indian head coach Ravi Shastri said, “Both abilities and fitness are important but what fitness does is that it enhances your ability and this is why the Yo Yo test is beneficial.

“Those who think that this Yo-Yo test is a one-off event, they can go for a walk in the park. It is here to stay. The team management, the selection committee all are on the same page and players have responded beautifully. You pass you play, you fail you sail.”

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However, Dr Jens Bangsbo a Danish soccer physiologist who introduced the Yo-Yo test in football in 1991 has now said that one cannot select players based on a single test. In an interview to Sportstar Bangsbo said:

“The question is clear – you cannot select players based on a single test. The tests were developed in the early 1991, as I felt that the sports with intermittent exercise patterns were lacking appropriate tests.

“The performance is assessed as the distance covered in the test. Between each shuttle, there is a 5- or 10-second rest period and the participant finishes the test when he or she twice has not been able to complete the shuttle within the given time (as the speed progressively increases). A sub-maximal where the participant runs for five minutes and the heart rate is measured is also a very useful test to see the development,” Bangsbo said explaining the intricacies of the test.

This comes as good news for players like Ambati Rayudu, Mohammed Shami and Sanju Samson who failed to qualify the test. Amid rising opposition, there may be a case of some relief for these players.