What is YoYo Test In Cricket? – New Fitness Rules, Qualification

A YoYo Test is a modified version of the Beep Test or Lager Test where a 10 seconds break is introduced after every shuttle before a player starts to run for the next shuttle.

Like many other tests of fitness, it involves running at ever-increasing speeds, to exhaustion. However, a crucial difference is that the YoYo Intermittent test has periodic rest intervals, thus simulating the nature of exertion in stop-and-go sports.

Post the BCCI’s review meeting on January 1, 2023, BCCI confirms that the Yo-Yo Test and Dexa will be a part of the selection criteria.

What is YoYo Test In Cricket?

In cricket, players sprint between the wickets while batting, behind the ball while fielding, towards the stumps while bowling and then there is a break of a few seconds before the next event happens. This is exactly why the Yo-Yo test is done with the 10 seconds break.

Modified YoYo Test

The new updated yo-yo test involves shuttling over a 20-meter distance at increasing speeds, the two-kilometers time trial has to be accomplished in 8 minutes and 15 seconds for fast bowlers, and 8 minutes and 30 seconds for the rest.

What is Shuttle in YoYo Test?

A Shuttle is a basic unit in the YoYo test. The test is conducted using two cones that are placed 20 meters, roughly the length of a cricket pitch, apart from each other on a flat ground.

A player begins the shuttle from Position A (as showcased in the image above) on the first beep and has to reach the cone at Position B before the second beep. Then, the player turns around and starts running back to the cone at position A i.e. the starting point, and has to reach there before the third beep.

Basically, a shuttle is when a player covers 40 meters between the two cones placed 20 meters apart, to and fro, within three beeps. As the levels increase, the time between the beeps reduce. Meaning, the individual has to run gradually faster to cover the 40-meter distance to clear the level.

The 40-meter distance of every shuttle is gradually accumulated over the different levels in the period of a complete yo-yo test.

What are the types of YoYo Tests?

There are four versions of the Yo-Yo Intermittent test:

• Recovery Level 1 (YoYo IR1). This is the most popular version focusing “on the capacity to carry out intermittent exercise leading to a maximal activation of the aerobic system”.
• Recovery Level 2 (YoYo IR2). This is a tougher version of “Recovery Level 1”. It “determines an individual’s ability to recover from repeated exercise with a high contribution from the anaerobic system”.
• Endurance Level 1 (YoYo IE1). This may be used to test participants in less vigorous sports that usually last longer.
• Endurance Level 2 (YoYo IE2). This is a tougher version of “Endurance Level 1”.

YoYo Test Procedure

The setup for all 4 versions is identical. Prior to the test commencing, runners line up at position A, facing Position B.

For a detailed understanding check the “Yo-Yo test track” image posted above:

• Following a countdown, a double beep signals the start.
• Runners commence running towards the B.
• At or before the following beep, runners must reach the B. Touching with a single foot is acceptable
• At or after, but not before, the same beep, runners commence running back to the A.
• At or before the next beep, runners must reach back to the A
• The rest period now commences 10 seconds in the Recovery tests, and 5 seconds in the Endurance tests.
• Runners stroll to the C, then return to the A
• A beep indicates the end of the rest period and the start of the next circuit (back to Step 1).

After a predetermined number of circuits at a speed level (which varies with each version of the test), the speed level changes. This is signaled, usually, by a double beep or, possibly, a voice cue. The required speed at the new speed level will be faster.

YoYo Test Scoring Method

YoYo Test Scoring Method is usually graded in two systems. Following are the details of the YoYo Test Scoring Method:

Circuits “terminology” – for example, if a player scored 17.1 it will indicate that the player have “completed 1 circuit at level 17”.

Scores may be recorded as distance – for example, 1940 meters.

The two methods correlate exactly, meaning that given one, it is possible to determine the other.

Recovery Level 1 (YoYo IR1)

Note: A circuit consists of running two shuttles followed by a 10 second rest period

YoYo IR1 appears to be the most popular test, primarily because it is considered a good indicator of the aerobic capacity of athletes in intermittent sports.

Recovery Level 2 (YoYo IR2)

The YoYo IR2 test is usually used to evaluate elite level athletes, specifically aimed at determining the athlete’s ability to perform well in the aerobic and anaerobic spectrum.

Endurance Level 1 (YoYo IE1)

Endurance Level 2 (YoYo IE2)

All table derived from “The YoYo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results”

Who invented the YoYo 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.

When was the YoYo test introduced to the Indian cricket team?

Former Indian cricket team’s strength and conditioning coach Shankar Basu introduced the Yo-Yo test to the national side ahead of India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2017.