ABSTRACT
Soccer is a power endurance sport that requires a high aerobic capacity along with explosive and physical contributions throughout a match. Elite soccer athletes must maintain peak physical performance in order to compete at the highest level. Therefore, power, acceleration, speed, strength, and agility are all required for success. Additionally, body composition, biomarkers, and psychological health are important measures for determining athlete capabilities and training status. Measurement of these physical capabilities allows athletes and coaches to select training strategies specifically designed to improve the aspect in need while identifying strengths upon which they can build. Testing results should be quantifiable and meaningful in order to establish strengths, weaknesses, and changes over time. These tests can be performed both in a laboratory-based and a field-based setting, with the most accurate results coming from laboratory-based testing. The decision of what type of test to use may depend largely on the time commitment of the test, the physical burden placed on the athlete, the monetary cost of the equipment necessary to run the test, tester expertise, and accuracy of the test. Testing should be viewed as a vital part of your overall athlete management strategy and provide a level of accountability for the athlete. However, coaches and the sport science staff need to be able to interpret the objective data within the context of the athlete and the team. When applied correctly, testing allows for the development of an athlete blueprint for peak performance.
