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What Is Yo-Yo Test In Cricket, And Who Introduces It?

What Is Yo-Yo Test In Cricket, And Who Introduces It?

Are you new to the Yo-Yo test in cricket? Delve into the nuances, including its purpose, rules and regulations, and induction into Indian cricket!

Whether it’s badminton, tennis or cricket, fitness is an indispensable cornerstone in sports, profoundly influencing an athlete’s overall performance. In competitive sports, a high fitness level is synonymous with improved performance. It empowers sportspersons to execute their skills efficiently and consistently. A well-fit body not only enhances speed, power and agility but also minimises the risk of injuries, fostering sustained participation and progression. 

Talking about the cricketers, they are monitored and evaluated throughout the year. Various fitness matches and fitness routines are conducted to check their agility, strength and patience. The Yo-Yo test in cricket is one of the fitness tests that has emerged as a vital thing to examine the physical prowess of cricket players. This test match is regarded as a benchmark of endurance and cardiovascular fitness and has gained prominence across cricket-playing nations, including India, due to its attributes. If you want to know more about the Yo-Yo test in cricket? Reading this blog would be worthwhile!

Introduction To Yo-Yo Test 

The Yo-Yo test, aka Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, is a fitness assessment that measures the sportsperson’s fitness strength and recovery ability. Danish soccer physiologist Jens Bangsbo introduced this test, but it has been adopted by various sports, including cricket, to evaluate the ability to perform repetitive high-intensity activities. In cricket, the Yo-Yo test assesses the player’s fitness level in scenarios like chasing the ball, players sprinting between the wickets while batting, and quickly recovering before the next burst of activity. The Yo-Yo test in cricket is done with a break of 10 seconds. These are the traditional rules and regulations of Yo-Yo test in cricket. Now the regulations have been amended, and the new Yo-Yo test rules involve shuttling* over 20-metre distances at increasing speeds; the 2 kilometres time trial has to be completed in 8 minutes and 15 seconds for the last bowlers and 8 minutes and 30 seconds for the rest. 

* Shuttle is the basic unit in the Yo-Yo test. While conducting the test, two cones are placed at a distance of 20 metres, roughly equal to the length of the cricket pitch. The two cones are called Pont A and Point B. 

Now, in the Yo-Yo test in cricket, the player begins shuttling from Point A on the first beep and has to reach Point B before the second beep. Then, the player turns around, starts running back towards Point A, and has to reach before the third beep. 

Basically, the player has to cover 40 metres between the two cones placed 20 metres apart. Step by step, the level increases, but the time between the beeps reduces. That means the player has to cover the 40-metre distance in the reduced time to clear the level. 

Rules & Regulations Of Yo-Yo test in cricket

Here are the rules & regulations of the Yo-Yo test in cricket. 

Test Structure – The Yo-Yo test involves multiple levels, each denoted by a numerical value. Players must reach the mark before the beep (as discussed above) and make it to the marker in time for every subsequent shuttle run. Failure to hit the mark within the time for two consecutive shuttles will result in the player’s elimination from the test. 

Scoring- The level and shuttle number the player reaches before exhaustion determines their Yo-Yo scores. The final number is usually expressed as a combination of level and shuttle numbers. 

Test Termination – The test continues until a player reaches maximum exertion point and cannot complete a shuttle run within the designated time frame for two consecutive periods. 

Intensity Increase – As the level increases, the time allotted for completing each shuttle reduces, demanding faster sprints and quicker recovery. This results in enhanced agility; eventually, players can swiftly move between different areas of the field. 

Fitness Assessment – The Yo-Yo test is an integral part of cricket, due to which it is often conducted before or during the training camps, tours and selection trials. The scores are used to evaluate their endurance and suitability for different game formats. 

Variation – The testing protocols, such as specific audio cues, speed increment and marking distance of Yo-Yo test in cricket, may vary depending on the cricket teams and variations. However, the fundamental principles of the Yo-Yo test remain the same. 

Who Introduced the Yo-Yo Test In Indian Cricket? 

In India, the Yo-Yo test in cricket was introduced during Virat Kholi’s tenure as Indian Captain, and the passing score was 16.1. The current passing score of the Yo-Yo test in cricket in India is 16.5. 

FAQs

Since it is a fitness test, it is also important for the IPL. Not necessarily; it is an essential part of the selection process. 

Every country has different rules and scores for the Yo-Yo test in cricket. India has a maximum score of 17.1 to be considered for selection. 

The Yo-Yo test was mandatory until 2016, but the COVID-19 pandemic scrapped it. 

Ahmed Bandey earned the highest score on the Yo-Yo test in cricket. He scored 19.4 in the test match in 2018. 

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