The Post-Holiday Hustle Begins!

The holiday spirit has faded, and the only thing on the agenda is sweat and determination. Welcome to the grueling world of pre-season running tests in football—a scenario devoid of footballs but brimming with challenges and adrenaline.

A Traditional Rite of Passage

Across Europe, teams are putting their players through intense fitness evaluations, marking the end of their summer breaks with a series of demanding running exercises. Gone are the infamous bleep tests that haunted players in the '80s and '90s; today’s tests are psychological and physical odysseys that command players to push their limits.

The Soundtrack of Struggle

Picture this: players lined up, nerves pulsing, as coaches shout motivational phrases like "dig in" and "keep pushing." The air is thick with expectancy, as each athlete prepares to test their mettle against the clock and their teammates.

Inside the Running Tests: A Closer Look

With expert insights from The Athletic, we delve into some of the most rigorous pre-season running tests that challenge both fitness and mental grit. Get ready to lace up your trainers!

1. Six-Minute Maximal Running Test (6RMT)