NEW DELHI: Ramji Srinivasan, the former strength and conditioning coach of the Indian team, has lauded the move of bringing in the Bronco Test as part of assessing the fitness levels of senior men’s side players.
Sources aware of the development told IANS on Thursday that the Bronco Test, primarily used as a hard-aerobic running assessment for rugby players’, will be used now as part of fitness testing protocols for the Indian men’s team.
“The test has been introduced at the CoE for the India senior men’s side only, along with the existing 2 km trial and yo-yo tests. It is to be noted that this test has not yet been introduced at the domestic level for any side, though it is understood that Tamil Nadu has initiated this testing a few months ago, ” further said sources to IANS.
In this test, players will be required to complete a sequence of shuttle runs over 60m, 40m and 20m for five sets. The aim for the players is to complete the test of 1200m overall in as quick a time as possible, without taking break.
“This is one test where which can be done anytime and anywhere. It's pertinent to all skill-sets, which is phenomenal. It has been done all over the world. People have shifted from yo-yo to this and the readings are so accurate really. We can measure the fatigue index also, which is very, very good.
"Apart from this, you can measure your VO2 max and sprint fatigue levels. It's a very simple and effective plus efficient way of assessing fitness levels. It’s very easy to set up and really pushes the athlete to the max, ” said Srinivasan to IANS.
He also stated that the initial base level timing for completing the test would be preferred to be at 5:15 to 5:30, adding that sub-five will be a very good timing to finish the entire set.
"That should be the level and I'm sure Adrian (Le Roux, Indian team’s strength and conditioning coach) can make them do it in a matter of time. I'm sure these guys will get the hang of it. For any cricketer to call themselves an elite athlete, they should be aiming for sub-five timing. Also, this test can be repeated anywhere - indoor or outdoor. It's mainly used for rugby players, and this kind of testing is either rugby or soccer-oriented.