Illinois Agility Test For Soccer Player

Objective: Evaluate athletic acceleration, change of direction, and body control.
Equipment: Eight 12-inch (30 cm) cones, stopwatch
Procedure: This test should be performed on a nonslick surface such as grass or artificial turf. Eight cones are arranged in a 10-by-10-yard square with four cones set at the corners and the other four set halfway (5 yd.) in a weave pattern, as shown in figure 2.1. A timer should stand at the finish area.

Figure 2.1 Illinois agility test.

To begin the test, position yourself at the designated starting cone lying facedown, your head even with the cone. Your hands and feet are raised off the ground in a stationary position. Start the test by getting off the ground quickly and accelerating to the top corner cone. After making a quick turn around the cone, again accelerate to the middle set of cones and perform a weave-type run up and back. At this point, reaccelerate to the farthest corner cone, make another turn, and sprint through the finish line. Two trials should be allowed, starting the test from both sides to compare right and left turning efficiency.
Evaluation: A successful run (less than 15 sec. for women and 14 sec. for men) indicates that you have the ability to move in a well-coordinated, explosive manner. A low score (greater than 16 sec. for women and 15 sec. for men) points to a need to develop core strength and acceleration/ reacceleration techniques. Drills such as plyometrics (jumps, hops, an< bounds) and practicing starting and stopping quickly on command will help increase your performance on the Illinois agility test.