In this article we will discuss about the half Cooper test. This test allows you to calculate your Maximum Aerobic Speed like many others tests. We can mention the Vameval test and the 45-15 test which are among the best known. Any physical trainer (or sports coach) needs to know the MAS of his athletes in order to be able to individualise his training. His main objective is to promote his progress and avoid possibles injuries. The characteristics of the audience (age, level, gender, ability to excel, etc.) must be taken into account.

Test procedure

The half-Cooper test is a rectangular continuous VMA test. This test requires you to run the longest distance possible in 6 minutes. A good warm-up is necessary beforehand. This test is best performed on flat ground. At the end of the 6-minute effort, simply record the distance covered. To find out your MAS, simply multiply your distance covered in km/h by 10.

The sportbeeper is the ideal tool for this group test, as it emits an audible signal on arrival and departure.

Avantages / Inconvénients

Advantages :

Simple to use: with this test, there’s no need to have a table with the distance covered corresponding to the VMA. With this test, all the runner has to do is give it their all for 6 minutes. As it doesn’t involve a round trip, this test is less energy-intensive than the Luc Léger shuttle test, for example.

Disadvantages

Keeping a steady pace throughout the test is a key factor in success. However, if you can’t keep up a steady pace, you’re likely to miss the test with a much slower pace at the end, or you won’t be able to catch up if you start at too slow a pace. The VMA will therefore be underestimated.