SPARQ Soccer
SPARQ is actually a test for determining a person's athletic capabilities. Since soccer is a sport that requires a person to be athletic, the term SPARQ soccer also becomes poignant. This is a test that has been developed by the soccer merchandise biggie Nike, and was first developed as a marketing ploy. But Nike has definitely gone beyond its jerseys and jackets because this test is considered to be an acid test to determine how a person will perform at the game of soccer.
SPARQ stands for the 5 vital elements that athletic practice requires. The first letters of these 5 words make up its name. These are:-
S = Speed
P = Power
A = Agility
R = Reaction
Q = Quickness
Another element that is incorporated in the SPARQ Soccer tests but does not figure in its name is Endurance. This quality is given a lot of importance in soccer because the player requires to have the requisite stamina to last for those 90 minutes on the playing field. Endurance is important in SPARQ Soccer and in some areas of athletics as well where it is required for the player to last for a long time on the field.
There are several different components of the SPARQ evaluation tests. The following are the main ones, according to the attribute they are aimed at.
40 Yard Dash - This is to test Speed. A referee records the time taken to make the 40 yard dash and awards points accordingly.
Kneeling Power Ball Toss - This is a test for the Power. The fact that the person has to kneel on the ground while throwing a ball (which weighs 2-3 kilograms) makes this test somewhat difficult. The ball is meant to be thrown as far from the player as possible. The distance that the throw covers is assessed.
Vertical Jump - This is another test for Power. This jump is made from some kind of equipment like a pad. The person can propel the body from a crouching position so as to give better momentum. The height that the person attains is recorded, which then adds to the score.
Shuttle - This is a test for Agility. This is much like a relay race, where the person is meant to run a distance of 5 yards in one direction, touch an object and then run 10 yards in a different direction, touch another mark there and return to the point of commencement. The time taken to complete the entire relay is measured. This time is then converted into points that add to the overall score.
Yo-Yo - This test measure Reaction, Quickness as well as Endurance. Here the person is supposed to continuously change direction while running a distance of 20 yards. If the distance is covered before a set time, the person is supposed to run back in the direction of the starting line. The process repeats until the player is unable to complete a particular sprint in the stipulated time. Beeps are used to indicate that the time is up.
The SPARQ Soccer tests are being taken quite seriously nowadays, to the extent that replica tests are being used for kids at school. The test is a complete measure of a person's fitness and athletic capability.
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