Field hockey is one of the most aerobically demanding team sports. Players cover 8 to 10 kilometres per game, with a continuous mix of jogging, running and high intensity bursts throughout 60 minutes of play. Top international players have been recorded covering over 11 kilometres in a single match.
Typical Scores for Hockey Players
International / Professional
Midfielders, who cover the most ground during a game, tend to score at the higher end.
Defenders / Forwards (Elite)
Slightly lower movement demands than midfielders but still requiring very strong aerobic fitness.
Competitive Club
Strong benchmark for competitive club level. Target level 11 or above for outfield players.
Recreational / Social
Adequate fitness for the demands of the game at recreational and social level.
Why Hockey Players Respond Well to Beep Test Training
Hockey involves constant short sprints, changes of direction and recovery periods — a pattern that closely matches the structure of the beep test. Beep test specific training therefore has excellent transfer to hockey fitness.
The additional challenge for hockey players is that much of their movement is in a semi-crouched position due to stick technique requirements. This places extra demand on the lower back and hamstrings during sustained running. The beep test does not replicate this, but a strong aerobic base developed through beep test training still supports match performance significantly.
Pre-season Targeting
For club hockey players starting a new season, use the 6 week training plan on this site during pre-season. Target level 11 or above as your goal if you play outfield at competitive club level. The interval sessions in weeks 3 to 5 are particularly relevant.
During the season, maintaining beep test fitness while managing match and training load is the challenge. One beep test specific session per week alongside normal training is usually enough to maintain the fitness built in pre-season.