Skip to main content Skip to content
Exercise Tests

Anaerobic Speed Reserve Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

Anaerobic Speed Reserve Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

Preview

(2026). Anaerobic Speed Reserve Test — Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, September 25, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/anaerobic-speed-reserve-test/

1 min read

Measures: Anaerobik hız rezervi (ASR = Vmax − MAS)

Table of Contents
  1. Protocol
  2. Formula
  3. Equipment Required
  4. Normative Values (Age: 18-35 (takım sporcuları))
  5. Practical Applications
  6. Limitations

Difficulty: Orta  |  Category: Anaerobik

Protocol

The Anaerobic Speed Reserve (ASR) Test determines the difference between an athlete’s maximal sprint speed and maximal aerobic speed (MAS). It is both a conceptual and practical measurement protocol. High ASR indicates both high anaerobic and good aerobic capacity.

Preparation: Two separate test components are required:
1. Maximal sprint speed (Vmax) test
2. Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) test

Vmax Test: The participant performs a flying 30–40m sprint. Photoelectric cells are placed in the 10–20m measurement zone. Maximum speed is determined in m/s or km/h. 3 trials, best value used.

MAS Test: Final stage speed from the Beep Test or MAS-calculating field test is used. Alternatively, estimated from laboratory VO₂max measurement (MAS = VO₂max × calibrated factor).

Calculation: ASR (m/s) = Vmax − MAS. Typically:
– Endurance athletes: ASR ≈ 1–2 m/s (narrow reserve)
– Sprint/power athletes: ASR ≈ 4–6 m/s (wide reserve)
– Team sport athletes: ASR ≈ 2–4 m/s (intermediate reserve)

ASR Usage: Critical for individualization in training intensity prescription. Specific percentages of ASR correspond to different energy system zones.

Post-Test: ASR value is interpreted for training load planning and individual conditioning profile.

Formula

ASR (m/s) = Vmax (m/s) - MAS (m/s); antrenman yoğunluğu = MAS + (x% × ASR)

Equipment Required

düz alan 30-50m, fotosel sistemi, ses kaydı (MAS testi için)

Normative Values (Age: 18-35 (takım sporcuları))

Classification Male Female
Excellent ASR >4.0 m/s ASR >3.5 m/s
Good ASR 3.0-4.0 m/s ASR 2.5-3.5 m/s
Average ASR 2.0-3.0 m/s ASR 1.5-2.5 m/s
Below Average ASR 1.0-2.0 m/s ASR 0.5-1.5 m/s
Poor ASR <1.0 m/s ASR <0.5 m/s

Practical Applications

The ASR concept is gaining increasing importance for individualized intensity prescription in football, basketball, and rugby training, replacing standard percentage-based prescriptions.

Limitations

Standardization becomes difficult when Vmax and MAS are tested under different conditions. Calculation requires multiple tests.

Related Tests: Flying Sprint Test, Beep Test, 30-15 IFT

Sources: Buchheit M & Laursen PB, 2013, Sports Med; Mendez-Villanueva A et al., 2013, Int J Sports Physiol Perform

Share
Was this helpful?
Key Facts
Protocol The Anaerobic Speed Reserve (ASR) Test determines the difference between an athlete's maximal sprint speed and maximal aerobic speed (MAS). It is both a conceptual and practical measurement protocol. High ASR indicates both high anaerobic and good aerobic capacity. Preparation: Two separate test components are required: 1. Maximal sprint speed (Vmax) test 2. Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) test Vmax Test: The participant performs a flying 30–40m sprint. Photoelectric cells are placed in the 10–20m measurement zone. Maximum speed is determined in m/s or km/h. 3 trials, best value used. MAS Test: Final stage speed from the Beep Test or MAS-calculating field test is used. Alternatively, estimated from laboratory VO₂max measurement (MAS = VO₂max × calibrated factor). Calculation: ASR (m/s) = Vmax − MAS. Typically: - Endurance athletes: ASR ≈ 1–2 m/s (narrow reserve) - Sprint/power athletes: ASR ≈ 4–6 m/s (wide reserve) - Team sport athletes: ASR ≈ 2–4 m/s (intermediate reserve) ASR Usage: Critical for individualization in training intensity prescription. Specific percentages of ASR correspond to different energy system zones. Post-Test: ASR value is interpreted for training load planning and individual conditioning profile. Formula

ASR (m/s) = Vmax (m/s) - MAS (m/s); antrenman yoğunluğu = MAS + (x% × ASR)

Equipment Required

düz alan 30-50m, fotosel sistemi, ses kaydı (MAS testi için)

Share X / Twitter
Hüseyin Akbulut
WRITTEN BY
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc

Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science. He holds a Master's degree in Sport Sciences and writes for…