How Far Do AFL Players Really Run? Unveiling the Incredible Distance Covered by Aussie Rules Footballers!

When it comes to fitness, AFL players are in a league of their own. They possess the ability to run vast distances at astonishing speeds, all while making lightning-fast decisions and executing incredible feats of athleticism. It’s no wonder they’re considered some of the fittest athletes in the world!

Picture this: during a single game, the fittest AFL players have been known to cover mind-boggling distances of up to 18 kilometers. That’s right, 18 kilometers! Just try wrapping your head around that. It’s a testament to the physical demands of the sport and the exceptional conditioning required to excel in AFL.

Curious about the average distance covered by AFL players in a match? Thanks to cutting-edge GPS technology, we now have a pretty accurate estimation. On average, AFL players run an impressive 12-14 kilometers per game, with some exceptional athletes even surpassing the 20-kilometer mark. It’s an incredible display of endurance and stamina.

But it’s not just about the sheer distance covered. It’s also about the blistering speed at which these players move. When sprinting, AFL players can reach mind-blowing speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour. That’s faster than most of us will ever run in our lives!

To achieve such phenomenal fitness levels, AFL players undergo rigorous training regimens. In-season training sessions typically involve running between 3 and 7 kilometers, while pre-season sessions can ramp up to 5 – 16 kilometers. These sessions often incorporate interval sprinting, a vital component of their conditioning. Picture this: short, explosive sprints of 20-40 meters at maximum effort, followed by a brief rest period. This type of training not only hones their on-field performance but also builds the endurance needed for the full duration of a game.

To conquer the demands of AFL, players must also have a high level of aerobic fitness. That’s why their conditioning programs emphasize both long, slow-distance running and shorter, high-intensity sprints. By incorporating interval training, which alternates between periods of high and lower-intensity activity, players maximize their oxygen utilization efficiency and significantly improve their endurance.

So, how can this information benefit you? If you’re an aspiring AFL player looking to enhance your aerobic capacity, incorporating fitness into training drills is key. Imagine starting a drill with an all-out burst of speed, followed by a period of jogging or walking to recover. This technique keeps your heart rate elevated while allowing for necessary recuperation. By gradually intensifying and extending your aerobic training, you’ll witness remarkable improvements in your fitness level, propelling you toward becoming a top-notch AFL player.

Another crucial aspect of AFL player conditioning is high-speed running. To adequately prepare for the demands of the game, AFL players typically cover a range of 300 to 600 meters at high speeds during in-season training sessions. Pre-season sessions push these boundaries even further, spanning distances anywhere from 500 to 3000 meters. This specific conditioning not only enhances their on-field performance but also significantly reduces the risk of injury.

Hear from Harry Sheezel AFL 2022 Draft top 10 prospect about his preparation for Aussie rules football: 

To accurately assess and track their aerobic fitness, AFL players and coaches rely on various tests. Some of the most commonly used tests include the beep test, yo-yo intermittent recovery test, and multistage shuttle run test.

The iconic beep test challenges players to run between two points 20 meters apart, with the pace quickening as beeps sound. The score is determined by the level at which the player can no longer keep up with the beeps. It’s a classic assessment of aerobic endurance.

The yo-yo intermittent recovery test pushes players to their limits as they repeatedly sprint back and forth between two points, adjusting the intensity

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If you’re looking to improve your AFL running performance, then check out our Online AFL Training Program. Our program is designed to help you increase your speed, endurance, and running efficiency. Contact us today to learn more!