This study examines physical testing and monitoring practices used by strength and conditioning, sports science and medical practitioners working in senior elite male football. The research aimed to identify why practitioners use testing and monitoring, which variables are assessed during pre-season and in-season, how frequently assessments are conducted, their impact on decision-making and the measures used to determine the success of strength and conditioning programmes.

A questionnaire was completed by 51 practitioners working in senior male football, with respondents averaging almost 10 years of professional football experience. All reported using testing and monitoring, primarily to improve performance, prevent injury and manage training load. Commonly monitored measures included body composition, GPS-derived training load, heart rate, player wellness and countermovement jump performance. However, there was no universally adopted monitoring approach and physical qualities such as speed, change of direction and muscular strength were often not formally assessed during the season.

The findings highlight the importance of combining objective monitoring data with practitioner judgement and athlete feedback. Athlete feedback and injury rate were considered key indicators of successful S&C programming, while the study demonstrates considerable variation in the selection and frequency of testing practices across professional football. The authors provide applied information that practitioners can use to review and develop their own testing and monitoring strategies.