Beep Test Essay

Lined up along the end zone with 120 other players, all wearing a numbered penny to identify themselves for the coaches, I nervously awaited the sound of the beep. The coach, stationed in the announcer’s box, played the automated instruction: “You will now begin the beep test. The beep test is a running assessment judged at a length of 20 yards, with progressing speed as the test continues over 31 minutes”. Surrounded by upperclassmen, I awaited the ominous beep, which determined my survival--or spot on the team.
As a ninth grader, my chances of making the Varsity soccer team were slim, so the test’s importance was intensified. Anticipation and fear overpowered me as the first beep blared. Upon completing each race, coaches crossed off numbers,

I mistakenly thought the position was easier because I could use my hands and feet. I quickly discovered my theory was flawed; nonetheless, the position intrigued me. Observers assume goalkeepers, stationed in the 5832 square feet of the box protecting the 960 square foot net for a 90 minute game, stand idly awaiting the ball. However, goalkeepers are as skilled with their hands as with their feet, which is imperative when a ball is traveling 67 mph towards the net. I was attracted to the position’s intensity, split second decision making, and leadership aspects. The longer I played, the more I understood the strengths and weaknesses of me and my teammates. Besides keeping the ball out of the net, goalkeepers are a vocal force communicating positioning and opposing plays throughout the game.Watching the game from a goalkeeper’s perspective allows me to convey direction and thus, increase team unity by balancing constructive criticism with

However, the most important, and often disregarded aspect of goalkeepers is mental vigor. I must make split second decisions, necessitating me to read the ball’s trajectory and determine whether or not to leave the box or trust the defenders to clear the ball, which may determine the game’s outcome. This pressure is often lonely and intimidating. A great performance may win the game, but a single mistake becomes a dagger bringing defeat, disappointment and the despair of ending the season. Finding an equilibrium between the adrenaline and pressure to win for me, my team and my school is coupled with intense focus and mental stamina to recover after an opponent’s goal. Mentally rebounding, recollecting my thoughts, and calming down is crucial. Focusing on past mistakes negatively affects me and the