Submaximal field tests are especially recommended when repeated testing is warranted. This study aimed at assessing the validity of the submaximal versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent tests in male recreational football players in untrained and trained status. The participants' (n=66; age 39.3±5.8years, VO2max 41.2±6.2mL·kg-1 ·min-1 , body mass 81.9±10.8kg, height 173.2±6.4cm) heart rate after 2minutes (HR2min ) during the level 1 (YYIE1HR2min ) and 2 (YYIE2HR2min ) versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test and the level 1 version of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1HR2min ) was plotted against individual VO2max values. Thirty-two participants performed all the tests after a 12-week recreational football intervention for test responsiveness. Associations between VO2max and YYIE1HR2min were large to small (P=.0001). Large to trivial associations were found between YYIE2HR2min , YYIR1HR2min , and VO2max (P<.01). Maximal Yo-Yo performances were large, significant, and inversely related to HR2min (-0.68 to -0.49, P<.0001). Pre- to post-intervention ICC values were good for YYIE1HR2min and YYIE2HR2min , and excellent for YYIR1HR2min . Post-intervention associations between HR2min and Yo-Yo maximal performances were large to very large (-0.55 to -0.72; P<.002, n=32). Training-induced changes in VO2max moderately correlated with YYIR1HR2min (-0.48; P=.007; n=32). HR2min lower than 89%, 98%, and 91% HRmax for YYIE1HR2min , YYIE2HR2min , and YYIR1HR2min , respectively, may be considered as signs of good to excellent VO2max levels. Since in the YYIE1HR2min , the participants attained 84% HRmax and test specificity increased for HR2min values <89%, this test may be the preferred choice when repeated assessment of aerobic fitness, using submaximal intermittent Yo-Yo tests, is considered in recreational football.