GPS TECHNOLOGY IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Football player9s performance during competitive matches greatly depends on fitness and training. The use of GPS (Global Positioning System) has been revolutionary in the monitoring of player intensity during training. The aim of the study was to investigate the difference in training intensity between defenders, midfielders and forwards and if injury sustained was directly related to the intensity of training. GPS (Catapult Minimax GPS 10Hz) was used to collect training data for a professional British football club playing in the Championship, for the year August 2011/April 2012. Each player wore a GPS unit during each training session and the raw data was logged. The GPS calculates the player load which is a measure of intensity of training. It is a summation of instantaneous change of forward, sideway and upward accelerations. Adjustments are made for match days and injuries according to a defined set of rules. A total player load was obtained for each month and at the end of the season. The different injuries sustained throughout the year were logged for each player. This study shows that there is a difference between the intensity of training in different groups of players. The midfielders trained at the highest intensity and, in this group of professional football players, defenders sustained the most injuries GPS technology allows monitoring of player intensity during training. The data obtained will guide training and fitness coaches model training for the individual group of players. This will prepare players for official matches and eventually may help predict and prevent injuries.