GPS TECHNOLOGY IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Football player's 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 ...