The SmartPod contains a global positioning unit. The position update rate of the device is 10HZ, which means it updates about ten times a second. According to Catapult this lets the device measure to the nearest 100cm, which is how they’re able to generate a pretty precise heatmap of the players movements. Given the custom nature of the advice the app offers Catapult recommends syncing the device with the app right after a match or practice so it can provide up to date recovery information. The information provided is a great way to keep any player accountable and clearly show when someone isn’t working as hard as they can. You can see when you’re well-conditioned and also know when you haven’t put in quite as much effort as you should have!

PLAYR SmartCoach Soccer Tracker GPS by Catapult PLAYR SmartCoach Soccer Tracker GPS by Catapult

The vest is made of material that naturally compresses the chest, and it only weighs about 1.4pounds, so comfort should not be an issue. Working with a coach, trainer, or parent to build specific training programs based on data collectedOur article on what makes a good coach also provides more advice on different strategies sports coaches use to improve performance. This is a significant modern development. For years, players and coaches have had only their subjective observations and opinions to go on when deciding how a player is doing or how hard they are pushing themselves. Veo? It replaces the cameraman and does a much better job recording your videos than if done by someone else that wasn’t part of a proper camera crew. How? As it comes with two 4k cameras that combine for an overall 180° degree shot. The AI part of the camera? It will pan and zoom in/out to the point that the footage will never be too far away or too close to see ensuring that you always have the perfect highlights from your match. Having all this information at your fingertips is a great place to start. Identifying what is happening out on the soccer field and assessing how the player can improve and reach a higher level than they are already at.

Football Tracker - Playermaker GPS Vests vs. Football Tracker - Playermaker

One significant bit of attention to detail that I really appreciate about this vest this that the GPS pod will automatically turn on once you place it in the vest. This means that you don’t need to worry about forgetting to turn it on and missing out on your stats. The GPS pod does this for you and will stay on for the entire session. It’s best to charge it the night before a game but if you forget you could always plug it in the car on the way. If the game is 20-30 away and you usually get there 30 minutes before it starts you could probably put on enough of a charge to get in a game – however Catapult does recommend fully recharging it before use once the battery is dead. Consider which metrics you want to measure and your individual goals, and review the above chart to get a sense of which device best fits your development plan. Why not also visit our Sports Coaching Learning Centre for more articles on Sports Coaching Techniques and Strategies.

Extended match statistics through tabs next to the pitch

The PLAYR SmartPod contains multiple sensors in addition to the GPS that capture a lot of data about your soccer player. According to Catapult it stores about 1250 data points per second including: The app also saves your previous sessions so you can see how you’re improving over time. You can also use the previous information as a benchmark to beat the next time you’re playing. Insights and Advice The STATSports APEX Athlete series comes with the GPS performance Pod, Apex Vest and Athlete Series App Access. Key Features:

Home - Playermaker

Physical metrics, like distance covered, top speed, sprint distance, and sprint count, are common to both devices and help players, trainers, coaches, and parents plan training loads and build fitness routines that enhance performance outputs based on objective data and performance trends. Provides a GPS field map displaying movements and activity zones during activity time, helping to monitor positioning and tactical decisions.

They say it is compatible with magnetic & BLE ‘arm-based’ monitors but won’t 100% guarantee any other heart rate monitor will be reliable with their product apart from the STATSports Magnetic HR monitor (chest strap) or Scosche Rhythm+ BLE HR monitor (arm strap). With that information, the trainer can decide if a player is struggling in training, and how they can modify the drills to suit the player better.

Tracker Analyzer, Measures Physical Playermaker Smart Soccer Tracker Analyzer, Measures Physical

The vest uses the latest technology, designed to handle high temperatures and humidity, and the heavy sweating that playing soccer can produce. It’s also totally rainproof and can be worn on top or under your soccer jersey. The GPS PodThis can be a beneficial way of monitoring how a player is doing and potentially advising them on how they can improve or be more effective while the game is still underway. Heart Rate Monitoring