The use of accelerometer-based tracking technology in field hockey analysis and training has become increasingly popular due to its ability to provide real-time data on player performance, movement patterns, and workload. This technology allows coaches, sports scientists, and athletes to quantify and analyze various aspects of the game, leading to improved training programs, tactical insights, and player development. See our article on workload management.

In terms of what we (VOITTO Exercise & Sports Science or VEASS) do in this space. We are evolving the following:

• Game Performance Analysis (Video-Based)

• SPT wearable player monitoring and analysis.

We will advise the VOITTO tribe when we release these services commercially in NZ and Australia.

Performance Monitoring

Accelerometer-based tracking devices, such as GPS units and wearable sensors, can provide valuable information on player performance during training sessions and games. These devices measure metrics such as distance covered, speed, acceleration, deceleration, and biomechanical factors like running mechanics and impact forces (Fox et al., 2018). Others can incorporate heart rate and saturated oxygen levels. By analyzing this data, coaches and sports scientists can gain insights into players' physical capabilities, workload management, and areas for improvement. Crucially, particularly with a high quality HRM, they may be able to detect cardiac abnormalities for referral to medical specialists and ensure coaching and support staff. It’s important to use the insights to prioritise athlete health not just their fitness.

Tactical Analysis

Accelerometer-based tracking technology allows for the collection of real-time positional data, enabling coaches to analyze the movement patterns and positioning of players during gameplay. This information can be used to assess team tactics, spacing, and formations, as well as individual player positioning, decision-making, and situational awareness (Mackenzie et al., 2017). By understanding the spatial dynamics of the game, coaches can make informed decisions to optimize team performance and strategy. In particular, effective lead lines, outlet channels and pressing angles become more discernible and remedies more readily actionable.

Injury Prevention

By monitoring metrics related to player workload, fatigue, and recovery, accelerometer-based tracking technology can help identify potential injury risks and optimize injury prevention strategies. Research has shown that high training loads and rapid increases in workload are associated with an increased risk of injury in field hockey players (Drew et al., 2017). By tracking and analyzing workload data, coaches can implement evidence-based training programs, periodization strategies, and recovery protocols to reduce the risk of injuries and improve player durability.

Player Development

Accelerometer-based tracking technology can be used to assess and monitor player development over time by tracking key performance indicators and physical attributes. Ideally, this is not done in isolation from other devices such as Velocity Based Training (VBT) monitors in the gym. By comparing data from different training sessions, seasons, or competitions, coaches can track progress, set performance goals, and tailor individualized training programs to enhance player development and performance (Russell, 2016). This objective feedback can motivate players, enhance accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

Training Optimization

By utilizing accelerometer-based tracking technology, coaches can optimize training sessions by individualizing workload, intensity, and recovery strategies based on objective data. This technology can help coaches design structured and periodized training programs, implement targeted conditioning exercises, and adjust training loads to match the demands of competition, preventing overtraining and optimizing performance (Johnston et al., 2019). It's valuable for coaches to ensure players are training at the appropriate intensity, volume, and frequency to achieve optimal performance outcomes. The day of periodised programming being little more than an informed stab in the dark are gone. Program management is far more real time and interactive because of the abundance of technologies.

Psycho-social monitoring

In the ceaseless drive to push the performance envelope, coaches, athletes and the faceless stakeholders behind the scenes are hellbent on physiologiccal optimisation. Many high performance programs have fallen apart due to this singular obsession. The athlete ( and coach ) is an individual with emotional and social needs, personal energy and motivation fluctuations and a real world life to traverse. There is a belated but vital push from academy and high performance providers to better accommodate the full spectrum of biopsychosocial understanding and support for athletes.

We will dig into this in a later article and podcast.

References

Drew, M. K., Finch, C. F., & Derman, W. (2017). The relationship between training load and injury in athletes: a systematic review. Sports Medicine, 47(10), 1921-1930.

Fox, J. L., Stanton, R., Scanlan, A. T., & Sargent, C. (2018). A comparison of training and competition demands in semiprofessional male basketball players. Research in Sports Medicine, 26(1), 57-68.

Johnston, R. D., Watsford, M. L., Kelly, S. J., Pine, M. J., Spurrs, R. W., & Robertson, S. (2019). Validity and usefulness of GPS and LPS for measuring change of direction performance: a systematic review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(11), 3162-3172.

Mackenzie, R., Cushion, E., & Abernethy, B. (2017). Performance analysis in sport: research and practice. Routledge.

Russell, M. (2016). Monitoring athletic training status through heart rate variability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 46(10), 1461-1474.