Male soccer players are often seen wearing what looks like “sports bras” but are highly specialized pieces of equipment called performance trackers.
Designers create these trackers to monitor and analyze a player's physical performance on the pitch.
The “sports bras” contain a small pocket in the back to hold a GPS device, heart rate monitor, and accelerometer. These tools measure a player's speed, distance covered, heart rate, and overall workload during training and matches.
By analyzing this BIG data, coaches and training staff can customize workout regimens, develop strategies, and ensure that players are not overexerting themselves, which can lead to injury. These insights help optimize a player's performance and maintain their physical well-being, making performance trackers an essential part of modern soccer training.
This technology has become increasingly common across the top leagues such as the Champions League, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and others, reflecting the growing emphasis on data analysis in professional soccer.
What Are Performance Trackers?
Performance trackers contain a small pocket holding a GPS device, a heart rate monitor, and an accelerometer. These tools measure speed, distance covered, heart rate, and workload. Top players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kevin de Bruyne exploit this technology to fine-tune their training and on-field performance.
Why Do Players Use Them?
These trackers allow coaches to analyze data and customize workout regimens. They can develop strategies, optimize player performance, and prevent overexertion that may lead to injuries. Real-time technology is now crucial to modern soccer training across top leagues worldwide.
Can Players Wear Them During Matches?
Yes, players can wear performance trackers during competitive games. Real-time monitoring of physiological data aids decision-making during the match, such as substitution timing or tactical adjustments. These devices comply with the regulations set by football governing bodies, ensuring their legal use in matches.
Who Makes These Performance Trackers?
Several leading manufacturers specialize in performance tracking technology, including Catapult Sports, STATSports, Polar, GPSports, and Adidas. These companies provide wearable devices to professional teams across various sports, including soccer.
Photo: Twitter/@Pricedamindwand
