The Metrics
SPEED
Max Speed
- PitcheroGPS records the maximum speed a player achieves and sustains for at least 0.5 seconds.
- Each training session and game records a player's Max Speed for straightforward comparison, helping players track their progress over time.
- Speeds of 8m/s and above are considered fast; however, professional athletes frequently reach speeds exceeding 9.5m/s.
- Speed is crucial in all sports, and regularly reaching maximum speed during training can enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
High-Speed Runs (HSR)
- HSRs measure how often (count) a player reaches or exceeds a defined speed threshold within a session, as well as the total distance covered (metres) at speeds above this threshold.
- The default HSR threshold is set at 16 km/h but can be customised by the player or coach.
- Generally, more frequent and longer HSR events indicate higher player effort and contribution.
Speed Zones
- PitcheroGPS categorises a player's session into different speed zones.
- Default speed zones include walking, jogging, running, and sprinting, and these can be customised.
- More time spent in higher speed zones indicates greater effort and intensity.
- Coaches should encourage players to spend more time in higher speed zones to improve aerobic fitness and increase their on-field impact.
- Analysis of speed zone data helps coaches ensure players maintain high activity levels and train at match-realistic intensities.
Distance
Total Distance
- PitcheroGPS records the total distance a player covers during a session, allowing easy assessment of their contribution relative to the team's overall effort.
- Professional football or hockey players typically cover between 9 km and 11 km per game, whereas rugby players typically cover between 5 km and 8 km, varying significantly by position.
Intervals
- PitcheroGPS tracks metres per minute (m/min), providing a snapshot of a player's intensity during a session.
- Metres per minute (m/min) is calculated as the average metres run divided by session duration in minutes.
- Professional athletes typically average over 100 m/min in matches.
- This average helps players and coaches monitor effort and work rate, irrespective of session length or time on the pitch.
- Interval charts can highlight when fatigue begins, indicated by decreasing m/min values, helping coaches plan substitutions and targeted fitness training to sustain peak performance throughout matches.
Intensity
Accelerations/Decelerations
- PitcheroGPS records accelerations and decelerations, which are high-intensity explosive movements demanding significant energy.
- Acceleration and deceleration thresholds can be customised by players or coaches.
- Frequent accelerations and decelerations within a session typically indicate high player effort and physical stress.
- If players consistently miss these thresholds, targeted exercises can help improve explosive power and agility.
- Accels and decels are vital for outpacing opponents or quickly changing direction in both attacking and defensive 1v1 situations.
