The convergence of sports and technology is taking the game to the next level by using GPS and heart rate monitors with VX Sport

Today's generation is constantly surrounded by technology that guides our day to day lives. For athletes, being prepared for training was once having your cleats and uniform on, but now teams all over the world are investing in systems to gather information on players speeds, distance covered, heart rate zones and movement patterns through sport vests that have improved the knowledge of the game immensely.

The system is surprisingly very easy to use as all the information gathered from the GPS units is easily downloaded through a USB cable. Once in the computer, the information is color coded into numerous tabs where the data metrics are presented in a table or graph for quicker analysis. The tabs provide the GPS data that is organized systematically and chronologically for the in depth analysis of the physiological demands of the training session or game. The coaches then utilize this data on how to prepare their trainings for the rest of the week to make sure players are well rested, but still match fit.

This technology leaves no room for secrets. If you are out on the field, the work you put in will be shown. Comparing your data between games and trainings can push you to set the bar higher for the following day. Also, it can allow you to understand how to properly rest yourself for the games and trainings ahead. The ability to measure and manage an athlete's physical and psychological load is vital to competing at the elite level.

The chance for coaches to evaluate training benefits the team immensely, using the three stages of planning, capturing, and simplifying.

The benefits of using this system is that the athlete's primary involvement with the system is just wearing it. Athletes must wear the sports vest that covers right below the chest so the heart-rate monitor strap can be put into place. Once this is done, portable GPS units are also fitted on their backs and the players are ready to perform. Being able to measure and manage the athletes performance on a day to day basis is key to successful results for the team.

These three stages assist you through the entire process as it provides you with physical and readiness data, aggregates the data into metrics, and gives you the tools to properly organize and plan over time. The players that are constantly adding on millions of data metrics in specific categories on the VX system. Managing this information can help give a clear understanding of where a player lies on the fitness level of the team.
Over working an athlete is no longer an issue as you can understand the amount of work put in by the athlete has to be contrasted with the amount of rest you provide for them, which reduces the risk of injury prone players. Using this system accordingly can only give you positive results as you create a cycle of growth and development that optimizes the performance of each athlete in the team.

The three stages include:

Capturing- the physical data from the VX log, vests, and heart rate strap that is inputted by the player. 

Planning- tools within the system that help the coaches properly plan the following training sessions.

Simplifying- millions of data points that are taken from each session, calculated into key decision making data metrics. 

Coaches use VX Sport to plan their training sessions according to their players' work load

Maryland Mens Soccer work load 

Knowing where a player physically stands on a day to day basis is highly important to a coaching staff. Players are monitored through every session based on the work load percentage throughout practice. 

The work load is measured from 0-100% with 100% being the match fit work load. Obviously, coaches avoid preparing their players with the highest work load days before a game, as they would fatigue in time of the match. As a Maryland soccer player, our work load goes as following : 90-100% in game, 0% off day, 35% first training, 45-60% second training, 50-70% third training, and lastly under 40% to prepare the legs for match day again. 

This is a repetitive process as our games go on from week to week, but it may vary if there is more than one game in that week.

Before this technology, teams were only able to evaluate their players fatigue with feedback from the individuals, but not every player has the same biological setup, so different players' muscles may be more worn out than others. As seen in the graphs above, our daily average load is measured on scales of light (green), moderate (yellow), hard (red), and intense (black) sessions. Giving you a visual representation of this data can really connect the coaches to understanding where their team stands. 

On a weekly basis, the staff assembles practices to keep us around 325% work load, so we are constantly staying match fit instead of going over the trend line and increasing fatigue. If the work load does not meet the requirements than players could get out of shape or possibly be unprepared for the match coming ahead. Data represented in this type of text is essential in the modern day of sports. Constantly being recorded in the work you put in during the session, or even what you do on your own. If the work you say is being put in, the data will show the work load in the tabs. 

The data represented in the graphs is taken from the players who are starters. Keeping this in mind, our team consists of 25 players of which 14 are not starters. Due to this, the reserve players do not have the same work load as they do not see the field enough to meet the required rates. As coaches look over this data, their training week may be more intense and consist of specific drills used to overload certain physiological variables. For example, the starters can start training with the whole squad but do not participate in the 4v4 small sided drills that overload each player with short sprints, change of direction, number of sprints per minute, and overall high intensity sprints. The data metrics collected with VX Sport will show the staff how hard the team is working throughout practice, and if they need to add any functional fitness at the end.
The convergence of technology with the beautiful game of soccer is very beneficial as reserve players play a key role in a match that lasts 90 minutes. Having reserve players as fit as the ones who start can change the momentum of a game exponentially, as one run to the ball in front of goal could be the difference between a loss and a win.

International interest grows as multiple sports around the globe take part in utilizing VX Sport for their athletes

The growing number of television publicized sports is playing a big role in the economy as investors from all over the world want to play a role in these clubs. The Hurricanes Super Rugby team has well invested their money in VX Sport. Head coach Chris Boyd states, "VX Sport is as passionate about athlete performance as we are. When it comes to service and support, they deliver results and then some through their ability to cut through the overwhelming number of possibilities and identify the key variables that help us win games." 

A physiologically demanding game such as rugby, I feel as if they utilize this equipment more than any other sport. Consistent sprinting, and high levels of contact can weaken an athlete progressively through a long season. Using the data from VX Sport, the staff can make sure they are given the proper rest, so their muscles can recuperate for the next match reducing the risk of injuries, and maximizing performance.  

Cricket may not be seen as a dominant sport in the Western world but overseas the game of cricket is taken very seriously. New Zealand is a dominant team in the international level of cricket as they compete in international tournaments and perform at elite levels consistently. A team that is so affective in the sport, gives a lot of credit to the technology converging with the game. VX Sport has been involved with their recent successes and players appreciate the feedback of the system. Many find it hard to believe, but the international game of cricket, players can cover over 14 kilometers in a single game. 

Understanding what VX Sport consists of, it is easily recognizable that the system works with sports that are physically demanding. Having many demands to meet in the duration of a training session or game is what VX Sport is used for. High physical demands means mental stability and toughness need to be possessed personally involving these sports. Professionals are constantly tested on both aspects as understanding and acting on these traits is what gets you to that next level. VX Sport is specifically created to take the demands of the game and make it presentable data for coaches to keep pushing their players forward in the healthiest way possible for the highest performance rate.