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Today's blog is about this really cool gadget that is used all around the world by pros, semi pros and even amateurs. It's called the PLAYR SmartCoach, made by a company called Catapult. They design multiple models used by clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid. This GPS technology is professional grade and FIFA approved.
You may have seen pictures online of players, from Lionel Messi to Harry Kane, wearing a vest at training. It's no normal vest. In order for clubs to know how hard their players are working in training and games, players have to wear the vest with a tiny electronic GPS device. These devices track everything from speed and positioning to distance covered.
I have been using these tracking devices for nearly three seasons now and I honestly don't know what I would do without it.
Well, let me explain....
First, wearing this pod and seeing the results is quite rewarding. You know yourself and you know how hard you worked on the pitch. So to be able to sync your phone up to this device and actually see your very own heat map of the areas you covered on the pitch is an insanely cool feeling.
For me, as a huge football fan who loves to analyse games and see my favorite players' stats and heatmaps, I found it amazing to be able to see that from my own games and training. I always wished to be able to go into more detail on my game, to see how fast I can run, to see how much I ran, to see how many power-plays I made.
Having this information so easily accessible made me hungrier. I wanted to beat my scores, beat my top speed and cover as much distance as possible. If I had a bad game, and my stats weren't satisfactory, I would be more determined than ever for the next game.
I learned about positioning in much greater detail. I always knew my job on the pitch, but I was never fully doing what I should have been doing. As a left winger, it is part of your job to attack, and defend. But, when I was younger, getting back was very low down on my priority list. As I grew up and started coaching for my local club, I learned just how important it really is. When I look at my heatmaps, I want it to show me that I have done my attacking and defensive duties. My heat maps generally look like I have turned into a yoyo and bounce from box to box.
As for comfort, I never even notice I'm wearing the PLAYR SmartCoach. It's light, breathable, and very comfortable. I previously used the PlayerTek (also made by Catapult), which I found to be heavier and a bit bulkier. It's also wireless, and charging it requires just laying it on the charging dock. It connects instantly.
The app is very easy to use. It's really eye-catching and very well designed too. I also get articles on the app, on everything from recovery tips to nutrition advice. It's got a match and training calendar which reminds you to charge up and get ready for game day. I love that about the app. You can also make teams. For example, three girls on my team have the same device. So we can see how we have all done as a team and compare. It's great to get the team involved.
