This document discusses the use of GPS technology in tracking player movement and performance in various sports. It provides details on how GPS works and the types of data it can collect on location, speed, distance and other metrics. Examples are given of research on GPS data collected in sports like Australian rules football, rugby, and how it is used to analyze player workload, fatigue, and inform training. While GPS data provides valuable insights, further research is still needed to fully understand its accuracy and how best to analyze and apply the data to coaching.

1. GPS in Sport.
Tom Fitzgerald.

2. GPS.
 Global Positioning Satellites.
 Receiver unit.
 Communicates with 4 satellites.
 Trigonometrically determines
position.
 Information available.
 Location, velocity, acceleration,
elevation.

3. Use in Sport.
 Popular in team-based field sports.
 AFL worldwide leader.
 Cricket, Hockey, Rugby League and
Union.
 Recent addition to sport.
 Low cost and portable.
 Referred to as ‘Bros.’
 Evolved to be suitable for competition
and training.
 Receiver size and athlete comfort.
 Force absorption and strength.

4. Current Research.
 Research is currently in infancy
stages.
 Lacks quantity.
 Differing analysis methods.
 Willingness to share data.
 Yet to fully unlock the
information.
 Data interpretation.
 Application to training and
competition.
 GPS is the future of sports
coaching and exercise science.

5. Accuracy.
 Inconsistent findings in literature.
 Research methods and techniques.
 Positive findings.
 Accurate for maximal velocity*.
 Accuracy improves with duration and distance.
 Negative findings.
 Circular paths and non-linear movement cause
underestimation.
 Accuracy decreases with increasing velocity*.
 Challenging to draw conclusions.
*different studies

6. AFL
 Average distance covered in match 12km for all players.
 Midfield players have additional requirements.
 3.4% greater distance travelled.
 4.8% lower playing time.
 17% greater exertion index.
 Decline in exertion index of 11% from 1st to 4th quarter.
 Individualized training.
Wisbey B, et al. Quantifying movement demands of AFL football using
GPS tracking. J Sci Med Sport (2009), doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.09.002

7. Rugby Union
 Average distance covered per match is 6.9km.
 2.8km (37%) – Standing and Walking.
 1.9km (27%) – Jogging.
 0.4km (6%) – Sprinting.
 Backs do more high intensity work, greater recovery.
 Forwards contact not included.
 Forwards have higher total movement.
 Greater distance covered in 2nd half.
 Specifically third quarter of match.
 Fatigue relevance.
CUNNIFFE, B., PROCTOR, W., BAKER, J. S. & DAVIES, B. 2009. An
evaluation of the physiological demands of elite rugby union using global
positioning system tracking software. The Journal of Strength &
Conditioning Research, 23, 1195-1203.

8. Practical Applications.
 Training specificity.
 Sport.
 Positional.
 Tactical.
 Performance analysis.
 KPI’s
 Work rate.
 Data and evaluation.

9. Data Analysis Considerations.
 Competition and training specificity.
 Speed zones and distances.
 Data analysis methods.
 Decision-making and conclusions.
 Further evidence and other information sources.

10. Further Research.
 Accuracy and validity of GPS units.
 Technical evolution.
 Sport-specific data analysis.
 Factors: equipment, environment, gender.
 Defining relationship between data and performance.
 Correlation and causation.

11. Conclusion
 GPS data is a valuable coaching tool.
 Yet to realise full potential.
 Further research required.
 Consistency within data analysis important.
 Important role for GPS in the sports coaching future.

12. Discussion.
 What is the future of GPS technology?
 Is modern-day sport too data-orientated?
 As a coach, how would you use GPS?
 Please continue the discussion with me online.
 Twitter: @fitzcity or use the hashtags #sportGPSfuture
#SpCP13
 http://fitzcity.wordpress.com/

13. Literature References.
 AUGHEY, R. J. 2011. Applications of GPS technologies to field sports. Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 6,
295-310.
 BARBERO-ÁLVAREZ, J. C., COUTTS, A., GRANDA, J., BARBERO-ÁLVAREZ, V. & CASTAGNA, C. 2010. The
validity and reliability of a global positioning satellite system device to assess speed and repeated
sprint ability (RSA) in athletes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13, 232-235.
 CUNNIFFE, B., PROCTOR, W., BAKER, J. S. & DAVIES, B. 2009. An evaluation of the physiological
demands of elite rugby union using global positioning system tracking software. The Journal of
Strength & Conditioning Research, 23, 1195-1203.
 DUFFIELD, R., REID, M., BAKER, J. & SPRATFORD, W. 2010. Accuracy and reliability of GPS devices for
measurement of movement patterns in confined spaces for court-based sports. Journal of Science and
Medicine in Sport, 13, 523-525.
 DWYER, D. B. & GABBETT, T. J. 2012. Global positioning system data analysis: Velocity ranges and a new
definition of sprinting for field sport athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26,
818-824.
 GABBETT, T. J., JENKINS, D. G. & ABERNETHY, B. 2012. Physical demands of professional rugby league
training and competition using microtechnology. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 15, 80-86.

14. Literature References.
 LACHAPELLE, G., MORRISON, A. & ONG, R. Ultra-precise
positioning for sport applications. proceedings of 13th IAIN
world congress, Stockholm, 2009. 27-30.
 LARSSON, P. 2003. Global positioning system and sport-specific
testing. Sports Medicine, 33, 1093-1101.
 VENTER, R. E., OPPERMAN, E. & OPPERMAN, S. 2011. The use of
global positioning system (GPS) tracking devices to assess
movement demands and impacts in under-19 rugby union match
play. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation
and Dance, 17, 1-8.
 WISBEY, B., MONTGOMERY, P. G., PYNE, D. B. & RATTRAY, B.
2010. Quantifying movement demands of AFL football using GPS
tracking. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13, 531-536.

15. Photo References
 Satellite - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ms/3/34/MEASAT-
3_Boeing_601.jpg
 Code –
http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/476578/476578,1
314026326,12/stock-photo-code-numbers-computer-data-coding-
83236099.jpg
 Targethttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Archery_
target.jpg
 Team running -
http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2012/02/01/1226258/983521-
israel-folau.jpg
 Carlton FC-
http://media.sbs.com.au/news/thm/articlemain/aap_3323_9Nov_Carlto
n_800x600.jpg