Athlete Performance Tracking Systems (APTS) are becoming mainstream in the fields. Its ability to collect data about individual players and offer detailed reports about their performance have made them true game changers. They mix simple sportech technology features like portable heart-rate monitors and step-meters with other more complex gadgets.

Wearable technologies and advances in connectivity mean that athlete tracking systems will soon be non-negotiable for athletes at all levels. Many worldwide known teams and sports tournaments have already implemented these softwares. Between them we find TSG Hoffenheim, FC Bayern Basketball, Portugal’s Highest Football League and the majority of the NBA teams.

How Do Performance Tracking Systems Work?

APTS do not simply measure simple variables such as heart rate or covered distance. They also gather more complex data like speed, fatigue or external load and offer detailed results in an easily understandable way. The process for sports performance tracking technology follows a blueprint like this:

1. First, the system monitorize the athlete performance during both training and competition.

2. After the athlete has finished their activity, data is wirelessly transmitted and downloaded. The system software then analyzes the data.

3. Reports and results containing the processed information are shared with the athlete or coach.

4. Information is used for feedback, performance analysis, training changes, injury assessment, progress reporting, and much, much more.

Basic Sensors of APTS

Athlete Performance tracking has made use of advanced GPS hardware, as well as huge advances in the miniaturization of such technologies as gyroscopes, pulse oximeters and accelerometers.

Accelerometers: accelerometers measure speed by recording the acceleration of the body. As the player jumps, runs, strokes, or tackles the accelerometer measures how many repetitions they do and how fast they’re moving, how much energy they’re using etc. This technology is particularly useful for high-movement sports like tennis, athletics, football or swimming.

GPS trackers: they are used for keeping track of how much distance an athlete covers. What makes them one of the top wearable technologies in sports. By measuring the movement of the players during games they learn about running intensities and acceleration/ deceleration efforts. The data also allows coaches to develop position-specific training regimes.

Magnetometers: they are fundamental for the duly functioning of APTS, hence they measure direction. Without them, Athlete Tracking Systems wouldn’t be able to understand which way the player is facing. Magnetometers are commonly used in precision sports like fencing, dancing, martial arts, and boxing.

Gyros: gyros are sensors that tap into the Earth’s gravity to measure angles and give information about how balanced players are. They are used to measure shifts in motion such as jumping, diving, and lunging. Gyros work in tandem with GPS data by providing tri-dimensional movement information.

Benefits of using APTS

Managing workload: overtraining poses a serious risk for both individual athletes and teams. Athlete Performance Tracking Systems decides when it’s time to retreat and take a well deserved break. This ensures that key players will be in top form when game day comes.

Performance feedback: play-by-play tracking analytics help players to understand their performance by showing them profound reports and statistics.

Reducing injury risks: avoiding overworking and keeping fatigue and stress at bay can have phenomenal effects on reducing overall injury rates.

Helping coaches’ make better decisions: with APTS coaches visualize every aspect of athletes’ performance as they would in the game. Giving a remarkably holistic view of players’ skill set and how it might fit in with the current needs of the program.

Rehabilitation: with athlete tracking software, coaches and players have access to objective performance data that lets them know when a previously injured player is back to pre-injury performance levels.

Top Performance Tracking Systems at Market

Wimu Sports: WIMU (Wireless Inertial Moviment Unit) is the top brand of APTS. It belongs to Realtrack Systems, a Spanish company that aims to lead the technology innovation market. WIMU monitorice physical activity in full and offers more than 2.000 data per second. This system is used for analyzing the performance of the national teams in countries like Spain, Mexico, Russia, Poland, Belgium, Portugal, Cyprus and Costa Rica.

KINEXON Sports: they are a global pioneer in delivering tracking and analysis technology tailored for professional sports. By providing solutions for load management, performance monitoring, return-to-play strategies, match analysis, fan engagement, and more.

Catapult: is a leading global provider of athlete performance trackers. Founded in Australia in 2006, they help elite sports teams and organizations in over 40 sports across 137 countries unlock potential through their cutting-edge technology.

Kinduct: is a Canadian company that develops software for athlete performance management. Their platform helps coaches and athletes track and analyze training data, identify injury risks, and optimize performance.

AthleteMonitoring: is a leading provider of athlete data management software, particularly known for its flexibility, budget-friendliness, and comprehensive feature set. It caters to a wide range of users, from individual athletes to elite sports teams and Olympic committees.

 
In conclusion, Athlete Performance Tracking Systems are game changers for sports disciplines all over the world. Through the analysis of players’ physical activity they manage workload, give feedback, reduce injury risks, help coaches make decisions and ease the rehabilitation process, among many other benefits. They represent a perfect example of how technological advances increase the population’s wellbeing and offer a better life for us all.