A discussion of GPS use in sport and its data analysis.

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