Liverpool are among a number of Premier League teams to use revolutionary GPS devices that collect an array of in-depth statistics to improve player's fitness.
The sophisticated gizmos provide excellent data for the performance analysts at the Merseyside club, allowing them to alter training schedules to an individual player and detect any early injuries. Liverpool is not the only club to have started using this high-tech software. Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton, West Ham, Norwich, Southampton, Sunderland, Swansea, Aston Villa, Cardiff and Crystal Palace all use the devices.
The gadgets are called STATSports Viper units - they can calculate the speed, distance, heart rate, dynamic stress load accelerations and decelerations of each individual player.
The GPS gadgets are also being used in Rugby, and Ireland star Brian O’Driscoll has seen the benefits this software can have on rugby training.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, O'Driscoll said: "The feedback we get is hugely important to our fitness staff in working out the time we spend on our feet on a weekly basis.
"In a nutshell it’s revolutionized professional rugby training."
Information collected on the GPS devices is stored internally and also streamed live to performance analysts and coaching staff on the sidelines.
The feedback acquired from these devices allows coaching staff to set particular goals for individual players, meaning improvements can be made quickly and efficiently.
Sean O'Connor is one of the founders of the GPS software: "The GPS is used by all our clubs every single session.
"The more data you have the powerful it becomes. You establish a profile for each player and know their benchmarks.
"You get incredibly accurate data on players’ movements, efficiency, and biomechanics. Every player has a style of running, how he hits the ground, and if he starts to fatigue you can see slight changes. They start hitting the ground heavier and it’s a sloppier movement.
"It has become part of their kit now, you’ve got your boots, your shinpads, your kit, and your GPS – away you go."
STATSports Viper units have without doubt revolutionized the way training is done in football, it won't be long before we see all professional clubs using these impressive devices.
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