A new study using GPS tracking technology has found that football practices can place significantly higher physical demands on players than actual games. According to research published by the University of Kansas, some practice sessions were up to 40% more demanding than competitive matches.
Summary
Researchers used GPS technology to measure the physical workload of football players and found that practices often exceed games in intensity. The findings highlight how training design can heavily influence player fatigue and injury risk.
GPS Data Reveals Practice Intensity
According to the University of Kansas study, researchers equipped football players with GPS tracking devices to collect detailed movement and workload data. These devices measured factors such as distance covered, speed, acceleration, and overall physical load during both practices and games.
The data showed that, in many cases, players experienced higher cumulative workloads during practices than during official games. Some practice sessions were found to be as much as 40% more physically demanding
Why Practices Can Be Harder Than Games
The study explains that football practices often involve repeated high-intensity drills with limited rest. Unlike games, where play is broken up by stoppages, timeouts, and substitutions, practices may compress demanding activities into shorter timeframes.
Key contributors to higher practice demands include:
- Repetitive drills with minimal recovery time
- Emphasis on conditioning and physical contact
- Simulated game scenarios designed to push performance limits
These factors can result in greater physical strain than players experience during actual competition.
Measuring Player Workload
The researchers relied on GPS-derived workload metrics rather than subjective assessments. This approach allowed for precise comparisons between practices and games.
According to the study, GPS tracking provides coaching and medical staff with objective data to better understand how training sessions impact players’ bodies. This data-driven approach is increasingly used in sports performance and injury prevention programs.
Implications for Player Health
The findings raise important questions about how practice intensity is managed. Excessive workloads during training can increase the risk of overuse injuries, fatigue, and reduced performance during games.
The study suggests that monitoring workload through GPS technology can help teams adjust practice structures to balance performance development with player safety.
Coaching and Training Applications
The University of Kansas research highlights the potential for GPS data to inform coaching decisions. By identifying when practices are more demanding than games, teams can:
- Modify drill intensity and duration
- Schedule recovery periods more effectively
- Reduce unnecessary physical strain during the season
The study emphasizes that smarter workload management could improve long-term athlete health without sacrificing competitive readiness.
Broader Significance of GPS in Sports
GPS tracking technology is increasingly common across football and other sports. The study adds to a growing body of research showing how data analytics can reshape training methodologies.
By quantifying physical demands, teams gain clearer insights into how preparation compares to competition, allowing for more evidence-based approaches to performance optimization.
Conclusion
The University of Kansas study demonstrates that football practices can be significantly more demanding than games, with some sessions exceeding game workloads by up to 40%. The findings underscore the importance of using GPS technology to monitor training intensity and protect player well-being.
As data-driven tools become more widespread, such research may influence how football programs design practices and manage athlete health throughout the season.
