Using SPT GPS: Understanding the Metrics

If you are familiar with GPS technology for team sports, you know that it provides lots of data and metrics (if you need a quick refresher click here). Understanding the variables is the first step in using GPS technology. In this blog, each of the running and performance metrics provided in SPT’s powerful and easy-to-use GameTraka software and dashboard are defined. You can also click on the link for a short video explanation and visual of where this metric shows up on the dashboard.

Total distance (yards or miles) is the total distance the athlete has travelled during the session. It is the most common measure of GPS technology.

Total time (min) and Top speed (mph) are just that – the total duration of the session and highest velocity achieved by the athlete.

Zone Running tells you how much distance the athlete travelled in the relevant speed zone.

Zone 1: <4.5 mph
Zone 2: 4.5-6.7 mph
Zone 3: 6.7-8.95 mph
Zone 4: 8.9-11.2 mph
Zone 5: 11.2-13.4 mph
Zone 6: >13.4 mph

Hard Running (yards) distance travelled at a velocity of 10.1 mph (4.5 m/s). Hard running is also referred to as High Speed Running and this can also be expressed as a percentage of the Total Distance.

Sprint efforts is the number of times the athlete attains speeds of 10.1 mph (4.5 m/s) or greater for longer than 1 second.

Work Rate (yards/min) is the total distance travelled relative to the total time and ) is a key metric of intensity. To learn more read Why It’s Not Enough to Go the Distance.

Impacts include the sum of medium (5g to 8g) and heavy (8g +) impacts measured by the device during the session. This requires the SPT2 unit as it is measured with the accelerometer.

Intensity is SPT’s algorithm which tells you how hard the athlete worked and how intense the session was overall. The Intensity number takes into account the frequency, magnitude and length of high speed movements during the session and is described in arbitrary units. A really intense session can sometimes yield a score above 100. You can use this number to compare athletes and compare individual performances (i.e., game 1 vs game 2, etc.).

Check out the LIVE demo to see for yourself.