Season 4 Episode 1 - Slave to GPS

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Jason Weber and Darren Burgess discuss the evolving landscape of sports science, particularly focusing on the use of GPS data and its implications for training load and injury prevention. They explore the limitations of current measurement techniques, the complexity of player performance metrics, and the need for a more holistic approach to understanding athlete health and performance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions and being critical of the data we rely on in sports science.

Reference paper: Slaves to (GPS) norms – Sport Performance & Science Reports

Takeaways

• GPS data is a crucial tool but has limitations.
• Understanding training load is essential for injury prevention.
• The complexity of player performance metrics goes beyond GPS data.
• We need to measure more than just linear displacement.
• Game stress should be evaluated more accurately.
• Current metrics often fail to capture the full picture of player performance.
• Sports scientists must ask the right questions to guide their analysis.
• The evolution of sports science requires continuous learning and adaptation.
• Data analysis in sports is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
• Collaboration and critical thinking are key in sports science.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context
04:42 Understanding Player Performance Metrics
12:54 Game Stress and Its Assessment
21:00 The Evolution of Sports Science Practices
26:58 Encouraging Curiosity in Sports Science