Turning Data Into Actionable Insights
To fully leverage the data collected during training sessions, two questions matter most:
What information should be presented?
How should it be presented for maximum impact?
Data Filtering: The Foundation of Accurate Reporting
An essential first step is data filtering - making sure only the relevant data is analysed. Here, we rely on features such as positions and participation tags. These filters prevent averages from being distorted by outliers (e.g. goalkeepers or rehab players), ensuring that the reported distance or intensity values reflect the true workload of a session.
Moving From Broad to Narrow Perspective
When interpreting the data, work from the big picture down to the details:
Start with team load
Break it down into positional load
Zoom into individual load
Finally, analyse specific drills or exercises
Why Context Is Crucial
Raw numbers alone rarely lead to good decisions. Context transforms raw data into actionable insights by answering performance-focused questions, such as:
Did this session meet its predefined goals?
How does this session fit within the weekly training plan and prepare players for the next matchday’s demands?
How does it compare to similar sessions in previous weeks?
Are we ahead or behind compared to last week?
What should be adjusted for the next session based on today’s insights?
The simplest way to create context is by relating absolute numbers to a reference, such as each player’s game benchmark or comparable training days. This is where tags and average sets become invaluable.
Example: MD-3 Session Benchmarking
Suppose the team average for an MD-3 session is 6.5 km total distance for all participating players. The analysis could proceed like this:
Identify Achievements and Gaps
Which players met the 6.5 km target?
Which players under- or overperformed?
Is this a team-wide trend, or isolated to individuals?
Assess Impact on Metrics
Did meeting (or missing) the target affect locomotive, mechanical, or internal load metrics?
How was volume vs intensity balanced?
Understand Drill-Driven Variability
Did changes in drill design alter outputs?
Small-area games often raise mechanical load, while large-pitch possession drills typically increase high-speed running.
Plan With a Broader Lens
How does this session fit into the last 10–15 days of loading?
Does it support maintaining optimal weekly and long-term load levels?
If not, where do adjustments need to be made?
Adapt Tomorrow’s Session
Use insights to set fresh targets.
Adjust drills, volume, or intensity to close gaps or prevent overload.
Presenting the Results
Once the analysis is complete, the final step is reporting. Visuals (charts, comparisons, dashboards) make the insights clear and actionable for coaches and players, ensuring data drives real-world decisions.
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