I'm just starting to train with my amateur team and I'd like to better structure the analysis of players' physical performance. What indicators do you consider essential for assessing aerobic fitness, strength, and recovery? Do you prefer using field tests, GPS metrics, or a combination of both? Also, how often do you recommend recording this data and how do you usually present the results to the group so they're easy to interpret? I'd appreciate any advice or experiences you can share. Cheers!
What's the best way to analyze physical performance in soccer training?
👁️ 89 views💬 3 replies❤️ 0 likes
3 Replies
Have you tried doing a fitness test like the Yo-Yo Intermittent first to measure your aerobic capacity before getting into GPS complications?
Have you tried tracking the distance covered in your workouts with a basic GPS watch? You can also do tests like the Course Navette or the Yo-Yo test, which are inexpensive and provide useful data on aerobic endurance.
In my first amateur team, we had a clear problem: players complained about fatigue in the second half, but no one knew exactly why. We started with the basics: field tests like the Yo-Yo Intermittent (Level 1 for non-professionals) every three months. The results were eye-opening: 70% of the players had aerobic levels in the regional category when they should have been in the national one. That’s when I realized GPS wasn’t optional—it was essential. We paired it with strength tests like squats and vertical jumps, using a simple tracking app. The key was balance: we tracked GPS in every session but only ran physical tests once a month.
To make the data digestible, I simplified how we presented it. We used a Google Sheets table where each player had their own profile: distance covered, sprints, max heart rate, and recovery. Colors made it clear: green for improvement, yellow for stable, and red for warning. At first, players didn’t get the numbers, so we translated everything into relatable terms—like “equivalent to a 10K run” or “compared to Messi in 2014.” We adjusted the frequency of tracking based on the season phase: more intense in preseason (weekly) and more relaxed during the season (biweekly). Soon, players started competing against each other to beat their personal bests, and that shifted the whole team’s mindset.