All about the Electronic Performance & Tracking System

Football and Technology now work hand in hand to better improve the standards and quality of the game. The EPTS (Electronic Performance and Tracking System) is a device used to track player performances on the field.

EPTS basically tracks player and ball positions, although it can also be used to calculate if a player is at risk of injury in both training sessions and matches. The equipment monitors the heart rate of the player, the distance covered, the intensity of the run, speed, the number of sprints and acceleration, and the amount of tackles a player makes in a game.

Due to the very useful data that it accumulates, many big clubs have implemented this technology and use it to gather information about their players that would help them make better decisions on who is doing well and who isn’t.

There are 3 types of performance tracking devices available in the market:‎

1. Optical-based camera system: It is very common, and makes tracking of the ball possible. It is non-invasive, but requires manual corrections
2.  Local positioning systems (LPS): It is expensive and takes some time to install. However, it is accurate and does not require manual corrections.
3.  GPS/GNSS systems: It does not require an operator, the installation is short and a device is usually attached to the players.