FSHP Academy
Sports Technology — all lessons

Module 1 – Introduction

Evolution and role of technology in sportImpact on training, recovery and competitionCase studies: technology in Olympic and elite sport

Module 2 – Biomechanics & Motion Capture

Biomechanics basics for technology usersMotion analysis tools: cameras, sensors and appsForce plates (e.g. VALD ForceDecks)Reaction-light systems (e.g. BlazePod)DynamometryRunning gait analysis (e.g. GaitON)Timing and jump systems (e.g. Hyperlab)

Module 3 – Wearables & Monitoring

Types of wearables: GPS and heart-rate monitorsInterpreting speed, load, fatigue and HRV dataIntegrating wearable data into training

Module 4 – Performance Testing & Analytics

Performance testing and analytics workflows

Integrating wearable data into training

From numbers to decisions — building simple monitoring systems, setting flags, communicating with coaches and athletes, and adjusting training.

Advanced Evidence: Emerging evidence 3 min read Reviewed 2026-10-31 Status: draft

Learning objectives

  • Design a minimal, purposeful monitoring system
  • Set individual flags and decision rules
  • Communicate data effectively
  • Adjust training based on data and context

Before this lesson

Why this matters

Data collected but not used wastes time and erodes trust.

System design

  1. Decisions: Is the athlete ready? Is load progressing appropriately?
  2. Measures: wellness, session-RPE, external load, weekly CMJ
  3. Baselines: individual norms
  4. Flags: e.g., outside SWC + typical error, or wellness drop of >1 SD
  5. Actions: conversation → modify session → review

Monitoring recommendations [bourdon2017]; subjective measures are sensitive [saw2016].

Communication

Traffic-light summaries, trends, one key message per athlete; clear visuals [thornton2019].

Decision example

FlagAction
Low wellness + high loadTalk; reduce volume
CMJ drop beyond SWCLower intensity next session
All normalTrain as planned

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Case study

A basketball team’s traffic-light report flags a guard with poor sleep and a CMJ drop. A conversation reveals exam stress; practice is modified and he recovers within days.

Further learning: video lessons

Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.

Technical needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Integrating wearable data into training

sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)

You will understand: integrating wearable data into training

Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video and be aware of commercial bias.
Technical needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Validity and reliability explained

sport science practitioners and manufacturers’ education channels (search)

You will understand: judging measurement quality

Why: Practitioner content; verify the specific video and be aware of commercial bias.

Knowledge check

Knowledge check · 0/5

1. A monitoring system should start with…

Answer B. Purpose.

2. Flags should be based on…

Answer B. Individual.

3. Thornton et al. (2019) emphasise…

Answer B. Communication.

4. When data and the athlete disagree, you should…

Answer B. Holistic.

5. A typical daily minimal system includes…

Answer B. Low burden.

Short-answer & application questions

  1. Design a monitoring system for a team you know.
  2. Write decision rules for flags.
  3. Create a one-page athlete report.

Key takeaways

  • Start with the decisions you need to make, then choose minimal measures.
  • Use individual baselines and flags rather than group thresholds.
  • Combine objective data with athlete and coach input.
  • Simple visuals and clear actions drive use.

Connected topics

sports technology

Performance testing and analytics workflows

football

Managing training load and volume

cricket

Managing training and bowling load

References

  1. Bourdon PC, Cardinale M, Murray A, et al. (2017). Monitoring athlete training loads: consensus statement. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(Suppl 2):S2161–S2170. Guideline check pending
  2. Thornton HR, Delaney JA, Duthie GM, Dascombe BJ (2019). Developing athlete monitoring systems in team sports: data analysis and visualization. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 14(6):698–705. Narrative review check pending
  3. Saw AE, Main LC, Gastin PB (2016). Monitoring the athlete training response: subjective self-reported measures trump commonly used objective measures: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5):281–291. Systematic review check pending

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.