Why Data is Useful When Developing a Return-To-Play Protocol
Author: Dave Grendzynski
In college basketball, we often hear inspiring stories of teams and players overcoming challenges. Furman University’s Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Aldred shared one that is data-driven.
During an appearance on “The Xtra Edge,” Coach Aldred talked about the time one of his players injured his wrist. Coach Aldred saw how determined the player was to get better.
Aldred pointed out, “Even though he can’t shoot, he can still run.” Coach then used the player’s motivation to both of their advantages.
Basketball Analytics Drive Determination
“He’d been a transfer for us. He’d been a high-level Division two player. He was essentially going to be a starter for us, so he knew he needed to get in shape,” Aldred explained.
A key part of the player’s rehab was the use of data-driven training methods. Aldred talked about how the athlete paid close attention to details, always aiming to outperform others. “He kept checking the AAL (accumulated acceleration load) on the laptop because he wanted to be the best every day,” Aldred remembered.
This commitment to using data to improve also illustrates Aldred’s innovative coaching style.
Data Guides the Rehab Process
Throughout the rehabilitation process, Aldred guided the athlete, balancing intensity and workload to ensure a seamless return to the court. “He essentially had the load aspect and the intensity aspect…I was able to kind of help with some heart rate stuff as well,” Aldred recalled. By incorporating data-driven insights, Aldred facilitated a structured approach to training, optimizing the athlete’s readiness for competition.
The culmination of Aldred’s coaching philosophy and the athlete’s unwavering dedication manifested in a remarkable outcome. “I think he started every game for us. I don’t think he missed a game through injury,” Aldred proudly recounted. This achievement underscores the transformative power of self-motivation and informed decision-making.
Player Metrics Provide the Right Mindset
In hindsight, Aldred views the athlete’s journey as a compelling case study in utilizing data to inform training strategies and foster a mindset of continuous improvement. “It was a really good case study of using data to kind of inform his decision making really and his mindset to keep pushing,” Aldred remarked.
Through the lens of Aldred’s guidance, the athlete’s journey serves as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between coaches, a player’s motivation and data-driven training methodologies.
“It was a really good case study of using data to kind of inform his decision making really and his mindset to keep pushing.”
Matt Aldred’s story embodies what college sports are all about: bouncing back from challenges, staying focused, and always striving to do your best.
As athletes and coaches deal with the ups and downs of competing, Aldred’s experience inspires us, showing how believing in yourself and using data can really make a difference in achieving athletic goals.
More Insight on Return To Play Protocols
Aldred’s insight did not stop there. Tune into this episode of “The Xtra Edge” to hear about an exercise his players do that you have to see to believe. He shares where you can see it, and the man who helps him break down his data also joins the conversation to explain the method behind the player metrics.
Or if you’re interested in learning more about balancing workloads during a basketball season, to help decrease the risk of injury, download: “A Guide to Understanding Load Management Using Player Tracking Data.”
More stories
Study Reveals: Olympic-Based Strength Training Enhances Handball Skills!
Imagine the power and agility of an Olympic athlete combined with the strength and endurance of a handball player. That’s exactly what a recent study set out to explore. The goal? To unlock new levels of performance for women handball players.
What's Still Missing on The Journey to Equality for Women Athletes?
Researchers from the Bundesliga club, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, are conducting a study on the influence of the menstrual cycle on the performance of women athletes. Dr. Sascha Härtel and Dr. Ludwig Ruf shared insights into the research, and talked about what is still needed.
Study Reveals the Most Popular Shot EuroLeague Basketball Players Take
Sports analytics and data-driven forecasting play crucial roles in European basketball. Researchers are trying to identify essential performance metrics and effective coaching strategies. What they’re finding is that one type of shot is more popular than the rest.
Why Underloaded EuroLeague Basketball Players Still Need Data
As Head of Performance at Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Kostas Chatzichristos knows basketball analytics. He explains why coaches need to collect data on all players — even the ones who aren’t getting minutes.
What a UL Experiment Revealed About Merging Live GPS Data and Recovery Tech
In football, recovery is as important as training. Recently, the sports medicine staff from the University of Louisiana conducted an experiment to gauge the impact Firefly Recovery Devices may have on a player’s recovery with the help of live data from KINEXON Sports.
How Basketball Coaches Can Use Sports Video Analysis Software
Basketball coaches and players strive to understand the intricacies of each shot. But using a video analysis software, that doubles as basketball shot tracking app, promises to be the Holy Grail for those seeking comprehensive insights.
What Are The Volleyball Metrics That Matter Most to Coaches?
Volleyball positions require speed, agility, power, and precision. But how do you know if your team is performing at its best? How do you measure your progress and identify your strengths and weaknesses? This is where player metrics and analytics come in.
Why Evansville University’s Sports Performance Coach Dislikes Backpedaling
How can players optimize their performance and avoid wasting steps on the court? That’s the question Jeremy Portillo, the sports performance coach for Evansville University men’s basketball team, was asked on a recent episode of “The Extra Edge” podcast. He gave a jaw-dropping answer.
Athletic Performance: Why is it Important to Understand and Track Acceleration?
Athletic ability is often associated with an athlete’s explosive speed and acceleration. That’s why acceleration is often called one of the cornerstones of excellence in athletic performance. But did you know that it can be improved with the right tools and training methods?
How UAB's Strength Coach Sold Football Analytics to His Head Coach
Author: Dave Grendzynski
Lyle Henley, the Director of Sport Performance for the University of Alabama Birmingham. football team. He’s a strong advocate for sports data. He shares his story of how he sold his old school head coach, Trent Dilfer, on the idea of using data.
What Kind of Live Data Can an LPS System Provide Fans During an American Football Game?
Coaches, players, media, and fans crave real-time insights to enhance performance, strategy, and engagement in American Football. Now, LPS technology is providing just that. Giving everyone in the stands, and watching at home, a view of the game they have never seen before.
What Stanford's Volleyball Strength Coach Avoids Every Season to Stay on Top
Author: Dave Grendzynski
Tyler Friedrich is the sports performance coach for the women’s volleyball team at Stanford University. He’s been helping them improve their strength, speed, agility, endurance, and jump height for more than 8 years. He says to stay on top, there’s one thing coaches should avoid.
Why Integrating Football Match Data with Sports Performance Training is So Important
In football (or soccer, as it’s known in some parts of the world), coaches are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance player performance. One powerful approach that’s gaining traction is the integration of match data with sports performance training metrics that are GPS-based.
What Strategies Can Coaches Use To Find Top-Tier Sports Data Analysts?
Author: Dave Grendzynski
As the Director of Sports Performance at the University of Colorado, Steve Englehart realized he needed someone who could make sense of the data he was collecting. He explains how he found his analyst and how other coaches can find one too.
How Football Analytics Put a Walk-On on a Path to the NFL
Author: Dave Grendzynski
The insights we’re getting from our guests on The Xtra Edge podcast are even better than we imagined. Take University of Louisiana Coach Connor Neighbors, for instance. When he was asked, “How did you discover sports analytics?” The answer even shocked us.