Technology tamed as training tool

By BBC Sport Online's Adrian Harte

Bigger balls, shark suits and smart shoes were the latest technological advances in tennis, swimming and athletics as sport turned science fiction into science fact in 2000.

Football is now getting in on the act, with both Manchester United and Derby County embracing a revolutionary training tool, devised by Leeds-based company Prozone.

Lodged at either end of the Premiership table they may be, but the sides are among the first clubs in Britain to use a new system of analysing matches to improve team performance.

Prozone describe their system as a unique game analysis system for team sports.

The system uses six to 10 sensors installed around each club's stadium, with the data analysed through unique software.

The data is then presented through an interface developed through the involvement of prominent coaches

This enables coach to see all 22 players on the pitch (and the ball) from a bird's eye view.

The coach can also view how his team used the ball during the match

When we can't get through to players, we bring them in here and show them the system and there's no argument

  Jim Smith

A third aspect of the system provides data on players' average speeds during the game, as well as walk, run and sprint distances covered.

Derby manager Jim Smith regards Prozone as a perfect coach's tool.

He told BBC Breakfast: "We do use it if we get the players, or a group like midfield, the back three or the front two consistently saying they are doing the right thing. And when we can't get through to them, we bring them in here and show them the system and there's no argument."

Fears that such gadgets lead to an uneven playing field are likely to be short-lived, as every Premiership side could be using the system by the end of the current season.

Prozone director Ram Mylvaganam said:

"We have got an indication that the Premier League would like to see it installed in all the clubs. We have it installed in three clubs and are in the process of talking with other clubs to have it installed.

"We are confident that most clubs will have the system installed before the end of the season."

International appeal

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and FC Porto were selected by Uefa as part of a trial to establish the usability of the system as a coaching tool.

And Uefa are currently formulating the implementation programme for the Prozone analysis for all 157 Champions League games for the next three seasons.

In addition, the English senior side used Prozone for the World Cup qualifier against Finland in October.

And the system can be applied to other team sports, such as rugby union or league, basketball and ice hockey.

While the system is a tactician's dream come true, it could prove nightmarish for players, who now have nowhere to hide.