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Any competent soccer player must maintain a high fitness level to perform at their best. Luckily, this can be achieved with the help of technology. Tracking your fitness level is the best way to see if you’re maintaining or perhaps increasing it. One of the difficulties many soccer players face is tracking their performance accurately. This is where monitoring soccer performance on a Garmin comes in.
In this article, we will discuss the following points:
- The best Garmin smartwatches to track your soccer performance
- Tracking soccer performance on a Garmin smartwatch
- How to use a Garmin to track your performance
- Why tracking your soccer performance is important
- Alternative GPS tracking devices
BEST GARMIN TRACKING FOR SOCCER
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- Garmin Fenix 6S
- Garmin Forerunner 735XT
- Garmin Forerunner 935
- Garmin Forerunner 945
- Garmin Forerunner 45s
- Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
- Garmin Fenix 7X
- Garmin Tactix 7
- Tracking Soccer Performance on a Garmin
- How To Track Yourself
- Why Is Tracking Fitness Important for a Soccer Player?
- Why Use the Garmin Fitness Tracker
- Alternative GPS Tracking For Soccer
Garmin Fenix 6S
Although one of these watches might set you back upwards of $500, you will get a high-end watch for your money that you can even update to solar to gather solar energy. This watch offers everything you might need in a fitness tracker and can provide the tools and data you need to get in better shape than ever imagined.
The Garmin Fenix 6s Pro is a multisport smartwatch that can monitor over 20 different activities, such as running, swimming, biking, and more. Thanks to a full-color UI and simple navigation, you can quickly glance at your stats. The Fenix effortlessly links with the Garmin Connect app for even more detailed and tailored training metrics.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design that is comfortable for daily wear.
- Long battery life lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode.
- Robust activity tracking with built-in GPS for outdoor workouts.
- Advanced training metrics like VO2 max, training status, and load.
- Heart rate monitoring and pulse ox sensor for health data.
- Durable construction withstands elements and rigorous exercise.
- Full-color maps and navigation features.
Cons:
- Smaller screen size of 1.2″ compared to larger Fenix models.
- Fewer onboard maps than higher-end Fenix watches.
- No onboard music storage without a premium monthly service.
- Touchscreen can be less responsive than mechanical buttons.
- Premium price for an entry-level Fenix may not suit all budgets.
- Limited smartwatch functionality compared to dedicated watches.
- Heart rate sensor accuracy could be improved, per some user reviews.
The 6s Pro boasts greater memory, a longer battery life, preloaded maps, and a pulse oximeter – a vast improvement over its predecessor, the Fenix 5s. The Garmin Fenix 6S comes in multiple options. You can choose between the Standard, Sapphire, and Solar models of the Garmin Fenix 6S. As the name implies, the Standard model is the simplest and least expensive of the three.
Then, there’s the Sapphire model, which offers better scratch resistance than the Standard, making it more durable. It’s not only in the center of the price range of all three watches but also offers some great additional features you won’t find in the Standard version. Finally, there’s the Solar version of the Garmin Fenix 6S, and in case you haven’t guessed it already, the solar edition can be powered by solar charging.
Key Features
- A 1.2-inch memory-in-pixel (MIP) display that is bright and easy to read outdoors.
- Built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite support for accurate location tracking.
- Heart rate monitoring using the wrist-based optical sensor.
- Storage for music so you can listen to playlists without your phone.
- Activity/health tracking, including steps, sleep, VO2 max, menstrual cycle, stress tracking and more.
- Built-in sports apps for running, cycling, swimming, golf, skiing/snowboarding, and more.
- Battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode or 36 hours in GPS mode.
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Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Of course, Garmin provides various alternatives for people who want something more. Enter the Forerunner 735XT. This has been recognized as one of the best options when measuring soccer players’ health on the field, courtesy of Garmin. The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is one of Garmin’s most popular gadgets for runners and athletes alike. It has everything you’ll need to improve on the soccer field, making it one of the better fitness watch options.
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT remains a capable triathlon watch today, known for its lightweight design, long battery life, and training/performance-tracking features. One of the advantages of the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is that it is compatible with both the iOS and Android operating systems. It monitors your heart rate, steps, breathing, sleeping, and stress levels, among other things.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accurate GPS tracking for runs, rides and swims.
- Optical heart rate sensor for continuous heart rate monitoring.
- Built-in sports apps for running, cycling, swimming and more.
- Dedicated training tools like VO2 max, recovery time and training load.
- Long battery life of up to 14 hours in GPS mode.
- Connects to external sensors like cycling cadence and power meters.
- Swimproof design allows open water swimming tracking.
- Advanced training plans and schedule workouts.
Cons:
- Plastic construction feels less premium than metal alternatives.
- No barometric altimeter for more accurate elevation data.
- No onboard music storage or contactless payments.
- Screen is small and not always-on, limiting visibility.
- No onboard maps for navigation on runs or rides.
- No onboard sports like golf or indoor activities.
- Advanced features may be overwhelming for casual users.
- Price is higher than basic GPS running watches.
It also provides recuperation guidance – so you know how to recover properly after an intense game or training session. This is especially vital for soccer players, as breathing and rest are just as important as the activity for long-term training and playing soccer. It also includes high-intensity running, jogging, and swimming. The Garmin community also provides real-life coaching that you can sign up for, and you get all this separately from the organized activities and workout tracking that the watch offers.
Some of the standout features of the 735XT are its live tracking, GPS, and the fact that it can track data on the soccer field in real time. This tracking includes stride strength, vertical ratio, time balance, and breathing. It also has a nifty little feature known as the race predictor, which lets you know how fast you can go.
Key Features
- It has built-in GPS, GLONASS, and ANT+ connectivity for accurate distance, pace, and location tracking during activities.
- The watch features an optical heart rate sensor for continuous heart rate monitoring during workouts and daily wear.
- It provides training tools like VO2 max, training status, and recovery time estimates based on heart rate data.
- The Forerunner 735XT has smartwatch-style features and notifications when paired with a smartphone.
- Battery life is rated at up to 16 hours in GPS mode and up to 10 days in watch mode.
Alternatives Available
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is a GPS sports watch for runners and triathletes. It features advanced running dynamics that track metrics like cadence, stride length, and vertical oscillation using the wrist-based optical heart rate sensor. This provides runners with a detailed analysis of their form and efficiency.
The Forerunner 935 also includes built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems, allowing it to accurately track distance, pace, and location during outdoor activities and workouts. This makes it a reliable tool for training sessions, races, and navigation on race day.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large, high-resolution always-on display for easy viewing.
- Built-in GPS, GLONASS and Galileo for accurate location tracking.
- Extensive sports modes including running, cycling, swimming and more.
- Advanced training metrics like VO2 max, race predictor and training load.
- Comes with wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox sensor and more.
- Stores and plays music directly on the watch.
- Long battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode.
- Rugged design withstands elements and is swim proof.
- Connects to external sensors for advanced metrics.
Cons:
- Higher price point than some basic running watches.
- No onboard maps for navigation during activities.
- No contactless payments or music streaming.
- Touchscreen can be less responsive than mechanical buttons.
- Larger size may not suit those with small wrists.
- Advanced metrics may overwhelm casual athletes.
- Requires a Garmin account for some connected features.
- Battery life reduces with always-on display and music.
In addition to advanced running metrics, the Forerunner 935 caters well to triathletes with its dedicated open-water swimming tracking modes. It also includes transition timers to help triathletes monitor their performance across disciplines. Serious athletes will also appreciate its training tools like VO2 max estimation, training status, and recovery time insights.
The Forerunner 935 offers excellent battery life of up to 24 hours in GPS mode and 2 weeks in smartwatch mode. Its robust feature set, accurate tracking, and long battery life make it a popular athlete choice. The Garmin Forerunner 935 is a GPS sports watch for serious runners and triathletes.
Key Features
- It has advanced running dynamics like cadence, stride length, and vertical oscillation recorded from its wrist-based optical heart rate sensor.
- The Forerunner 935 has built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems for accurate distance and pace tracking during outdoor activities.
- It provides training tools like VO2 max, training status, and recovery time estimates based on heart rate data.
- The watch is suitable for triathletes as it has dedicated open-water swimming tracking and transition timers.
- Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours in GPS mode and up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode.
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Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a premium running and multisport GPS watch for serious athletes. It features advanced training tools like VO2 max, training load focus, training effect, and race predictor. Dynamic performance monitoring provides metrics like ground contact time, stride length, and vertical ratio to help improve form.
The Forerunner 945 tracks indoor and outdoor activities using its built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems for precise location tracking and distance measurements. It can also store music directly on the watch and support music playback from streaming services like Spotify and Deezer through Bluetooth headphones.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large, high-resolution, always-on display
- Built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo for accurate tracking
- Tracks running, cycling, swimming, golf and more sports
- Advanced training metrics like VO2 max, race predictor
- Onboard music storage and headphone controls
- Long battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode
- Rugged design withstands elements and is swimproof
- Connects to external sensors for in-depth metrics
- Comes with Pulse Ox, wrist heart rate, and more sensors
- Onboard maps and navigation during activities
Cons:
- Higher premium price than some basic running watches
- Touchscreen can be less responsive than mechanical buttons
- Battery life reduces with always-on display and music
- Advanced metrics/maps may overwhelm casual users
- Requires Garmin account for some connected features
- Large size may not suit those with small wrists
- No contactless payments like some other smartwatches
- Regular software updates needed to access all features
In addition to its robust fitness tracking capabilities, the Forerunner 945 functions well as a smartwatch. It supports intelligent notifications and contactless payments through Garmin Pay and can download apps through the Connect IQ store. Battery life is impressive at up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 36 hours in GPS mode with music playback.
The bright, high-resolution touchscreen display makes the interface easy to use during activities or daily use. Overall, the Forerunner 945 offers a durable package of top-tier tracking, training, and smartwatch features, making it an excellent multi-sport watch for serious athletes.
Key Features
- Advanced running dynamics that provide metrics like stride length, vertical ratio, and ground contact time to help improve form.
- Built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for precise tracking during outdoor activities.
- Storage for up to 500 songs that can be played via Bluetooth headphones. It also supports music streaming services.
- Dedicated modes for running, cycling, swimming, paddle sports, and more with automatic lap counting and customizable data screens.
- Advanced training tools like VO2 max, training load focus, training effect, and race predictor help optimize training plans.
- Wrist-based monitors and dedicated heart rate zones provide real-time feedback during workouts.
- Smartwatch features like smart notifications, contactless payments with Garmin Pay, and third-party apps from the Connect IQ store.
- Up to 2 weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and 36 hours in GPS mode with music playback.
- High-resolution 1.2″ touchscreen display that is easy to view indoors and outdoors.
- Syncs activity data to the Garmin Connect platform for detailed analytics and social features.
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Garmin Forerunner 45s
The Garmin Forerunner 45s is an entry-level running watch for casual runners and gym goers. Though it offers basic features compared to higher-end models, the 45s provides everything needed to start tracking runs and monitoring fitness levels. It has a built-in GPS that allows you to track your location, pace, and distance outdoors without carrying a phone.
Interval training, heart rate monitoring, and post-workout summaries give users insight into their performance over time. The 45s also functions as a simple smartwatch with basic notifications and apps. In addition to GPS-based activity tracking, the Forerunner 45s continuously monitors heart rate with its wrist-based optical sensor. This allows users to track their cardio fitness and see how their heart reacts to different workout intensities.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Inexpensive price point for a basic GPS running watch
- Lightweight and comfortable design for daily wear
- Built-in GPS for outdoor activity tracking
- Heart rate monitoring and basic training metrics
- Extended 5+ hour battery life in GPS mode
- Connects to smartphone for notifications
- Intuitive interface easy for beginners to use
- Durable construction withstands light activity
Cons:
- Small monochrome screen has limited data visibility
- Fewer training/sports modes than advanced watches
- No onboard maps or music storage
- Basic heart rate sensor, lacks advanced metrics
- Limited smartwatch functionality overall
- No onboard payments or advanced sensors
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal watches
- Limited 3-button control can be frustrating
Post-workout summaries on the Garmin Connect app provide in-depth stats to analyze progress. At an affordable price, the 45s gives beginners an easy-to-use tool to start a running routine and gain essential insights into their workouts. The long battery life ensures it can keep up with casual users who exercise a few times a week without needing to be recharged frequently.
Key Features
- It is an entry-level running watch designed for casual runners and gym-goers.
- The Forerunner 45s features a built-in GPS that tracks pace, distance, and location without needing a phone. It supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites for accuracy.
- It provides basic running metrics like time, distance, pace, calories burned, etc. Interval training features include timed sessions.
- A wrist-based optical heart rate sensor monitors heart rate during workouts and daily wear to track cardio fitness levels over time.
- Smartwatch functionality allows receiving notifications from a paired phone. Essential apps can also be downloaded from the Connect IQ store.
- Battery life lasts up to 1 week in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode, providing excellent longevity.
- An easy-to-use touchscreen interface and simple navigation make the watch beginner-friendly.
- Post-workout summaries on the Garmin Connect app provide stats and social features to stay motivated.
At an affordable price, the Forerunner 45s is a solid entry-level running watch for casual users seeking GPS tracking and basic fitness metrics and notifications.
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Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a rugged GPS smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes. It features advanced training metrics and solar charging functionality, allowing the watch to last weeks on a single charge in many conditions. The Instinct 2 Solar tracks a wide range of outdoor activities accurately using multi-GNSS support and includes advanced navigation tools like topographical maps to help users explore off the grid.
Its pulse ox sensor also provides blood oxygen saturation levels to aid those training at altitude or for other health monitoring needs. The durable build quality makes it suitable for extreme environments and activities like hiking, biking, climbing, and more. In addition to comprehensive activity tracking, the Instinct 2 Solar functions as a robust smartwatch.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integrated solar charging panel extends battery life indefinitely
- Rugged design withstands extreme environments and activities
- Built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate navigation
- Tracks numerous activities like running, swimming, and more
- Advanced training metrics and dynamic performance data
- Topographic maps and navigation features for hiking/exploring
- Ultra-long battery life lasting weeks in smartwatch mode
- Dedicated outdoor features like a barometer and compass
- Connects to external sensors for additional activity data
Cons:
- Higher premium price than basic fitness trackers
- Screen has lower resolution than dedicated sports watches
- Limited smartwatch functionality and notifications
- No contactless payments or music storage
- Solar charging requires adequate sunlight exposure
- Bulky design may not suit casual or fashion-oriented users
- Limited customizable data fields and widgets
- No heart rate sensor, relies on wrist-based data
It supports intelligent notifications, calendar alerts, and weather updates. Extended battery life is a significant strength, with weeks of usage available in smartwatch mode through regular wear and solar exposure. For activities, the Instinct 2 Solar can last over 3 days in GPS mode thanks to its power-saving features and the ability to charge via sunlight indefinitely. Its simple interface makes it intuitive to use, even during strenuous workouts or races, at an affordable price.
Key Features
- It is a rugged outdoor GPS watch for endurance activities like hiking, biking, and adventure sports.
- The watch features solar charging functionality, which helps extend battery life indefinitely in many conditions.
- It contains advanced training features like VO2 max, training status, load, and pulse ox sensor for blood oxygen levels.
- Built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for accurate real-time tracking of pace, distance, and navigation on outdoor activities.
- Tracks over 30 sports and automatically recognizes activities like running and biking.
- Rugged design is water-rated to 100m and withstands thermal and shock stresses.
- Battery lasts weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 72 hours in GPS mode with solar and power-saving features.
- Includes advanced navigation tools like maps, compasses, and barometric altimeters.
- Durable construction and simple interface make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and tactical/military uses.
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Garmin Fenix 7X
The Garmin Fenix 7X is a premium multisport GPS smartwatch for adventurers. It features advanced training metrics, navigation capabilities, and a rugged design to handle extreme environments. The large always-on display makes the watch extremely easy to view in any lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to nighttime trail running. Advanced sensors like wrist-based heart rate, pulse ox, barometer, and compass provide athletes in-depth insights during activities.
Dynamic performance monitoring via the watch’s multiple internal GPS antennas also helps optimize form and efficiency. In addition to robust activity tracking, the Fenix 7X functions well as a smartwatch with notifications, contactless payments, and apps. With its large battery capable of weeks of use in smartwatch mode, the 7X can track even ultramarathons and long expeditions without recharging.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large, high-resolution always-on sunlight-readable display
- Extended battery life of up to 5 weeks with solar charging
- Built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo for accurate navigation
- Tracks numerous activities and sports with detailed metrics
- Advanced training metrics and recovery insights
- Topographic maps and navigation for hiking and exploring
- Connects to external sensors for additional activity data
- Durable sapphire glass and titanium construction
- Advanced health monitoring with Pulse Ox and more sensors
Cons:
- Very expensive premium price point
- Bulky design not suitable for casual daily wear
- Limited smartwatch features beyond activity tracking
- No contactless payments or music storage
- Solar charging requires adequate sunlight exposure
- Touchscreen can be less responsive than mechanical buttons
- Learning curve for all advanced training and analysis tools
- Regular updates needed to access all new features
For serious endurance athletes and outdoor explorers, the Fenix 7X offers the most comprehensive set of features and rugged construction. Advanced training metrics and dynamic performance monitoring help optimize training regimens. Its dual-frequency GPS provides fast satellite acquisition and highly accurate real-time location tracking during any activity.
Preloaded maps and navigation tools allow users to explore trails and routes without their phones. At the top of Garmin’s multisport lineup, the Fenix 7X is built to handle extreme environments and provide athletes with the most advanced data and capabilities.
Key Features
- Premium multisport GPS watch designed for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers.
- Large 1.4″ always-on display with Sapphire lens is easy to view in any lighting conditions.
- Dual-frequency GPS provides fast satellite acquisition and accurate real-time tracking of activities.
- Tracks over 30 sports and automatically recognizes activities like running, biking, swimming, etc.
- Advanced training features include VO2 max, training load, training status, race predictor, and more.
- It includes a wrist-based heart rate, pulse ox sensor, barometric altimeter, compass, and more sensors.
- Store and play music directly on the watch with Bluetooth headphones.
- Smartwatch functions include notification payments with Garmin Pay and Connect IQ apps.
- Extended battery life of up to 5 weeks in smartwatch mode and 36 hours in GPS mode.
- Rugged construction withstands extreme environments like deserts, jungles, or mountains.
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Garmin Tactix 7
The Garmin Tactix 7 is a rugged tactical smartwatch explicitly designed for military, law enforcement, and special operations personnel. It offers specialized features like stealth mode to disable wireless connectivity, night vision compatibility through adjustable LED lighting and preloaded tactical maps. The large always-on display is optimized for visibility in all lighting environments.
Built to withstand extreme conditions, the Tactix 7 is MIL-STD 810 tested to handle thermal and shock stresses. It provides advanced training metrics for various activities, smartwatch functions, and connectivity to tactical accessories. In addition to comprehensive activity tracking, the Tactix 7 offers mission-critical tools for tactical use. Preloaded maps and navigation features allow waypoint routing without internet dependence. Profiles and data fields can be customized for both training and operational needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rugged and durable design withstands tough conditions
- Night vision compatibility for low-light operations
- Stealth mode to disable wireless connectivity when needed
- Preloaded tactical maps and navigation without internet
- Long battery life lasting weeks with various recharging options
- Customizable data fields and profiles for training or missions
- Advanced training metrics and performance monitoring
- Connects to tactical accessories for specialized functionality
Cons:
- Higher premium price than basic GPS sports watches
- Screen has lower resolution than dedicated sports models
- Limited smartwatch functionality and notifications
- No contactless payments or music storage
- Bulky design may not suit casual usage
- Learning curve to fully utilize tactical and navigation tools
- Requires creating custom profiles and datasets in Garmin app
- Not optimized for general fitness tracking like running/cycling
Long battery life ensures weeks of use without recharging. Dedicated stealth mode and night vision settings suit it for covert or low-light operations. Advanced training metrics and performance monitoring help optimize physical readiness. The rugged and durable design can withstand challenging environmental conditions encountered by tactical personnel in the field or during strenuous training exercises.
Key Features
- Rugged and durable design tested to U.S. military standard MIL-STD-810 for thermal, shock and water resistance.
- Large 1.4″ is always on display for optimal visibility in any lighting conditions, including night vision compatibility.
- Preloaded tactical maps and navigation features like GPS, GLONASS and Galileo for accurate waypoint routing.
- Tracks activities like running, cycling, swimming, and more with advanced training metrics.
- Stores and plays music, uses smartwatch functions, and connects to tactical accessories.
- Battery lasts up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 28 hours in GPS mode.
- Dedicated stealth mode turns off wireless features and backlight for covert operations.
- Night vision compatibility through dimmable white/green LED flashlight on the bezel.
- Customizable data screens and profiles for civilian and military/law enforcement uses.
Designed with tactical features, the rugged Tactix 7 suits special operations, law enforcement, and military personnel for both training and mission-critical activities.
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Tracking Soccer Performance on a Garmin
When you’re playing soccer, you will probably be running the entire time, which is why the activity tracker by Garmin is a great way to track your performance on the soccer field. But one of the difficulties that many soccer players face during practice sessions is that there are also many rest periods in between, which could lower the VO2 max stats, pace, etc.
This is where Garmin’s fitness watches shine. If you are playing soccer, you will have noticed no dedicated setup on the Garmin fitness tracker, but that’s not a problem.
Cardio Data
You must copy the cardio activity and set up the data fields on the Garmin fitness tracker related to the areas you need tracking. Once you identify them, rename them to soccer. Also, since the wrist HRM is not as accurate as you’d expect, it’s best to add a chest strap to the mix for a more precise reading, and you will get better training load estimations.
Also, try to set the fitness tracker for an indoor run since most of your movements on the soccer field will be smaller than the GPS’s resolution. If you have not set it on the indoor run, you will not get an accurate reading for the distance covered.
Indoor Setting
It is also possible that wrist motion detection will get confused during those soccer drills, which is another reason why setting the watch to indoor run is your best bet for tracking your performance on a Garmin. Also, don’t forget a calibrated foot pod and chest strap for a more accurate reading.
Rather than buying a more expensive model fitness watch by Garmin, change the name in the file to run, and you’re good to go as long as you get all the fields you want to track, such as HR and time, etc.
How To Track Yourself
Using a Garmin watch to track a soccer player’s performance involves several steps, focusing on setting up the watch correctly and utilizing its features to monitor various aspects of the player’s activity during a game or training session. Here’s a general guide on how to do this:
1. Choose the Right Garmin Model:
- Ensure you have a Garmin model suitable for tracking soccer activities. Models with GPS, heart rate monitoring, and sports tracking features are ideal.
2. Set Up the Watch:
- Charge the Watch: Make sure the watch is fully charged before use.
- Wear it Correctly: The watch should be securely fastened on the wrist for accurate heart rate monitoring.
- Install Garmin Connect: If you haven’t already, pair the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone with your watch. Soccer Connect IQ app for soccer-specific metrics and alerts.
- Use a heart rate chest strap for more accurate readings during high-intensity intervals.
3. Select the Appropriate Activity Profile:
- Some Garmin watches have a pre-loaded ‘Soccer’ activity profile. You can use a generic ‘indoor run,’ ‘Outdoor’ or ‘Cardio’ profile if yours doesn’t.
- You can customize or create a new activity profile specifically for soccer in the Garmin Connect app.
- Set up data fields showing heart rate, distance covered, intensity minutes, etc.
4. Start Tracking:
- When the player begins their soccer activity, start the activity tracking on the watch.
- The watch will record heart rate, duration, distance covered, and pace.
5. GPS Tracking:
- Ensure GPS is enabled on the watch to track the player’s movement and distance covered on the field.
6. Monitor Heart Rate:
- The watch will continuously monitor the player’s heart rate, which is crucial for understanding fitness levels and exertion during the game.
7. Use Additional Sensors (If Available):
- Some Garmin watches can be paired with additional sensors like a chest strap for more accurate heart rate data or a foot pod for detailed pace and distance metrics.
8. After the Activity:
- Stop the activity tracking once the session is over.
- Sync the watch with the Garmin Connect app to view detailed analytics of the activity.
9. Analyze the Data:
- Use Garmin Connect to analyze the data collected. Look for insights on performance metrics like total distance covered, average and peak heart rate, speed, and active time.
- This data can be valuable for assessing the player’s physical performance, endurance, and areas needing improvement.
10. Regular Updates:
- Keep the Garmin watch and the Garmin Connect app updated for the best performance and access to new features.
11. Battery Management:
- Remember that continuously monitoring GPS and heart rate monitoring can drain the battery faster. Plan to charge the watch accordingly.
Tips:
- Consistency: Use the watch consistently during training and games for meaningful data analysis.
- Custom Alerts: Set up alerts for heart rate zones or pace to keep the player within desired performance thresholds.
- Weather and Durability: Ensure the Garmin model is durable and weather-resistant, as soccer is played in various environmental conditions.
Following these steps, a Garmin watch can be a powerful tool for tracking and improving a soccer player’s performance.
Why Is Tracking Fitness Important for a Soccer Player?
Soccer clubs and researchers are working to enhance players’ overall performance, preserve their health, and win more games as the sport grows in popularity worldwide. Official games in local or international tournaments and unofficial games, such as team training sessions, training among team members, and friendly games with rival teams, are used to track player performance.
Because of the pressure to win, official bouts are usually more heated than friendly games, but that doesn’t mean you do not have to bring your A-game as a player. Technical and health-related performance indicators are important when evaluating a player’s total performance, so soccer coaches are interested in these factors.
Technical Measurements
Technical performance measurements include the number of successful passes, duration of ball possession, number of passes between players, and number of shots a player attempts to score a goal throughout a game. The total distance traveled by players at moderate, high, and extremely high speeds is one of the best health-related performance indicators.
Soccer players and coaches use various monitoring devices to track numerous parameters to monitor their performance. These technologies have replaced the manual procedure of specialist observers reviewing filmed games and coding players’ activity patterns.
Tools such as the Garmin fitness tracker help coaches and players acquire more data about different elements of their performance on the soccer field while reducing the time it takes to collect data about them during games. Some of the reasons why it makes sense to track player performance using a Garmin fitness watch are as follows:
- It helps you achieve your goals
- It keeps you committed to your plan
- It helps to drive the focus and direction of your programming
- It’s motivating and reinforcing
- It allows you to be more efficient on the soccer field
- It ensures significant improvement over time
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Why Use the Garmin Fitness Tracker
Garmin fitness watches have a lot to offer athletes in general. The Performance Condition stat compares your performance capacity to your typical fitness level in real-time for soccer players. This statistic ranges from -20 to +20, with each point reflecting 1% of the VO2 Max specified on your device. The gadget will notify you of your Performance Condition within 6-20 minutes of an exercise.
This can also measure exhaustion, particularly after a strenuous exercise. If you’re wondering about tracking soccer performance on a Garmin, you can use the running mode, which provides important stats such as heart rate, variability, and pace.
Alternative GPS Tracking For Soccer
There are a few alternative options for GPS tracking soccer performance besides using a dedicated running watch:
- Soccer-specific wearable trackers like the STATSports Apex that attach to the player’s jersey or shorts. These provide advanced metrics explicitly tailored for soccer, like distance in intensity zones.
- Some soccer balls, like the SenseBall, have integrated GPS and sensors to track the ball, touches, passes, shots, and more. This allows for analyzing player involvement and skill execution.
- GPS-enabled wearables are not designed for soccer but can still provide basic metrics, including fitness trackers from Fitbit, Apple Watch with its soccer activity profile, and multi-sport watches like Garmin Forerunners.
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- GPS Wearable
- GPS Vest Size M (Recommended weight under 176 lb / 80 kg)
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- SOCCERBEE tracker is not included
- Lightweight garment
- Great flexibility
- Breathable and durable
- Unique SOCCERBEE pocket located on the back
- Premium heart rate strap transmits accurate real-time heart…
- Captures running dynamics, such as vertical oscillation,…
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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
