How Leeds Tykes Optimise Performance in a Semi-Pro Environment with Sonra Lite

12 Mar How Leeds Tykes Optimise Performance in a Semi-Pro Environment with Sonra Lite

Rugby Union side Leeds Tykes currently lead the promotion push in the National League 2 North, the 4th tier of English domestic rugby. Their success this season is not only built on their talent, but also on how they train.

With the help of Sonra Lite, Leeds Tykes are a brilliant example of how to maximise limited training time, from their scheduling to rehab protocols to post-game analysis.

Identifying Key Metrics

With the data recorded, Leeds Tykes can use a total of 19 different metrics to track their training. Head of Performance, Charlie Venables, explained how this shapes their training schedule; 

“On a Tuesday training session, we try and have our high intensity blocks of training. We’ve been able to drill that up, use it and specify the metrics that we want to look at”.

Using the GPS data, Charlie can tailor each training session towards focusing on specific metrics that will ensure player development continues, while ensuring the team don’t go beyond the required level of intensity, increasing performance on matchdays while mitigating injury risk.

Data Informed Training Schedule

The data recorded by the Sonra Lite system is easy to understand and simple for coaches to be able to share. Immediately after the game has concluded, the data from the game is put into a PDF report for players and coaches to analyse. 

The quick turnaround involved in Leeds’ schedule means coaches and players need reporting to be simple but effective in order to analyse the demands of the previous game;

“Games that we have had that have been heavier, the data has informed us, particularly when getting ready for a Tuesday training session which are our bigger days”. 

 

Having this data available so quickly after a game allows coaches to see whether players were worked harder than usual.  This can be vital in planning the training in the week ahead, and changes being made such as the intensity they train at on a Tuesday, allowing them to maintain peak performance levels on matchdays. 

Long Term Injury Rehab

With the extreme physical demands of rugby, injuries can happen very easily. GPS data provided by Sonra Lite can provide data that takes away the guessing game in rehab protocols.

“It can help rehab processes as well, which we’ve started to use with some of the boys who are coming back from long term injuries”

Using the data, coaches can effectively manage a player’s full return to competitively playing in training and matches without the risk of re-injury.