THE USE OF ANALYTICAL PLATFORMS AND TRACKING SYSTEMS IN VOLLEYBALL: TRANSFORMING THE APPROACH TO THE TRAINING PROCESS

Аннотация

This article examines the impact of modern digital technologies, such as analytical platforms, GPS systems, and video tracking systems, on the training process of volleyball players. It provides an overview of leading solutions used in professional volleyball, including Catapult, Dartfish, and Hudl. The study analyzes key metrics employed to monitor players’ physical condition and tactical performance. The findings show that implementing these technologies facilitates the individualization of training programs, reduces the risk of injuries, and enhances the team’s overall performance. The article also highlights the need to integrate digital tools into educational programs for coaching staff development. Keywords: volleyball, tracking systems, analytics, Catapult, Hudl, physical load. Introduction. In recent years, there has been a rapid adoption of digital technologies in athlete training, particularly in team sports. The use of wearable tracking devices, video platforms, and intelligent analytical systems provides coaching staff with objective data on the physical condition and actions of volleyball players during both training sessions and competitive matches [1]. These technologies make it possible to personalize training loads, monitor fatigue levels, promptly adjust training plans, and develop more precise recovery strategies. Such tools are especially valuable in volleyball, where the efficiency of every movement, positioning, and game decision directly affects overall team performance. The relevance of digital solutions stems from the need for more accurate diagnostics of athletes’ conditions and the optimization of training processes based on objective data. The aim of this article is to analyze the impact of analytical platforms and tracking systems on transforming approaches to the training process in volleyball. The paper examines key technologies, methods of their application, and practical outcomes resulting from their integration into the work of professional teams. Materials and Methods. This study is analytical and review-based, relying on a comprehensive examination of modern tracking systems and analytical platforms used in professional volleyball training. Data collection was conducted through an analysis of open sources, scientific publications, case studies from professional teams, and official documentation provided by developers of analytical solutions. The empirical basis of the research included official reports and materials from companies such as Catapult Sports, Hudl, Dartfish, and StatsPerform, as well as scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals including Sports Medicine, Journal of Sports Sciences, and FIVB Technical Reports. The research methodology included the following stages: 1. Selection of analysis objects. Platforms widely used in volleyball and capable of collecting both biomechanical and tactical data were chosen. These include: - Catapult. A system for GPS tracking, load monitoring, and analyzing player movements and jumps. 447 ResearchBib IF - 11.01, ISSN: 3030-3753, Volume 2 Issue 7 - Hudl. A platform for video analysis of game episodes, automatic tagging, and statistical processing. - Dartfish. A tool for in-depth review of technical skills and visualization of errors. - VolleyMetrics. A system providing advanced statistics and the use of artificial intelligence for analyzing the actions of players and opponents. Key parameters and functional capabilities of each platform were examined. For example, the Catapult system tracks over 100 indicators, including vertical load, peak speed, heart rate zone, and fatigue index [2]. Hudl, in turn, enables the creation of detailed reports for each game episode, recording passes, blocks, attacks, and error zones [3]. Examples of integrating these platforms into the practice of national teams and club teams were studied, including the Poland national team, the USA national team, Zenit-Kazan Volleyball Club, and NCAA university teams. It was noted, for instance, that the USA national team actively uses VolleyMetrics to forecast game scenarios and optimize player positioning on the court [4]. Modern studies focusing on the monitoring of training loads, injury prevention, and the role of digital technologies in sports training were also analyzed. Thus, the research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines principles of sports analytics, biomechanics, physiology, and information technology. The use of qualitative content analysis made it possible to identify patterns in the application of digital solutions in volleyball and to assess their impact on the effectiveness of the training process. Research Results. The analysis of modern analytical platforms and tracking systems used in volleyball demonstrated their high effectiveness in monitoring athletes’ physical, technical, and tactical performance indicators. Each of the systems reviewed performs unique functions, complementing one another