A player-tracking technology has helped members of the Indian women’s football team improve their fitness such that they can now “match any opposition” in that aspect, according to head coach Maymol Rocky.
The Indian team is currently playing in the second round of the Tokyo Olympics Qualifiers. It defeated Indonesia 2-0 in its opening contest on Wednesday, and takes on Nepal on Saturday.
“We understood that in the time frame for the AFC Olympic Qualifiers in Myanmar, we would be playing in temperatures over 40 degrees. The core group is a youthful one, physically very robust, and can match any opposition,” Maymol said.
‘Better speed, reflexes, and stamina’
“This batch of girls can play 90 minutes without tiring, and if needed, even the extra 30. Better speed, reflexes, and stamina — that is what we are stressing on. It allows us to defend with numbers, and move the ball faster in attack,” she explained.
Read | India beats Indonesia 2-0
Elaborating on the value of the player-tracking system, Maymol said: “The player tracking system (GPS) helps us to understand the players, and monitor their heart rate and work load. Through that we understand how much workload the player is undergoing. They also help to develop conditioning drills that help the players in general fitness.”
Recovery of players has been paid attention to, too, she pointed out. “We want the players to be cent per cent fit and give their all in each and every match, and training session. Recovery is a very important part of that. Mandalay is very hot and humid. So the players need to increase their intake of water, and keep themselves hydrated,” she said.
She added: “Diet plays a major key role in fitness, and conditioning. Too much carbohydrates can lead to bloating and stiffness. We have stitched a plan for each player and they follow accordingly.”
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