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In Major League Soccer, turning performance data into application is crucial for success. Felix Proessl, Senior Director of Sport and Data Science at the Colorado Rapids, recently shared how Teamworks AMS has elevated their approach to performance analysis and player development. 

Here are three key insights from our sit down with Felix on how Teamworks AMS is helping the Rapids cut through the data noise and perform on the pitch.

1. Automation Unlocks Valuable Time

Before the Rapids implemented Teamworks AMS, data was not centralized across the entire club and data analysis was time-consuming.

Teamworks AMS changed their approach by automating these processes. Felix explained, “Teamworks AMS saves each of the performance staff members valuable hours in the day.”

Key Takeaway: By automating time-consuming data processes, Teamworks AMS allows performance staff to focus on what truly matters – applying insights to improve athlete performance.

2. Balancing User-Friendliness with Advanced Capabilities is Critical

One of Felix’s key observations was the importance of a platform that caters to users with varying levels of data expertise. “While Teamworks AMS is very user-friendly, you still have the flexibility to integrate coding languages, such as R, to perform higher-end statistical analyses and embed Shiny apps into the platform,” Felix noted.

This balance allows for easy communication across departments, as staff from various backgrounds can easily digest and discuss data-driven insights.

Key Takeaway: Teamworks AMS bridges the gap between data scientists and other staff members, fostering better collaboration and more sophisticated analysis. This improved interdepartmental communication could be a key factor in enhancing overall team performance.

3. Customization is Key to Unlocking Performance Potential

Felix emphasized that the true power of a performance analysis platform, like Teamworks AMS, lies in its adaptability to meet specific team needs. “The ability to create tailored solutions for our unique challenges has been game-changing,” Felix explained.

The Rapids have leveraged their performance analysis platform in various innovative ways:

• Custom drill analysis: Using K-means clustering to group training drills based on multiple variables, optimizing training design and load management.
• Player development tracking: Creating personalized dashboards to track player progress across different levels of the organization, including MLS, MLS Next Pro, and MLS Next.
• Integrated performance metrics: Combining data from GPS, sleep wearables, strength tests, availability, wellness, and player movement to create comprehensive athlete profiles.

Key Takeaway: While a robust performance analysis platform provides a powerful foundation, its true potential is realized through creative application and customization to meet specific team needs.

Conclusion: From Data to Action

Felix summed up the Rapids’ experience with Teamworks AMS perfectly: “We spend less time digesting data and creating dashboards and more time with our players applying the data.” This shift in focus from data processing to practical application is at the heart of modern sports performance.

As Felix emphasized, “Data is a means to accomplish our performance goals. Our job isn’t to create fancy data visualizations. Our job is to help athletes perform.” With Teamworks AMS, the Colorado Rapids are turning this goal into reality, cutting through the data noise to achieve performance excellence.

For MLS teams looking to gain a competitive edge, Teamworks Performance offers a powerful solution that goes beyond mere data collection. It provides a customizable platform for turning information into actionable insights, streamlining workflows, and ultimately, improving player performance and development.