Soccer/football Tracker Review: Zepp, Catapult PLAYR and other Tracker
Technology is now at your fingertips. Smart gadgets and wearables are making our lives easier. In soccer as well, we now see the trend of using soccer trackers. These help during the training sessions and matches as well. It helps both the players and the coaches to keep track of the progress.It can also help the doctors in the field to know if a player needs medical attention.
These trackers mainly measure the physical metrics like speed, distance, etc. and feed the information in real time to smartphones or other gadgets.There are various soccer trackers available in the market today. Each has unique characteristics. Here we are going to review most of them starting with a detailed review of the top two.
Zepp Play Soccer Tracker Review
Zepp Play Soccer
- Performance Metrics: Track on-field stats including kicks, sprints, distance, max speed and more
- Video Highlights: Capture and post real-time video highlights and plays
- Auto Highlight Reel: App automatically generates a video highlight reel of your most important plays
- Game Timeline: Live game timeline allows friends and family to follow your match in real-time
- Team Stats: Easily combine data and videos from multiple players to create a game summary for your team
- Picture
- Intro
- Overview
- Design
- Features

Zepp Play Soccer
Zepp is known to be one of the world’s leaders in sports wearable products that can provide three-dimensional insights and visuals. Their products are very interactive.
Their prowess is evident across different sports such as tennis, golfing, baseball, or basketball. The company has made significant progress, and to take over more games, they have decided to cater for the larger world and tackle one of the world’s most popular sporting activities, soccer. They have a specially designed tracker known as the Zepp Play Soccer Tracker.
Professional soccer players might have all the training equipment that they may need at their disposal, but amateurs might not have that luxury. Technological advancements, such as this Zepp play soccer tracker, are of the utmost advantage to them. They can be able to quantify their performances, build on, and improve on several of their shortcomings.
This ZEPP Play Soccer Tracker Review will look at the following
- Overview
- Design
- Features and software used
Unlike some of the other professional athlete sensors, the Zepp play soccer tracker does help you train and improve using tutorial videos or expert tips. It is specially designed to help you train using raw data, therefore having a clear picture of what skills you have perfected and highlighting what you need to improve on. You are, therefore, able to examine yourself, look through your data [such as charts], and draw your conclusions on what you are supposed to work on.
It also has a video recording feature that can provide a suitable and separate dimension for you, making it perfect for parents and guardians who want to preserve memories for their kids. Professionals can also use this feature to keep their accomplishments in highlights.
The Zepp tracker uses a 3-axis accelerometer accompanied by a 3-axis gyroscope to provide the statistics needed. It is also waterproof and sweat resistant and can, therefore, function with light exposure to water.
One of the several concerns among most soccer players is whether this tracker is comfortable enough to be worn for an extended period. These concerns are addressed. The sensor is tiny and lightweight. You will not even notice that you are wearing it. However, it would have been better if there were two sensors. This could make the data collection far more accurate and actionable.
This sensor comes with two types of sleeve sizes, small/medium, and medium/large. The sleeve is designed to be worn on one of your legs’ calf, most preferably the most dominant one.
The tracker weighs so little. You will not feel any unease while wearing it. Even though fitting the small tracker into the pocket might be a little bit of struggle, once it is in, it feels secure and has no danger of falling out while you are playing.
The sensor draws its power from a lithium-ion battery. The battery is rechargeable and can go up to forty hours without needing another recharge. The battery can withstand more than thirty-five hours while on standby mode.
It also has a proprietary charger which can plug into any USB type of power source, making sure you do not necessarily have to be next to a socket any time it needs a recharge.
To add on that, it has a red ring on the bottom, which will automatically turn green when full charge is achieved. The smartphone app that is connected to the tracker has built-in functionality to track your statistics from one or both legs. However, for you to do this (get stats from both legs), you will need to buy an additional sensor.
When you first purchase this tracker, you will not find any thick instruction manual, which is the case in several other devices. You will instead find a small booklet that has four pictures to get you started. This is because the gadget is very user-friendly, and the installation process is simple.
When you get the censor, you first download the free smartphone app. The device pairs to this app through Bluetooth. It uses a soccer-orientated algorithm that can convert your statistics to meaningful insights that you, as a player, can use.
You can then follow the prompts that will aid you in adding and checking your sensor. You will reach a point where your smartphone will require you to scan the QR code on the back of the gadget for pairing.
You will also have to answer several questions such as
- Your dominant leg
- Your height
- Your weight
- Your age
The installation process and firmware update are smooth and speedy, approximately ten minutes. The fun thing about it is that you can be able to install the app on several devices. You are only required to log in using the same profile, and the app will pick up all of your player history.
After installation and paring, you are required to click "Start Game" to start your tracking. However, you have to make sure that you are connected to the internet when beginning the process, as you will be required to login with your Zepp profile. You can after that, leave the app running and start playing just as you usually do. When you are done, you save the session on the app.
The app has two options for you to choose from, tracking a practice session or a game. The difference between the two options is the fact that when you follow a game, the app will allow you to signal for half time as well as ask you to enter the scores afterward. On the other hand, the practice mode does not allow for this.
Every time that you use the Zepp Play Soccer sensor to capture a match, you will receive data that is in the form of metrics. This includes
- Distance. You will be able to track the overall distance that you cover on the pitch. This can also be broken down to sprints, runs, and even walks.
- Kicks. You will be able to view the total number of kicks that you take using your preferred foot.
- Kick speed. The sensor measures the velocity of your kicks when your foot makes contact with the ball.
- Sprints. You can be able to identify how many times you increase your speed all through the game.
- Maximum speed. The highest speed that you will record during a game will be displayed.
- Active time. You will be able to see the total time of your gameplay.
All these will be displayed in increment spans of five minutes and will be posted on bar charts that are conspicuously colored.
Another advantage of this sensor is the fact that everything is automated. You are not required to press any buttons. Just open the app, pair it with the sensor, and play. All the rest, including data entry, is taken care of by the sensor.
Everything, including statistics on the goals made in relation to shots taken, is automatically produced. However, to track these goals, you will need someone to tag the action manually. This is not a deal-breaker. This is because the person tagging the activity has an option to use the mobile device's camera to record it too. In such a case, the app collects video highlights and stores them. You can even tag these highlights with labels, including yellow cards, penalties, and also goals.
To add on that, the statistics that will be associated with your profile is stored on the Zepp servers. Sharing of the data will also be easy, be it on social media or through email. You just send a URL that family and friends can use to views all your statistics.
The Team Game Mode makes the experience sheerer by letting more than one player connect to the same match. They will be required to enter a code or enable their location. At the end of the game, they will be able to combine the data and create a summary of the stats.
They can also compare among themselves and have leaderboards which keep a score between them. This is a handy feature, especially to coaches and managers. Parents and guardians can also monitor their kids and get scores and updates.
those who cannot attend a match, there is a feature that accommodates them, the Timeline Feed. They can be able to follow every action and events that occur. Therefore, every event that is tagged through the Take Video or Tag Event options is posted in a timeline that is accessible through the internet browser or the Zepp Play Soccer app.
Zepp adds new features, improvements, and updates now and then. Therefore, you will need to keep your app up to date with the latest versions.
C Catapult PLAYR Smart Soccer Tracker Review
CATAPULT PLAYR Soccer GPS Tracker - GPS Vest and App to Track and Improve Your Game - for iPhone and Android (S)
- FIFA authorized wearable GPS tracker designed to analyze and improve your soccer performance.
- Detailing your speed, sprint, distance, power, load & intensity data and positioning via heatmaps, our technology gives you a total understanding of your game.
- Compare your numbers against friends, the competition and professional players to see how you match up.
- Transform your preparation, performance and recovery with expertise on training and nutrition from Premier League coaches.
- Set up a team and invite your team members to monitor your team's performance via the app.
- Picture
- Intro
- Overview
- Design
- FEATURES

C Catapult PLAYR Smart
As an athlete, the C Catapult PLAYR Smart Soccer Tracker is your new best friend. But let’s back up--why would you need to use a fitness tracker while you played soccer? Whether you play for fun, exercise, or because you are a serious athlete, the C Catapult tracker offers you a lot of valuable information that you will not get just from your coach or having your performance evaluated by friends or other professionals.
Sure, they can tell you where they think you may have gone wrong--but without something like the C Catapult tracker, you will never have the cold, hard data to back up any changes you have to make.
It can track not only things like how many steps you took, but your speed, and activity--all of this information is important, as you can then use it to tailor a brand-new workout just for your own individual needs. It also acts as a monitor; in case you have any health problems or are developing any.This soccer tracker can be a powerful tool to help you step up your game if you utilize it properly and take advantage of all the information it offers you.
This product has been authorized by FIFA to wear and use while playing soccer games, in order to improve your soccer performance. Interestingly enough, the PLAYR app also offers you coaching via an in-app component called SmartCoach.
SmartCoach is made up of Premier League coaches that offer you advice and other information regarding your preparation, recovery, and performance before, after, and during your game.
The SmartPod GPS tracker downloads information that will help you improve your performance--intensity, speed, load, distance, power, and sprint data. This, along with heat map information, helps you understand everything you did correctly, and where you went wrong during your game.
This tracker also allows you the ability to compare your stats to other people--friends, competitors, and even professional players, to see how you stack up against them.
Lastly, you as a soccer team can also create your own Squad instantly! You can create it with your team directly, and then invite your coach to monitor and participate in the app--they don't even have to own a C Catapult Tracker to participate.
The C Catapult PLAYR Smart Soccer Tracker is made up of a black vest that you wear over your clothing to track your movements--as well as a SmartPod aka the GPS, which is positioned on the back of the vest, using a specially designed pocket to hold the GPS into place.
This is a literal GPS, and the GPS is synced to an app that you can put on your phone to keep track of all the data that is collected during your activity. The PLAYR app is easily synced between your phone and the SmartPod, and can instantly show you the data collected during your game.
Sizes range from XXS, XS, S, XL, and Youth. It was created to be a snug, tight fit, and it stretches four ways--so do not be alarmed if it seems too tight at first. To combat this, it is recommended that you buy a smaller size if you are between two of the available sizes. This product can be used with either iPhone or Android. It is also very lightweight, coming in at 1.41 pounds in total.
Overall, reviews of this product are somewhat positive. Buyers were very excited when this tracker came onto the market, as there hadn’t quite been a product like this solely for soccer players ever.
What really seemed to be important to them, and impress them was how they, the player, were where all of the data came from.
They have also enjoyed how easy it is to set up--once you get the vest and tracker, all you have to do is download the accompanying app onto your phone, turn on the tracker to sync the two, and then you can begin to sync your calendar and then plan when you want to monitor your workouts and games.
Using the app and interpreting the data can be tricky for some. The app gives you all of the data it gathers--and it is really up to you to interpret that data. For example, one buyer stated that their son used the data collected to change how he played the game.
Their son was running around a lot during games, over a large distance, but was not actually running that fast/accelerating. Now he accelerates and covers a lot more ground, quicker, and is in the thick of the action. For other users, it seems like they do not know how to interpret the data for their best use.
Some have also stated that they have had issues syncing the vest to their phone and downloading data correctly. Complaints about customer service have been made, as it has been said to be nonexistent and certain aspects of the app can be hard to use without help.
The biggest point of contention, beyond it being difficult to even work for some people is that it does not explicitly walk you through, step by step, as to how you can improve your soccer playing or workout. Instead, it offers you clinical data, and you have to interpret it--or attempt to.
The C Catapult is a great product that is changing the fate of soccer players all around the world. Information is power, and products like the C Catapult is what will put the power directly into the hands of the people that need it the most.
It may not work perfectly and have a few issues and kinks to work out, but it is a good start, and it can only improve from here. This product is perfect for any player that wants to compare themselves and their performance to the only person that matters--themselves. Each time you open the app to see how you stacked up against yourself is just another opportunity to be faster and better than you were the previous day. Every day is a new day with the C Catapult Tracker.
SmartPod
In essence, the SmartPod is a GPS tracker--but that’s not all it is. It also contains an accelerometer (an electromechanical device that is used to measure acceleration forces e.g. your movement and how fast you are going).
ogether, the GPS tracker and the accelerometer collects and provides data for the total distance you went, how fast you were going (speed), intensity, distance of your sprint, heat maps (show you where you either were going the fastest or where you spent the most time), load, intensity, and power plays. All of this powerful data is something that you can use to become a better player--and it is all collected wirelessly.
SmartVest
The material of the SmartVest is made to compress your chest, making for a tug, tight fit. Not only will it fit the contour of your body perfectly, but it is also made to last, and to ensure your ultimate comfort while wearing it.
The SmartPod is strategically placed on your back, into a specially designed pocket for safekeeping while you are playing.
PLAYR App
The PLAYR App, which can be downloaded on either the iPhone or Android phone, is incredibly useful as it instantly syncs all of the data you generate for the SmartPod, and sends it to your phone, divided into separate sessions.
Features & Software
When you first purchase this tracker, you will not find any thick instruction manual, which is the case in several other devices. You will instead find a small booklet that has four pictures to get you started. This is because the gadget is very user-friendly, and the installation process is simple.
When you get the censor, you first download the free smartphone app. The device pairs to this app through Bluetooth. It uses a soccer-orientated algorithm that can convert your statistics to meaningful insights that you, as a player, can use.
You can then follow the prompts that will aid you in adding and checking your sensor. You will reach a point where your smartphone will require you to scan the QR code on the back of the gadget for pairing.
You will also have to answer several questions such as
- Your dominant leg
- Your height
- Your weight
- Your age
The installation process and firmware update are smooth and speedy, approximately ten minutes. The fun thing about it is that you can be able to install the app on several devices. You are only required to log in using the same profile, and the app will pick up all of your player history.
After installation and paring, you are required to click "Start Game" to start your tracking. However, you have to make sure that you are connected to the internet when beginning the process, as you will be required to login with your Zepp profile. You can after that, leave the app running and start playing just as you usually do. When you are done, you save the session on the app.
The app has two options for you to choose from, tracking a practice session or a game. The difference between the two options is the fact that when you follow a game, the app will allow you to signal for half time as well as ask you to enter the scores afterward. On the other hand, the practice mode does not allow for this.
Every time that you use the Zepp Play Soccer sensor to capture a match, you will receive data that is in the form of metrics. This includes
- Distance. You will be able to track the overall distance that you cover on the pitch. This can also be broken down to sprints, runs, and even walks.
- Kicks. You will be able to view the total number of kicks that you take using your preferred foot.
- Kick speed. The sensor measures the velocity of your kicks when your foot makes contact with the ball.
- Sprints. You can be able to identify how many times you increase your speed all through the game.
- Maximum speed. The highest speed that you will record during a game will be displayed.
- Active time. You will be able to see the total time of your gameplay.
All these will be displayed in increment spans of five minutes and will be posted on bar charts that are conspicuously colored.
Another advantage of this sensor is the fact that everything is automated. You are not required to press any buttons. Just open the app, pair it with the sensor, and play. All the rest, including data entry, is taken care of by the sensor.
Everything, including statistics on the goals made in relation to shots taken, is automatically produced. However, to track these goals, you will need someone to tag the action manually. This is not a deal-breaker. This is because the person tagging the activity has an option to use the mobile device's camera to record it too. In such a case, the app collects video highlights and stores them. You can even tag these highlights with labels, including yellow cards, penalties, and also goals.
To add on that, the statistics that will be associated with your profile is stored on the Zepp servers. Sharing of the data will also be easy, be it on social media or through email. You just send a URL that family and friends can use to views all your statistics.
The Team Game Mode makes the experience sheerer by letting more than one player connect to the same match. They will be required to enter a code or enable their location. At the end of the game, they will be able to combine the data and create a summary of the stats.
They can also compare among themselves and have leaderboards which keep a score between them. This is a handy feature, especially to coaches and managers. Parents and guardians can also monitor their kids and get scores and updates.
For those who cannot attend a match, there is a feature that accommodates them, the Timeline Feed. They can be able to follow every action and events that occur. Therefore, every event that is tagged through the Take Video or Tag Event options is posted in a timeline that is accessible through the internet browser or the Zepp Play Soccer app.
Zepp adds new features, improvements, and updates now and then. Therefore, you will need to keep your app up to date with the latest versions.
Other Soccer Trackers
Catapult Sports Playertek
It is a soccer tracking device for amateur players. It can monitor the movements of the players and can measure their physical performance during the training sessions and actual matches.
You will be able to know statistics such as top speed, distance covered, sprint distance, etc. It is a little pod that you can attach to a special vest that has a neoprene pocket, back panel, and breathable front panel.
- It uses technologies like magnetometer, accelerometer, and GPS to track performance and physical statistics.
- It has 8GB storage that can hold about 1,200 hours of data.
- The stats can be easily synced to your Smartphone app using Bluetooth.
- You will be able to see heat maps to know how your positioning switched throughout the game.
- You will be able to compare your performance to those of the Premier League players, and so will be able to determine where you need improvement.
- You can compare your efforts during the 1st and 2nd half of the match.
- You may not get the proper vest size; that way it might be uncomfortable to wear the tracker.
- You can only use the tracker outdoors.
First11 Soccer Tracker
First11 Soccer Tracker Advanced Training System (2 Sensors) Track Activity Data and Stats with Player iPhone and Android App | Skill Trainers for All Players
- European Soccer Training – Used by amateurs and semi-professional all over Europe, these soccer activity trackers help players and coaches hone skill by measuring kicks, movement, speed, calories, strength, and more! Dual Sensor System – Each order includes two soccer tracker sensors that can be worn on one or both legs to track data, giving players and coaches a more in-depth analysis over their players’ skills and fitness.
- Dual Sensor System – Each order includes two soccer tracker sensors that can be worn on one or both legs to track data, giving players and coaches a more in-depth analysis over their players’ skills and fitness.
- User-Friendly App – Our soccer sensors also include a smartphone app that players or coaches can use to measure time spent walking, running, or sprinting, number of kicks per foot, distance run, results over time, and performance comparisons.
- Lightweight, Compact, Safe – We’ve included two elastic bans to keep the sensors in place, a built-in accumulator with 4-5 charges, and a water-resistant design to protect data even on a wet pitch. They also transmit data wirelessly up to 10’!
- Long-Lasting Data Capture – These sensors are great for kids and adults ages 12-30 years old and come with different-sized elastic bands/sleeves for better comfort. More importantly, they record data for up to 150 minutes to cover an entire game.
It is a very popular tracker that is used by both the amateurs and the semi-professionals. Unlike the other soccer trackers, First11 has two sensors, one for each foot. These two sensors provide an in-depth analysis of the players’ performance to the players and coaches.
You can connect it to your smartphone using Bluetooth. After the training or match, you will be able to view important data to know the areas of improvement needed.
- You can get various stats like distance, time spent running, movement speed, number of kick per foot, etc.
- Two sensors are available to provide a detailed analysis of the game.
- You won’t need to worry about the battery life as the sensors are able to record up to 150 minutes of the game which is enough to cover one of two games.
- It is lightweight and compact, so comfortable to wear. Elastic bands help to keep the sensors in place.
- The coaches can use detailed data to improve the technical skills of the players.
- No multiplayer mode is available.
- You won’t get any professional advice from the tracker on the players’ performance.
- The sensors might not connect to your phone instantly. You might have to attempt a few times to connect it.
SPT2 Sports GPS Tracker
SPT2 Sports GPS Tracker for Football, Soccer, Rugby, Lacrosse and Other Outdoor Team Sports
- FIFA approved wearable GPS tracker designed to track and analyze your performance.
- 10+ hours data storage and 6+ hours battery life
- Compact and Lightweight
- Made for outdoor team sports including Football, Soccer, Rugby, Hockey, Lacrosse
- Track all your important metrics including Distance, Work Rate, Hard Running, Impacts, Intensity and Speed
It is a chest piece that is perfect for amateur and soccer players. The piece is made of elastane and nylon and comes with GPS and Inertial Movement Unit. This sensor can track your movement through gyroscopes and accelerometers.
You will be able to see stats like distance traveled, highest velocity, position on the field where most time was spent. Using this tracker, you will be able to manage the training load of the players. It will also prevent the impact of injuries.
you will be able to see stats like distance traveled, highest velocity, position on the field where most time was spent. Using this tracker, you will be able to manage the training load of the players. It will also prevent the impact of injuries.
- It can measure important stats like speed, distance, goals, etc.
- The battery life is good and it can store data for 10 hours.
- It is compact and lightweight, so easy to wear.
- You can design training programs that help the players to recover from injuries.
- Functionalities like magnetometers, gyroscopes, and accelerometers are available to help you analyze your performance.
- Extra features like tagging’, or multiplayer mode’ is not available like in the other trackers.
- It is not suitable for professional soccer players.
- The chest piece may not fit you properly; it can be either too tight or too loose.
FieldWiz Sports GPS
You can attach this tracker easily to a vest on your back. It will keep track of a number of stats including distance, sprints, acceleration, speed, etc. You can replay different phases of the game to review your performance. You can easily sync it with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
- A heat map is available that shows the zones that were covered during the match.
- You can look at phases of the game or the whole game after the match is over.
- It uses GPS technology that provides more accurate data than other trackers in the market.
- It can record data for about 10 hours.
- It can give you customizable reports of an individual player or the team as a whole.
- There is no need to install any extra hardware or software.
- It doesn’t provide any access to multiple players to evaluate the performance of the team.
- It doesn’t provide any professional advice; you have to analyze the raw data yourself.
How To Choose The Best Soccer Tracker
As there are now soccer trackers from different brands available in the market, you need to be careful when choosing a tracker for yourself. You should consider the following things before buying a soccer tracker:
Weight: The tracker should be lightweight and small so that you can wear it comfortably inside your sleeve or vest. This way your performance won’t be affected.
Functionalities: Only accelerometers won’t be able to give you accurate stats. You should by tracker that has GPS technology and other functionalities.
Cost: You must buy the tracker depending on your budget. You should learn about the features to see if you are getting good value for money.
Features: Choose a tracker that has lots of features like multiplayer mode, tagging, team performance, professional tips, etc. The more features the tracker have, the more data there is to analyze and find out the gaps in the players’ performances. That way you will be able to improve your performance in future games.
Storage and Battery Life:These are important factors when choosing a tracker. Your tracker should have a long battery life so that it can last throughout a couple of matches. The storage should be enough to hold lots of data.
Final Thoughts
These trackers don’t only improve your game, but also gives you a better understanding of what actually happened during the match or the training session. They can help improve the performance of both the amateurs and the professional soccer players.
These trackers provide vital information about the players’ actions which can help to improve the performance of the player later. They are perfect for monitoring players’ performance and the game.

I Geek Soccer
Join the I Geek Soccer family. Subscribe and we will update you every time we post something Awesome.
$199.99
in stock
1 new
from $199.99
Amazon.com
Free shipping
$99.95
in stock
1 new
from $99.95
1 used from $61.51
Amazon.com
Free shipping
$35.99
in stock
1 new
from $35.99
Amazon.com
Free shipping
Last updated on 12/09/2019 9:02 pm
Add comment