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In their search to find a better way of doing things, the New Orleans Saints have embraced analytics and technology, keeping an open mind on how these tools can better help them scout and prepare for opponents. But they’ve also introduced technology to the field to help them better understand what their players are doing and going through in practices.

Before last season, the Saints equipped their players with tracking devices that record how far and how fast they are moving in each practice. The data isn’t necessarily used to determine which players are working the hardest in practice. It exists to let the coaching staff know what works best in practices and assists in preventing injuries.

“I think the No. 1 interest in year one for us was keeping our players healthy,” Payton said while speaking on a panel at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. “Mainly soft tissue injuries when it comes to hamstrings, muscle pulls. Obviously we’re on top of proper hydration. There was a time 10 years ago when you weren’t supposed to drink water until practice was over with.

Saints use tracking data in practices to help prevent injuries, gain better understanding | Saints | The New Orleans Advocate — New Orleans, Louisiana

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