Where the mixed impressions of usability come from
The impression of varying user-friendliness usually arises at daily touchpoints. A central point is the separation of devices: anyone using software on both a smartphone and a computer expects the same guidance everywhere. If accompanying materials or step-by-step instructions are missing, coaches have to figure out functions on their own. That takes time and leads to frustration for new users.
Another aspect concerns inviting assistant coaches. When an assistant coach is invited, they go through a separate signup process via the 'join as assistant coach' command. If they accidentally create a new team instead, they end up in an empty overview. Without an explicit explanation during onboarding, this creates the impression that data has been lost or the system is faulty.
In addition, information needs vary greatly depending on the target group. An individual coach in grassroots sports looks for a quick overview for the next session. Academies or youth performance centers require detailed sections for health data, workload management, and scouting. If these extensive modules are not clearly structured from the start, the user interface seems overloaded to some users, while others miss deeper documentation.
How access, range of functions, and structure are built today
Transparency is ensured by a clear separation of access points combined with a central database. In Coach OS, a single account exists for three access points: the Coach OS app for iOS and Android, Coach OS Desktop for the computer screen, and the drawing tool Sketch. One login applies to all three areas, regardless of where the initial registration took place.
The scope of functions is divided into clearly defined modules. The centerpiece of training planning is automatic periodization across the entire season. This is based on 11 main categories, each with 6 to 14 subcategories. The creation process in the desktop browser runs via a structured 8-step wizard. Step by step, available space, time and duration, training distribution, coaches, players and groups, training type, and equipment are requested before the session is generated.
In the exercise database, over 1,244 individually designed and animated exercises are available. Each exercise contains title, setup, introduction, coaching points, equipment, intensity, duration, and player count. Filters for age, player count, equipment, and difficulty allow content to be narrowed down quickly. For direct use on the pitch, live mode on smartphones offers the option to adapt exercises and groups in real time. A PDF export also allows printing or sharing the session.
Player development comprises four areas with 17 attributes in the fields of physical, technical, mental, and tactical. For performance diagnostics, a test catalog with nine athletic tests is available, including the 30-meter sprint, the T-Test for agility, the standing long jump, and the Yo-Yo IR1. Evaluation takes place over periods from 3 to 24 months.
In the health area, the system offers clear metrics such as days missed, availability rate, and the Return to Play process in five stages. For data privacy reasons, access is recorded in an automated access log that can neither be edited nor deleted. Downloads of health data are blocked.
Management of pitches and equipment takes place centrally. For materials, exact quantities are recorded, such as full-size goals, mini goals, cones, pylons, poles, or agility ladders. The generator integrates these inventories directly into training planning to avoid unrealistic exercises.
Honest limitations regarding video, accounting, and hardware
The software covers athletic planning and data management, but does not replace specialized systems outside this area. There is no integrated function for video recording or video analysis of matches. Match data can only be imported via an external interface, while the actual analysis takes place in separate tools.
Nor does the platform offer club management. Functions for fee collection, dunning processes, or club accounting are not included. The system also does not manufacture its own tracking hardware; data from GPS vests or heart rate monitors from third-party manufacturers is connected via interfaces if needed.
Furthermore, there is no software certification by DFB, UEFA, or FIFA, as licenses are always issued to the constructing coaches, not the software. Public test reports from independent third parties are also not available. If you are looking purely for accounting or video analysis, you will need complementary software.
FAQ: Usability & access in training software checked
Does my login work for the app, desktop, and Sketch at the same time?
Yes, your login works simultaneously for the app, the desktop browser, and the Sketch drawing tool. You use the same credentials on all devices, regardless of where you initially registered. All data and settings are automatically synchronized so you can seamlessly transition from desktop planning to pitch-side use.
How do assistant coaches properly join an existing team?
Assistant coaches join an existing team by following an invitation via code, link, or email and selecting 'join as assistant coach' upon their first login. It is important not to create a new team so that the assistant coach is assigned correctly right away. This gives them immediate access to the squad roster, sessions, and schedules, avoiding a blank dashboard.
Do I need my own hardware or special cameras to use it?
No, no special hardware or dedicated camera is required to use the software. It runs on standard smartphones, tablets, and computers. If needed, data from third-party GPS vests or heart rate monitors can be transferred via integrations, but it is not strictly necessary for regular training on the pitch.
How does the assistant help with creating an individual session?
The assistant guides you through an 8-step wizard on the desktop platform by asking targeted questions about all relevant key parameters. You enter information regarding pitch, time, groups, session type, and available equipment. The system then generates a complete session consisting of warm-up, main part, and cool-down, which you can customize individually afterwards.
Yes, one account applies to all three access points. No matter whether you register via the smartphone app, the desktop browser, or the drawing tool Sketch, you use the same login details everywhere. Your data and settings synchronize across devices, allowing you to switch seamlessly between desktop planning and mobile use on the pitch.
Assistant coaches are invited via code, link, or email. It is important that the assistant coach selects the separate registration process 'join as assistant coach' during their first login. They do not create a new team. This integrates them directly into the existing team and grants access to the roster, sessions, and schedule without creating an empty team.
No, no special hardware is required. The application runs on standard smartphones, tablets, and computers. There are no proprietary devices for video recordings or AI cameras. Data from external GPS systems or heart rate monitors can be transferred to the system via interfaces if needed, but is not a requirement for regular training operations.
The assistant in the desktop area guides you through the creation in an 8-step wizard. You enter available space, duration, training distribution, participating coaches, player groups, training type, and available equipment. Based on your input, the system generates a complete session consisting of warm-up, main part, and cool-down, which you can then customize individually.
Questions about operation, access, and preparation in everyday training
How do I access my training planning in a structured way on computer and smartphone?
You plan your sessions on the computer on the large screen and use your smartphone in live mode on the pitch. This separates preparation from fast implementation during training. You align your setup according to age group, skill level, training frequency, and equipment. For a structured overview, you use training planning in Coach OS.
How do I create and share drill drawings across different devices without onboarding time?
You draw drill forms directly in the browser on a computer or tablet. A clear distinction between 2D Tactical View and 3D perspective helps you present workflows clearly and quickly. You can work with other coaches on the same drawing at the same time if needed. Your sketches remain private until you share them with the whole team or publicly.
What preparation does long-term season planning require in digital everyday training?
At the start of the season, you select suitable training models like SUES, station training, or classic drills. Instead of planning from week to week, you set focus areas periodized for the entire season. You document your players' progress across four areas and 17 attributes. When changing age groups, the history automatically moves along with each player.