What COD deficit actually measures
If you only look at a 5-0-5 test time, a fast player and a sharp player can post the same number for different reasons. The fast player might post 2.4 s because their linear speed carries them; the sharp player might post 2.4 s because they decelerate and reaccelerate beautifully. COD deficit separates them.
How it's calculated
COD deficit = COD test time − linear sprint time over the same distance. For a 5-0-5 test (10 m total — 5 m out, turn, 5 m back), the comparator is a flying 10 m sprint.
Why coaches care
- Two players with the same 5-0-5 time can need radically different training
- Players with a high deficit benefit from eccentric strength and deceleration mechanics work
- Players with a low deficit but slow times may simply need more linear speed
- Tracking deficit over a block reveals whether COD training is actually transferring