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Creating a "Time in Possession" XML for Catapult OpenField

This guide explains how to create a "Time in Possession" XML file, which defines when a team is attacking (has the ball) and defending (does not have the ball) during a match. This XML can then be imported into Catapult’s OpenField software to analyse GPS splits for both team and individual players based on attack and defence phases.

1. Overview​

The "Time in Possession" XML is a Sportscode Timeline XML file that marks periods when your team is in possession (attacking) or out of possession (defending). OpenField uses this file to segment GPS data, enabling performance analysis by game phase.

2. What you will need​

  • You will need a Sportscode license.
  • A video file, approximately 4 hours in length. Download dummy video here.
  • The Sportscode timeline config JSON file, download zipped JSON here.
  • The Champion Data Sportscode XML (Must be one of the Advanced, Pressure or Foundation XMLs). These can be downloaded from the Champion Data support site.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to create “Time in Possession XML”​

Step 1 - timeline config JSON​

  • Unzip the Sportscode timeline config file.
  • Place the file into your Documents/Sportscode User Data folder.
note

Important: Do not rename, move, or delete this file. The filename and location must remain exactly as provided for the process to work correctly in Sportscode.

This file contains the rules needed to generate three specific rows from the Advanced Sportscode XML required for the Catapult possession import.

Step 2 - Create a new timeline in Sportscode​

  • Open Hudl Sportscode.
  • Go to File → Import → Video and import the dummy video file.
note

The video does not need to be the actual match video, as we are just using it to create the XML. It just needs to be as long as the match duration, or at least 4 hours, will be fine.

Step 3 - Import a Champion Data Sportscode XML​

  • Go to File → Import → Champion Data...
  • Select and import the Advanced/Pressure/Foundation XML for your specific match.
note

This will automatically generate the required timeline rows based on the rules JSON file you downloaded earlier.

Step 4 - Export the Possession XML​

  • Go to File → Export → Sportscode XML...
  • Save the exported file — this Sportscode XML is your possessions XML.

4. Steps to import into Catapult OpenField​

  1. Open Catapult OpenField and your session as usual.
  2. Go to the Events or Splits section.
  3. Look for the option to import a custom event XML.
  4. Select your TimeInPossession.xml file.
  5. OpenField will now recognise Attack and Defend phases for GPS analysis.
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