There is no denying that technology is everywhere. But the most fascinating thing is how this technology is utilized everywhere. The use case of technology in every segment is limitless. And the sports industry is not anomalous to technology.
All people are aware of the use of technology in sports and live matches, but how technologies like AI and ML can be useful for athletes’ training remains unclear.
This article will give you a clear grasp of the use of digitization in sports and athletes.
AI in Sports
Over the last couple of decades, there has been an advancement in technology in the sports industry. With these evolutions in technology, teams and coaches have now started embracing technology to enhance training techniques, improve players’ performance, and reduce injuries of players.
The movie, Moneyball, is the best example of data-driven performance improvement in sports. Suppose you have never heard of this movie. In that case, it is a movie that showcases the story of Oakland’s Athletics general manager, Billy Beane, who uses statistical data and AI-generated analytics to build a fierce team despite a small budget.
And eventually, due to his historic decision, the team reached new, unprecedented heights and won remarkable accolades. The movie shows how a data-driven approach can enhance performance and compensate for the lack of resources by enabling effective decision-making.
With the introduction of artificial intelligence in the sports realm, people can observe a tide of change in the ways matches are played, and the way athletes perform or players are trained.
Today, some top professional and sports organizations utilize artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to get the upper hand over the competition. Following are some tangible advantages of AI and ML in sports.
Where Does Machine Learning Come in Sports?
One of the prime uses of machine learning in sports is in players’ training. With the incorporation of AI, the performance analysis of players has become very sophisticated. When AI and ML are merged with sports, coaches can obtain noteworthy information about their players’ strengths and weaknesses. In addition to this, the data collected on the field can provide crucial insights that will help the coaches and captains modify their game strategies and implement new tactics.
For instance, during basketball and cricket training, the players in professional clubs use wearable technology (devices fitted with sensors) to record the player’s movement and their ball-throwing speed.
There are IMU sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers that collect the leaping heights, running speeds, and the precision of players’ movements, along with various other pieces of information. The information collected by these IoT-powered wearable devices is then analyzed and furnished into machine learning algorithms to get some relevant matrices.
The Use of AI and ML in Sports
There are only a limited number of items in the world that can’t be quantified. And everything that can be quantified can be done with precision using AI, ML, and data science. And the sports industry is abundant with such quantifiable elements.
Seeing the positive impact of artificial intelligence in sports, they will continue to make progress in the domain of sports.
Below mentioned are some areas in sports where AI and ML are being utilized to become mainstay components:
- Scouting and Recruitment
- Training and performance analysis
- Maintaining athletes’ health and fitness
- Broadcasting and advertising
- AI Referee
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Scouting and Recruitment
Even though humans are far from being inappreciable using quantitative criteria, their performance can be subject to quantitative scrutiny. Sports teams, whether cricket, basketball, baseball, football, or soccer, extensively use individual players’ performance data to measure their fitness and potential.
Here, the data doesn’t mean only using open stats but gaining more complex matrices that account for multiple factors. Using AI and ML in sports management, measuring and evaluating the indicators guarantees the team’s success.
With the utilization of artificial intelligence in sports, one can also access historical data to predict the future potential of a player before investing their time in the player. Plus, it can also help in estimating the right value of the player while recruiting new talent.
Maintaining Athlete’s Health, Fitness, and Safety
It is a fact that AI is transforming the healthcare industry in many ways. And these extraordinary predictive capabilities of AI can be applied in sports, where health and fitness are of major importance.
Since the soul of sports is fitness, the sports authorities invest heavily in the physical and mental well-being of the athletes. Thus, authorities are increasingly investing in healthcare technology tools. These days, AI is the latest healthcare tool. When players undergo physical tests, the AI analyzes their health parameters and their movements of the player to measure their fitness and detect the early signs of stress and fatigue.
There are now wearable technologies that track the player’s physical parameters to keep track of their overall health.
Examples of Digital Coaching and Training Success
To understand the real-world impact of digital coaching and training, let’s explore a few examples:
Strava is a digital platform designed for athletes, primarily focused on running and cycling. It allows users to track their workouts, compete with others, and share their experiences. Strava’s social features encourage athletes to push their limits and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
Hudl is a video analysis platform that has become a staple for coaches and athletes in various sports. It allows users to upload, analyze, and share game footage, offering an in-depth look at performance. Teams and athletes can use Hudl to break down games, identify areas for improvement, and create strategic game plans.
Virtuix’s Omni Arena is a virtual reality system designed to enhance training for basketball, soccer, and tennis. Athletes can use the system to simulate game scenarios, refine their skills, and improve decision-making, all within an immersive virtual environment.
TrainHeroic offers a platform for personalized training and coaching. Athletes and coaches can create and track training programs, analyze performance data, and receive guidance from a network of experienced coaches.
Conclusion
Digital coaching and training have reshaped the sports landscape, making high-quality coaching and data-driven performance analysis accessible to athletes of all levels. The fusion of technology and sports has led to unprecedented personalization, cost-effectiveness, and engagement, revolutionizing how athletes improve their skills and reach their peak performance.
As technology advances, the potential for digital coaching and training to enhance athletic performance is limitless. Athletes, coaches, and sports organizations that embrace these tools are poised to gain a significant competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of sports. The journey to reaching one’s peak has never been more exciting, thanks to the digital revolution in sports coaching and training.
