Technology seems to be taking off in sports. Even for the fitness lover, we saw a spike in technology fitness equipment such as the Pelton. A number of other technologies already exist and are being used, while others are still in their early stages of being used.
VAR or Virtual Assistants Referees, have been used in soccer games to determine offsides or other important calls such as goals, penalty kicks. VARs can be used to help referee games. Referees sit in a control room to use technology to help the field referee call the game. As a former athlete, we know in person refs will miss calls. By adding Virtual Assistants, perhaps there will also be less injuries since the games will be called tighter, with less fouls being able to not be seen.
ABS or Automatic Ball- Strike System, can be used in baseball. This eliminates the different strike zones refs have, or watching where or how the catcher caught the ball. ABS is able to evaluate where the ball crossed the plate using radar. I think this invention is one of the most game changing inventions. There will be way less human error and will become significantly even more data driven.
Sensors on bats have allowed players to determine swing speed, direction. There are already sensors on balls and pucks. As a former soccer player, if I had a soccer ball with sensors on it, it would have helped me tremendously improve my shot passing technique. I could determine the speed, angle and placement I hit the ball to improve.
Wearable tech such as apple watches and fitbits have allowed everyday people to improve their fitness. These tech can track heart rate, calories, steps and all other sorts of data, all while being sleek/small enough to wear comfortably. Apple watches are even considered a medical tech device.
“Smart clothes” also exist for athletes to wear. Heart rate, breathing activity, postures, pace, and weight distribution are all measured by athletic clothing. Another wearable tech is tech with GPS trackers to track the players movements and positions. This data can then be used by coaches and players to adjust to game strategies.
Streaming sports has allowed people from all over the country to be engaged in sports at a timely manner. No longer do people need to miss games due to not having the service.
Timing systems have also improved. For running events the start pistol can be connected to start the clock. Lasers and touch sensors help track accurate times when athletes reach the finish line or other designated points in the race.
There is even a device to check athletes’ mental focus. The device called the edge provides multiple activities athletes can use during competition to stay focused.
Hawk eye is a computer and camera system that follows a ball’s direction. Hawk eye system is also able to determine if a ball crossed a goal line or out of bounds line using goal line sensors. The system allows the information to be sent to a referee headset or written while referring to a game to be able to make the correct call. Many other sports including football are looking into the use of hawk eye technology to be able to accurately determine if the ball crossed the line.
Some teams are using virtual reality to create game-like scenarios for athletes to improve their decision making skills during games. Headsets can be worn to stimulate different situations for players to practice in.
By the use of technology it sure does makes me wonder if this will help even the playing field to those that are talented by may need the extra data to help close the gap compared to their opponents that may have an advantage in the size of the player, athletic build of the player. The use of these innovations can help the player that may not be as genetically gifted compared to their competition, but rather has to work harder at their chosen sport to be successful.
This is an exciting time in sports! We have already seen ways technology has been introduced in sports by instant replay, cameras, and drones. The technologies mentioned previously in this blog are going to elevate sports to an even greater level. Athletes and coaches will now have more tools to use to help them prepare for athletic competitions and to improve their individual players’ games. Fans will be able to be even more engaged in sport by having more ways to be involved with their favorite athletes and teams. If technology in sport is improving this quickly, it makes you wonder what the future of sports in 10,15, 20 years will be like. It could end up being a completely different game compared to the ones today.
Overall, technology is advancing sports but also making it better! The article 20 Ways Technology has made sports better provides great examples of certain technologies used and how specifically each technology has improved sports. From watching sports, to referring sports, coaching sports, and training all aspects of sports are being elevated through the use of technology.
Food for thought:
- Which innovation do you think will have the greatest impact on sports?
- Which technology tools were you already aware of? Which ones were you not?
- Do you use any technology when it comes to your personal fitness? If so what technology?
- Do you have an idea of a technology that needs to be developed due to a certain need in a particular sport?
Game Changer 