Technology and data are truly making huge impacts on a wide variety of industries. One that you may not have thought about until now is their impact on the sports world. Data is now often being leveraged to allow managers and coaches to make better choices in their lineups and consists of looking at a lot of team performance.
The way this data is used in the tech world is highly interesting, as it’s not only diverse but also incredibly useful. Sound interesting to you? Great, time to give it a shot.
Tracking Player Movements
One of the biggest changes in recent years is the use of tracking systems. These involve multiple cameras placed around the pitch or GPS devices that are worn by players. They record movements down to the smallest detail, like distance covered, sprints made, positioning and heat maps showing where a player spends most of their time.
These pieces of tech are often used on players during training, so that coaches can see where they’re going right or wrong.
Wearable Technology
You’ve probably seen players wearing slim vests under their kits. These are packed with sensors that monitor heart rate, speed, acceleration and even impact. For medical teams, this is vital as it provides real-time feedback on physical strain and helps prevent injuries.
It’s almost like professional football players have become mini-robots (not really but visually) because they’re strapped to quite a lot of tech points. This may sound like overkill but it’s actually super important, not only for the players and coaches but for fans as well. Fans get to access a lot of this data and this will often indicate, in football for example, who will win the premier league because fans can clearly see which players and teams are doing better than others. Based on actual facts. You see, it’s not just coaches and players who benefit. With this tech and data, fans now have access to detailed analytics through TV broadcasts, apps and websites. This means that they can take a deep dive into what’s really happening.
Video Analysis Software
Beyond the numbers, video analysis plays a huge role in football data analytics. Advanced software now allows coaches to tag specific moments in a match, like passes, tackles or shots and link them to data points.
Clubs use this for:
- Reviewing match performance with players.
- Studying upcoming opponents and spotting weaknesses.
- Fine-tuning strategies for set pieces or pressing systems.
Video analysis isn’t just about pointing out mistakes; it’s about showing players exactly where and how improvements can be made.
Metrics Like Expected Goals
Statistical models such as expected goals (xG) have transformed the way matches are understood. Instead of relying solely on the scoreline, xG measures the quality of chances created. A team might lose 1–0 but data could show they created enough high-quality opportunities to suggest the performance was actually strong.
Other key metrics include:
- Passing networks to understand link-ups between players.
- Defensive actions like interceptions or clearances.
- Pressing efficiency and shows how effective a team is at winning the ball back.
These numbers provide a more accurate picture of performance than traditional stats alone.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Although the term might sound futuristic, AI and machine learning are already shaping football. Algorithms can sift through massive amounts of match data to identify patterns that human analysts might miss.
For example, AI can predict how an opponent might build attacks based on previous games. It can also recommend tactical adjustments in real time, such as shifting formation when a weakness is spotted. Clubs that embrace this technology gain a strategic edge by making quicker and more informed decisions.
Tech is Here to Stay
As wonderful as the idea of bringing technology into the fold of sports, it must be noted that it’s kept to the teams that can afford it. This might create an even greater discrepancy between second or third-league teams and the first, as the first gets a lot of the budget. Food for thought.
