As sport gets more competitive, the margins that decide a moment, a match or a whole tournament are getting thinner - as such sports analytics is gaining ever more importance. Global analytics solutions provider Quantzig shares its four ways in which it could change the way every game is played
With some of the best athletes on the planet currently competing in the 2018 Fifa World Cup, Wimbledon and the Tour de France, those in the business of sports analytics have never been more in demand.
The world of professional sports is getting ever more competitive, meaning actionable insight into key statistics and data can prove just as formidable a tool as top-class players or state-of-the-art equipment.
The booming betting industry has benefited from increasingly sophisticated sports analytics too, now able to market on the basis of in-depth assessment of relevant metrics and patterns.
Quantzig, a global analytics solutions provider, argues that by using a host of variables including weather conditions, player statistics and information from expert scouts, the technology will be a game-changer.
It identifies four ways in which analytics could change sport as we know it.
Live field data
Currently, a large amount of data is collected manually during a game of sports matches. But since the actions take place at a rapid speed on the field or during a match, it becomes difficult to track live data.
Companies such as MotionWorks Sports Solution makes RFID tags that are attached to the ball, equipment, and even the players to track movement, distance, and speed.
Fan preferences
Teams and ticket vendors are trying their best to provide the most comfortable and enjoyable experiences to fans watching the match.
They can use sports analytics to get to know the audience better and cater to their needs.
Furthermore, it becomes easier to deliver a better experience to followers using team-specific mobile apps that provide fans with special content, in-seat concession ordering, and bathroom wait times.
Coaching decisions
Coaches can leverage sports analytics to gain important and accurate data sets that would help them adjust their tactics for better results on the field.
Using data, coaches and players can make more informed decisions that could decide wins and losses.
They can also analyse the data from past matches or tournaments to formulate a better game plan and eliminate the tactics that do not give favourable results.
Data from wearable technology
Wearable technology is now slowly being experimented for sports analytics. Several vendors such as Adidas have introduced technologies that work by attaching wearable devices to the jerseys of players.
Data from the device helps the coach identify who the top performers are and who needs rest.
It also provides real-time stats on each player, such as speed, acceleration, and heart rate.
This type of real-time data could help trainers and physicians plan for better training and conditioning.