Technology and sport are increasingly intertwined. At the elite level, every decision is now scrutinised, every action analysed through data, with all of it debated by fans post-game.
From the implementation of Hawkeye in cricket and tennis to the use of VAR and goal line technology in football, tech has never been as prevalent.
This trend is even extending into the grassroots game. Fans want to have access to the same level of insight as their heroes, which has given rise to wearable technology. Here are four products to watch, that could make a splash in the sporting world in 2022.
Soccerment:
Football is increasingly fixated on data and data analysis, with terms such as expected goals (XG) and expected assists (XA) now mainstays of the footballing lexicon with pundits and fantasy football players alike. Inspired by ‘Moneyball’ and ‘Sabernomics’, the data model has been adopted by clubs so they can buy lesser-known, undervalued players for lower transfer fees. Brentford FC’s success has been attributed to this model.
Whilst data revolutionises the elite leagues, the technology is largely inaccessible and unaffordable to non-elite clubs. Soccerment’s mission is to change this. CEO Aldo Comi’s mission is to create a more equal game by accelerating the adoption of data analytics at every level of the football pyramid. Their flagship innovation is the invention of their Smart shinpad technology. These Shinguards, named XSEED, track everything from the distance covered during a match to the number of passes and shots, the power of a shot taken, and how often you use each foot. They will soon give grassroots footballers an as yet unseen and unique insight into the technical aspects of their own game, and just how close to being as good as Messi they really are.
Catapult:
Catapult develop wearable devices designed to address fundamental questions in sports performance. They now offer a range of services from wearable tracking to video analysis and athlete management. These three wearables devices, Vector, Clearsky and Catapult One, enable users to better understand their bodies, avoid preventable injuries, and optimise performance.
STATSports:
STATSports’ revolutionary APEX Vest allows you to track and analyse your game like the pros. By wearing the vest during training sessions and in matches, you can gain insight and data into your performance and physical wellbeing. In doing so, you can make yourself better, faster and stronger than ever before. Arsenal FC currently uses STATSports to ensure they are in the best physical shape for Matchday. If it’s good enough for Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, it’s good enough for us.
SportCor:
This is not your regular cricket ball. SportCor’s smart ball in collaboration with Kookaburra is revolutionary for cricket. By combining advanced data analytic technology with a traditional cricket ball, players can now measure their speed, spin and distance when playing. England’s Ashes performance got you wanting to improve your game? Sportcor is the advanced platform to do it.
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