What kind of technology is needed for athletic training?

03 Apr.,2024

 

As the value attached to athletics continues to increase across all sports, athletic fitness trends continue to advance the level of play. Coaches and athletes are constantly looking for methods to gain an edge and stay ahead of the competition. 

Evaluating new technology and training methodology is part of the job description for sports teams at the professional level, but is now becoming part of the process for training youth athletes.

We now have a multitude of new technology platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), biometric data, gps tracking, smart balls, and wearable technology for athletes. The inclusion and awareness of levels of exertion and recovery metrics now can be taken into consideration when developing training regiments. 

Coaches, parents and athletes should evaluate how any new technology and training method benefits their particular sport, as not all advances in the fitness realm may be universally effective for athletes across different sports.  With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the new trends for specific basketball, football, baseball and soccer. Most sports have similar technologies emerging everyday. 

 

Top Trends for Basketball

Within the basketball space, there is no shortage of new technology advancements, with the promise of developing an athlete’s sport specific skillset as the selling point.  There is also an ever-evolving thought process behind how athletes should approach strength and conditioning training.  Let’s examine some of the training trends in basketball.

1. AI for Basketball Skill Development

Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) is used to assist sports training, especially basketball, has certainly increased in recent times.  In this scientific study done on the potential viability of Artificial Intelligence to be able to track player movement, researcher found they were able to track the primary player actions (catching, passing, dribbling, and shooting) with 98.95% accuracy.  Undoubtedly, being able to track performance with this level of accuracy should allow for more precise evaluation and the development of better training programs. 

There are currently numerous options available for those athletes looking to leverage AI to enhance their training, primarily through tracking the ball, allowing players to develop their ballhandling or track their shooting performance with precision.  The abundance of data that new AI training devices will produce should lead to superior training and more consistent results from athletes.

 

 

2. Multiple Movement Training For Basketball 

When it comes to basketball in particular, research has found that combining movement patterns (jumping, then sprinting) in training workouts leads to better performance and improvement.  This appears to be due to the inherent nature of the sport, where high-intensity, short bursts of exertion are common when running and jumping occur.

When looking for the best way to implement drills and exercises that allow for quick burst of activity and transistions, athletes should explore the versatility VertiMax offers for training as you play the game in real life.  With the VertiMax V8 or Raptor, athletes can perform a variety of movements, from sprinting to jumping to moving laterally.  In addition, VertiMax will help enhance performance through any of these exercises through its unique resistance system designed to targeted muscle groups while training.  

 

Top Trends In Football

New technology is also evolving the way football players and teams measure performance.

1. Football Tracking Data & Analytics

The development of football tracking is making its way into the sport, where wireless cameras can track the ball and collect data allowing for real-time evaluations and analytics of the football team. Increased football tracking data combined with the data from wearable tracking devices, coaches and players will be able to better understand the dynamics that occur during game play and adjust their training preparation accordingly.

 

 

2. Virtual Reality Technology 

As far as sport specific training goes, high-level football players have begun to use Virtual Reality as a method for preparing for games.  This new immersive technology allows players to replicate game-like situations and accelerate the learning process, all while eliminating any physical demands on the player.  With the ability to be used from anywhere, VR is a tremendous learning tool for players that should become more available across all levels as the desire to limit injury becomes the norm. 

 

Top Trends In Baseball

Baseball technology is growing with more data and analytics to decrease player injury, increase player performance, and give fans more reasons to engage in the game.

1. Baseball Swing Analysis

Baseball has had a tremendous amount of new technology come available in recent years, benefitting the way baseball athletes train.  For hitters, the introduction of bat swing analysis technology that allows players and coaches to gain insights from every single swing has enhanced the way teams go about player development.  The unique swing metrics that are available (like velocity, angle, and plane) make training much more efficient, as players can hone in on a certain technique they are trying to develop.

 

 

2. Baseball Pitcher Mechanic Analysis

Pitchers also have benefitted from AI technology, as there are now platforms that will analyze the mechanics of a pitcher’s motion.  This technology is hugely beneficial in multiple ways, as not only does it analyze a player’s throwing motion for ways to improve technique, but it can also assess inefficiencies in the mechanics that could lead to injury at some point.  With the abundance of elbow injuries that occur with young pitchers, using technology to help prevent injuries should be a priority for all players and coaches.

 

Top Trends In Soccer

Soccer, or football, is one of the most popular sports in the world, and it has been at the forefront of sports technology for many years. From wearable devices to video analysis tools, technology has transformed the way soccer is played and trained for. Let's explore some of the top sports technology for soccer.

1. Connected Smart Ball Tracking

The first example of “connected ball technology” was featured during a FIFA World Cup. There is a sensor suspended inside the ball. Together, this technology and a variety of receivers placed all over the field are utilized to track the ball extremely precisely. The match officials will be informed immediately when the ball crosses the goal line, and the referee will wear a wristwatch transmitter that shows the data.

For soccer players, the new smart balls are equipped with sensors that track your every move. Data collected by a smart soccer ball is sent to a connected smartphone or tablet, where coaches or athletes can access a variety of training drills and exercises. Smart balls allow you to have practice sessions to measure your performance and usually have companion apps for mobile devices and even connect to a screen.  With these sessions, you can practice and improve dribbling, speed, footwork, kicking, ball control, improve your weaker foot, and build confidence­­­­­­­­.

Use smart soccer balls with VertiMax equipment for unique and innovative training tools that can help players of all levels improve their skills and reach their full potential.

 

 

2. Biometric and Tracking Devices

Player tracking technology allows coaches to track the performance of individual players and the team as a whole during training and matches. GPS tracking devices are worn by players and record their movements, distance covered, and speed during the game.

The data collected by GPS tracking devices can be used to optimize training programs and improve performance. Coaches can analyze the data to identify areas where players need to improve, adjust their training accordingly, and monitor their progress over time.

There are even trackers for soccer shoes to track your performance on the pitch. Insoles is a high-tech device that fits snugly inside your soccer shoes packed with sensors that measure shot power, distance traveled, running speed, and the number of kicks.

2. Virtual Reality

Virtual reality technology is also being used in soccer training. Players can use VR technology to simulate real-world scenarios and train in a safe and controlled environment. For example, players can practice set-pieces and penalty kicks in a virtual environment, allowing them to improve their technique and build confidence.

 

Other Sports Training Trends

Individual Focus And Ball Skills Training 

As far as methods of training, coaches in the space have advocated that players should focus on developing their ball skills.  This seems to be the prevailing trend across all sports, as many coaches are emphasizing individual player development and implementing programs to help promote it within their teams. 

One of the best ways for players to work on their individual skills is with the VertiMax, as it is a truly unique platform that allows athletes to work on strength and speed training while also developing their sport-specific skills.  With the generous range of motion that the VertiMax V8 or Raptor affords athletes, along with its mobility and functionality that allows it to be used anywhere, makes it the perfect training equipment for soccer players. 

Check out the video below for an example of how soccer players can use the VertiMax while working on their ball skills.

Mental Performance Coaching

In addition to the new technology and training ideas that have been introduced in the sports landscape recently, another trend that is becoming common across all sports is mental performance coaching.  Players and teams have started to realize that just like physical skills, the mental approach to performance and competition needs to be refined on a continually basis.  Mental performance coaches can help athletes with visualizing performance, improving their self-talk, and controlling their ability to remain calm once adversity hits.  Many teams at higher levels of sports are starting to address this by hiring coaches to help with this, but athletes at lower levels can also get help from mental performance coaches, as many operate on a freelance basis.     

Functional Training

More and more, athletes and other fitness enthusiasts are incorporating functional training into their workouts, which focus on the 7 functional movements of the human body (pull, push, squat, lunge, hinge, rotation, and gait).  This is an effective way to maintain symmetry throughout the body and establish balance across muscle groups.  Not only can you build strength and power, but athletes can improve balance, coordination, range of motion and mobility with functional training.  For those looking for ways to include functional training into their routine, training with the VertiMax is an excellent way to enhance your results.  The VertiMax’s one of a kind resistance system is designed to allow athletes to perform these functional movements while also loading the body, leading to superior performance.

 

Stay on Top of the Latest Sports Trends

The landscape of fitness, health, and wellness is constantly evolving, as advances in technology and improved methodologies of training are always hitting the market.  As athletes and coaches, it’s important to stay updated on the potential developments in the world of fitness, as it could provide you with an advantage on your competition.  For those athletes who are looking for a new and innovative way to train, check out the VertiMax V8 or Raptor training platforms.  The VertiMax platforms allow athletes of any level to train like a professional, with an advanced resistance training system that produces explosive results.  VertiMax also has unrivaled versatility, as users can take it anywhere they want to work out.  Visit VertiMax.com and check out any of our exercise ideas, sport-specific instructions, or talk to support about any questions you might have.

 

   

Technology in the sports industry is changing rapidly.

In the past decade, developments in the sports industry have rolled out season after season, changing the topography of athletics as we know it.

These innovations not only affect sports fans but also rule enforcers, professional athletes, coaches, and other supporting athletic staff members.

The release of new technology is game-changing, from scorekeeping developments, data analytics, and television tech to sports medicine and injury prevention, it's safe to say that sports technology is here to stay.

This article will break down some of the recent technological shifts in the sports industry, giving you the inside scoop on all things innovative.

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What is sports technology?

Sports technology refers to technologies that are developed to optimize human interaction and athletic performance within the world of sports.

This could be anything from technical attempts to improve athlete training and performance to systems that help referees make more precise calls out on the field.

Ultimately, technological advancements in sports are meant to push the sports tech industry further into optimization.

Some of the more common sports technology products include wearable technology, data tracking and data collection, sports injury prevention, event scheduling, goal-line technology, and virtual reality.

How is sports tech changing the industry?

‍Sports technology has drastically advanced the sports entertainment industry over the past decade and only has an upward trajectory from here.

1. Sports tech enhances the viewing experience

‍Development in televised sports has enhanced the experience for sports fans, giving viewers real-time on-screen data analytics, referee calls, replays, and sports commentary, no matter if fans are sitting in the front row or their couch.

You no longer have to be physically present at a sporting event to feel like you're on the sidelines.

2. Sports tech helps prevent and diagnose injuries

‍Advancements in sports injury diagnostics have allowed medical professionals in the sports industry to evaluate athletes quicker to get them back on the field as soon as possible.

Better yet, this new technology has allowed trainers and coaches to prevent injuries from happening in the first place! The trainer career has witnessed a significant boost with the integration of these cutting-edge tools.

These new gadgets have supported and advanced research that has helped trainers develop preventative care for their athletes.

From heart rate monitors to training plans and recovery systems, athlete health has improved, leading to fewer injuries.

3. Sports tech keeps games fair

‍Various diagnostic and analytic data-gathering devices have been created to help with sideline decision-making, from referee tools to playback technology.

Emerging camera technology and video tracking enable referees to make more precise calls.

This makes gameplay more fair and equitable, removing human error from the equation. Understanding the average cost of app development is crucial for sports organizations looking to integrate advanced technologies into their operations, ensuring they can budget effectively for innovative solutions that enhance both athlete performance and fan engagement.

Some sports technology has become widely available and is not solely reserved for elite athletes.

Let's take a closer look at some of the specific ways that sports technology has changed the industry on the field, court, and track.

How has wearable sports tech impacted athletes?

Wearable technology is sports tech that can be worn on the wrist, ankle, or other parts of the body to measure performance.

We'll cover a few wearable sports tech options below.

1. Fitness watches track performance

‍The most common type of wearable technology is the fitness watch.

Professional athletes and amateurs alike use fitness watches to track measurable statistics such as their heart rate, calories burned, step count, running distances, and pace.

Fitness watches are great for beginners and elite athletes to track their progress and meet their fitness goals.

2. Heart rate monitors track heart responses

‍Heart rate monitors are another type of wearable technology that tracks the heart rate of an athlete (and pulmonary activity).

This data can be helpful in researching an athlete's target heart rate during exercise, fitness level, and heart health.

Heart rate monitors can also be used to detect cardiovascular irregularities and prevent overtraining.

3. Sports helmets are used for communication and protection

‍Helmets are also considered wearables and are useful in goalie positions or sports like American football.

Helmets often have built-in headsets and/or video capabilities that allow communication between athletes and their support team for more fluid performance and execution.

Over the decades, helmet technology and other football equipments has also developed to make the gear more protective in order to prevent injuries such as concussions.

Read More: Football Schedule Generator. We show you step-by-step how to use a schedule generator for football!‍

How are data tracking and collection tech used in sports?

There are dozens of ways that researchers in exercise science can collect data about athletic performance and an athlete's health.

The primary way that this type of data is collected is through sensors.

Sensors are worn by athletes or embedded in their clothing or shoes.

Sports-specific sensors are made for personalized data analytics and insights for optimal athletic performance.

Let's look at a few types of data-tracking tools used in exercise science research.

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1. GPS sensors track movement

‍Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors can track location, speed, and other movement-based metrics for outdoor activities like running or cycling.

2. VBT sensors track performance

‍Velocity Based Training (VBT) sensors can be used to track the performance of weight lifters.

3. Sleep tracking devices monitor sleep quality

‍Sleep tracking apps and devices monitor sleep and can help athletes reach sleep goals for athletic performance and recovery.

There are even different sensors that can help sports medicine professionals aid athletes in preventing injuries.

How has technology advanced sports injury prevention?

Injury prevention has been a driving force behind the development of new sports technologies.

Sports injuries can be devastating for an athlete and can even end their career.

Prevention is key to keeping teams healthy and performing at the highest level.

Let's look at some of the latest advancements in sports medicine.

1. Mouthguards monitor impacts

‍High-tech mouthguards have been created with built-in sensors that can notify an athlete of when it may be time to take a breather.

Mouth guards light up after a head impact, glowing red for devastating blows or blue for medium-degree impacts.

2. Helmets prevent head injuries

‍High-tech helmets are outfitted with features such as shock absorption to protect an athlete's head during impact.

These are created to resemble airbags in a car and release air to reduce the whiplash effect that an athlete may experience in the event of head trauma.

3. Diagnostic programs help identify high-risk players

‍Some diagnostic programs are in the works to help athletes prevent injuries through the use of biometric data.

This can help single out athletes that may be at a higher risk of injury than others on a team.

Using high-definition cameras and computer generation, players and coaches can view analyzed data to make changes and prevent injuries before they even occur.

Online event scheduling simplifies gamedays and events

Schedule generators are another example of sports technology that has changed how teams, sports organizations, and athletes plan and attend athletic events.

One example of this is the Diamond Scheduler program.

This application makes planning a league's complex season much easier, reducing the possibility of improper scheduling or redundant schedule constraints and conflicts.

Having a season laid out properly makes life simpler and more organized for coaches, players, and fans alike.

Event scheduling technology negates the need for mass email outreach with schedule corrections or hours at the drawing board.

Whether you are the coach for a volunteer softball team or the team manager for a professional league, software like Diamond Scheduler can take on the heavy lifting of managing events.

What is GLT (Goal Line Technology) and how has it changed sports?

‍Sensors and digital monitoring software can be used at the goal line to determine whether or not goals are valid.

Sometimes, the naked eye can't distinguish between a ball fully crossing a goal line or not.

This could be a game-winning or game-losing call, which is a lot of pressure for a referee to shoulder on their own.

This electronic aid can step in and determine, for example, whether the football fully crossed the goal line or not.

Most goal line technology either uses strategically-placed cameras or magnetic fields to track the ball and determine its movements in relation to the goal line.

Visual indicator technology, such as GLT, removes the potential for human error.

Goal line technology has contributed to more accurate games and less wiggle room for cheating.

How has virtual reality shaped the world of sports tech?

‍A mixture of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality systems help to prepare players for real game-time scenarios.

Virtual reality environments are closely monitored and realistic, allowing players to compete at their normal performance level with less chance of injuries.

Virtual reality has already been implemented in the training of top athletes.

For example, virtual reality is used as a tool for golfers to perfect their swing and for goalies to develop their reaction speed and cultivate their decision-making skills.

VR has even been involved in concussion protocols, reducing the likelihood of head impacts taking place in training sessions.

Virtual reality cannot replace training entirely, but it does provide a safe option for athletes to practice proper techniques.

Watch the video below to see how virtual reality is used in baseball training:

What is VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and how is it used in sports?

‍VAR debuted during the FIFA World Cup in 2018, and the industry has changed ever since.

First impacting game calling in the World Cup arena, VAR has since been adopted by other leagues, including the Premier League, as a tool to promote fairness and discourage cheating.

This system is equipped with high-quality camera technology, making refereeing more precise and less affected by flawed elements like human error.

With video replay systems in conjunction with the VAR setup, a team of referees in an on-site control room can evaluate each play and correct any missed calls.

Technology like this makes games fairer and equitable for both teams involved.

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How does cognitive training technology benefit athletes?

‍Being a top athlete is not only a measure of physical toughness but of mental toughness.

In recent years, there has been a shift in the world of sports that has given more attention and care to other elements of an athlete beyond how fast they can run or how much weight they can lift.

Cognitive exercises combine technological advances with simple phenomena like hand-eye coordination and reaction times.

This bridge between mental and physical performance is a big deal for athletes and is a surefire way to help athletes reach their highest potential.

How does instant replay impact games?

‍Instant replays have changed the way sports are watched and refereed.

Sports officials can use instant replay to evaluate calls made during a game and even slow the video down for closer examination.

This technology has helped officials make more informed decisions and created all kinds of uproars between fans, coaches, and referees.

How has digital fan engagement changed sports?

‍Sports organizations have developed ways to make sports more engaging for fans who can't attend games in person.

From loyalty programs to high-tech rewards, fan engagement is meant to help fans feel more involved.

Outside of the arena, community-building forums, fantasy leagues, and fan clubs give viewers easy access to news about their favorite teams.

At its roots, waving a foam finger or a sports jersey was the extent to which fans could show diehard support for a team.

Now, fan engagement has never been more involved and connected than with these digital tools.

What are hawk-eye sensors and how do they affect gameplay?

‍Hawk-eye sensors have made gameplay and evaluation of match outcomes more informed through ball tracking and statistical diagnostics.

This tool uses varying visual sensors to analyze the trajectory of a ball and display its most-likely path during a game.

Hawk-eye sensors are often used in sports like cricket, tennis, badminton, and volleyball.

An example of hawk-eye technology in action is determining whether or not a bat smashed a cricket ball before it was caught.

Another application of this would be tracking the trajectory of where a soccer ball would have landed if it didn't hit a player's foot.

Conclusion

‍Sports technology has exponentially expanded the sports business and made resources more easily accessible to fans, coaches, athletes, and sports medicine teams alike.

Things can only go up from here, and we are excited to see how new innovations continue to grow, improve athletic performance, and decrease career-ending injuries.

Thalia Oosthuizen has been writing in a professional capacity for over a decade. Her love for sports has led her down the path of sports writing, where her passion and skills combine. Thalia is a runner, cyclist, and swimmer, and enjoys playing tennis and hockey. Her favorite sports teams include Chelsea F.C. and the Georgian Lions Rugby Club.

What kind of technology is needed for athletic training?

Sports Technology That’s Revolutionizing Sports in 2024