Artificial intelligence (AI) has infiltrated many facets of our lives and is now making strides in sports. AI can do numerous things; for example, help players recover from injuries more quickly, make virtual simulators to help teams prepare for games by predicting potential outcomes, sift through mountains of data and pull out only the most important things that coaches and players can focus on. Read on to learn more about it!
Performance data with AI
Performance data — from a runner’s breathing rate to a soccer player’s heart rate — is now tracked and managed using AI. In addition, organizations are also using AI to make their video analysis systems more efficient. For example, the NBA uses AI to track every single move each player makes during the game. This helps coaches analyze player performance and give feedback before making changes.
Sports teams have also started using AI for training purposes. One of the most common uses of this technology is in helping athletes improve their mental health by providing them with resources they can use during tough times. The Australian Football League (AFL) introduced an app called Footy Mind that helps players learn mindfulness techniques to deal with anxiety, stress and depression after games or important matches.
Virtual simulators
Simulators can be used to test out strategies and tactics. Using artificial intelligence, teams can simulate different formations and lineups, as well as different tactical approaches. For example, if a team is trying to decide whether or not to play a 3-5-2 formation for an upcoming game, they can use the simulator to test out how their players would look in that setup.
Virtual simulators allow teams to perform virtual experiments before they happen in real life.
With a virtual simulator, you don’t need any of your players or coaches on the bench—you don’t even have to be at home! You simply need a computer connected to the internet where you can run simulations through an online platform such as Prozone Sports (ProZone).
Analyzing video footage
AI is already being used to analyze video footage or live telecasts of sporting events to offer insights into what happens on the field or court. For example, AI can help us understand how players are performing under pressure, whether they’re putting in more effort than usual when their team needs them most, and what they’re thinking when something goes wrong.
It can also be used to help coaches and trainers prepare for important games: by analyzing past performances and learning from mistakes made during training sessions, AI can provide suggestions on how to improve performance before it matters most (for example, improving accuracy in goal-kicking).
Developing training regimens and tactics
AI is also being used to develop training regimens and tactics specific to each athlete. Machine learning algorithms can analyze video footage or live telecasts of sporting events to offer insights into what happens on the field or court. They can also predict game outcomes, analyze game footage, and provide insights into what happened during key moments in a match.
