How data analytics is changing the game of modern sports: Understanding sports analytics

Its applications:

·     Better precision in decisions – With the currently available technology, the speed and other parameters of a game can be evaluated better by using data analytics. Many times during a game, certain movements are not accurately visible to the naked eye. They can cause an error in judgement from the referee’s end. Using technology to determine the accuracy on a real time basis can help in achieving precision in result.

·     Making the game interesting – Using the tons of data available from multiple matches, interesting bits and pieces can be carved out for the viewers. Considering the duration of one season of baseball, things like ‘strong zone of a pitcher’, ‘weak zone of a pitcher’, ‘change in throw of a pitcher over the season’ and many other interesting details can be compiled by using data analytics.

·     Live on field data collection – Adrenaline filled sports such as football and basketball are played at such speed that many of the interesting moments are just lost in time without being recorded. Using the concept of data analysis in today’s scenario, the stadiums are now equipped with special cameras dedicated to every player on the ground. These high speed cameras record every minute detail from the ‘speed of the ball’ to ‘the body temperature of the player’ and send it to the server in real time. This data is further used to make accurate decision in case of confusion and then later on analysed to determine the performance of players over the series or season.

·     Prediction of fan preferences – A game is made popular by the number of people watching it. Today, publicity and fan following are the parameters to measure the success and income of a player. Keeping this in mind, the preferences of fans play a very important role in sports. Using data analytics the fans of a particular game can be attracted towards it. Things like ‘Are the tickets economical for viewers’, ‘Is the timing of a game accessible to most of the viewers’, and ‘Who is the favourite player in a match?’ can be accurately answered using data analytics.

·     Better coaching – With the wearable technology now in market, the coaches can have real time access to the data from a player. Details like heartbeat, perspiration level, fatigue and stress can be monitored by the coach for every player on the field. This will not only help then coach the player better, but also avoid injury. Research shows that the maximum loss faced by a sponsor is when an expensive player sits out of a game or a series because of some injury. This can be avoided with the wearable technology now available.