How Data Is Truly Important In The Sporting World & Especially In Football?

What happens when data analytics meets sport? A successful synergy if used correctly, of course. We all know how data analytics can be effective in monitoring and analyzing key figures when it comes to big brands, corporations and agencies; seeing what works and what doesn’t is the main element in taking an enterprise to the next level. But, did you know that data analytics can also contribute a great deal of insights when it comes to sport, and most importantly, soccer?

Data is the new oil.

Using this method has become a crucial and innovative tool that has been used in many major sporting events and amongst major sport stars. Take the Olympics for example, where wearable tech gear helped achieve a medal for the Australian Olympic team back in 2000. And this is just one example of many; nowadays, you don’t even need tech gear to get accurate results.

Wearable tech gear in the Olympic.

So, What Exactly Is Data In Sports?

Let’s talk about how data was traditionally collected by sports analysts. Sports analysts would rely on word-of-mouth and ICT (information and communication technology) in the forms of expensive equipment and software that cohesively work to get some sort of analytics. These included measuring physiological variables such as heart rhythm and steps to positioning with GPS devices. This equipment would typically include cameras and sensors that would aid in the collection of data and in turn, this data would be translated and analyzed by top scientists. Quite a process, right?

The Issues

The problem with this means are the costs involved. Having to purchase or higher such equipment, plus hiring top-notch analysts to get the results is no easy feat, especially when on budget. Additionally, many problems have been detected due to devices malfunctioning with numbers not being detected owing to interference with the transmission of data on such devices.

Quick Case Study- Tracking covering distance

Some exceptional data capturing methods have been used in major leagues such as the Hawk-Eye in tennis to monitor the ball and distance or tracking the cover distance of football players on TV. These methods are based on a hefty investment on cameras and software for ball and speed detection. Just for the soccer leagues alone, a whopping 16 cameras have to be installed in the press box to detect such data. These systems also don’t come cheap; one can look at around a 15 000 Euro price tag per practice or match. This is also something that smaller leagues and amateurs cannot have access to.

Hawk-Eye technology in tennis for monitoring the ball.

Today, Everyone Can Become A Data Analyst

In today’s innovative times, a new chapter on big data in sport has come to light.Sports data was once exclusively available to sports analysts that had the means to check every aspect of a player or team’s performance through tools and data capturing methods. While this solely helped major sports teams gain insights on their opponents and the performance of their players, not everyone had access to such tools and relied on journalism to get information on a said player or team. Everyone knows Messi’s on-field speed and the accuracy of Ronaldo’s drills but in the past, these analytics were only made available to the public with the help of data scientists who studied this field with around 4 or 5 years of college under their belt.

You’d be surprised to know that AI technology and predictive analytics is bringing this formidable big data stats to people like us. In-house school sports leagues and aspiring sport stars can get their hands on real-time measuring analytics without much fuss, either. Let’s take a look at how this has become possible with football and football training.

So How Does Big Data Help In The Soccer Industry?

Apart from easily monitoring physiological elements with the use of sports gear, big data in the soccer sphere is quickly being fast-tracked; aiding in bringing real-time results that matter the most. Drills, speed, coverage, dribbles can now be measured both on-field and off-field; giving football players a raw and real glimpse into their stats and performance.

Real-time results. Playform.

Innovation At It’s Finest

One of the biggest soccer apps emerging this year is Playform. Merging technology to soccer player’s finger tips is the main aim of this app. By downloading Playform, it eliminates the need for big, fancy equipment; everything fits right in your pocket. Think of it as a virtual soccer coach that can give you accurate measurements of a soccer player’s performance, as well as provide personalized training and football workouts based on these real-time measurements. This is the new era in football practice.

How Are These Elements Beneficial?

Platform aims to bring these elite-measuring features to everyone and anyone who wants to track, analyze, and monitor their soccer performance. Gone are the days of having to hire 16 cameras or sensors to see where you need to brush up on your soccer skills. Below is just a taste of why this new, innovative app can benefit any aspiring football player;

Best sporting strategies- predictive analysis

A team can use data to come up with the on-field soccer strategy during tournaments and leagues. It’s easier to use data to populate the best strategy on what role each player will fill during a competitive soccer match.Using predictive analysis allows teams to form and play utilizing the player’s best soccer skills.

Scouting and recruitment made easier and more accurate

For those looking to make a career out of their passion for soccer, then Playform gives their users a chance to fill out a top-notch player card that gives up to date, real statistics on every angle and aspect of a player’s performance and their football training. This helps in the scouting process for both parties who are looking for the next best talent or want to be a soccer star. Platform offers a comprehensive player card complete with graphs, football practice performance, and accurate measurements. Once can keep track of many factors such as dribbling, pace, shooting, and passing stats.

Making sports more engaging and competitive

Being able to accurately measure passes, juggles, and more gives teammates the chance to engage more in their practice by adding a competitive edge to the bigger picture. Beating each other’s personal best scores can add a beneficial yet competitive element, thus making a soccer player strive to be the best.

Competitions based on performance. Playform.

Improve training football workouts

Training has just gotten better owing to the accuracy of this AI-driven technology. Soccer players will now be able to focus on training when it comes to their weaker points. This gives players the chance to grow where they need it most. Platform offers personalized training and football workouts according to one’s football skills set and performance results.

And, Something for the soccer coaches

While this app is user-friendly for anyone to manage, it does give soccer coaches the chance to actively manage their team through a plethora of accurate numbers and analysis. There’s a dedicated soccer coach dashboard that tracks soccer matches, football workouts, player’s football skills, and so much more.

Takeaway

Big data in soccer is interactive and fun, especially with the astonishing technology that is making waves around the world. Every aspiring soccer player can use data to take their soccer skills to a whole new level, irrespective of age and levels. Today, anyone can become their own “data scientist” and reap the benefit and rewards that new-age technology offers.