How Has Technology Changed Sports?

The sports industry has witnessed a technological revolution. AI-powered sports cameras, GPS tracking technology, and virtual reality training improve players’ performance by giving coaches (and players) the ability to break down their technique and skills at every angle.

One of the most influential drivers of this revolution is sports evaluation apps. For example, SkillShark is a sports evaluation app that allows coaches & scouts to evaluate players on any mobile device and gain instant access to advanced reports seconds after an evaluation is complete.

This blog examines the latest breakthroughs in sports technology, including how sports evaluation apps and AI-powered solutions are transforming the future of sports.

Technology Advancements in Sports

Technology has improved nearly every aspect of sports, including player performance, training regimes, accuracy of coaching, fairness, and data tracking. Some of the most significant are:

• Wearable Performance Trackers – GPS and motion-tracking technologies monitor athlete movement, speed, and levels of fatigue.
• AI-Powered Video Analysis – AI sports cameras, like the Veo sports camera, provide automated game footage and tactical analysis to teams.
• Virtual Reality Training – VR hockey training offers interactive training environments for skill acquisition without physical exhaustion.
• Enhanced Officiating Technology – Technology like VAR (Video Assistant Referee), goal-line technology, and Hawk-Eye tracking make game decisions more balanced.
• Enhanced Fan Experience – AI-driven highlights, 360-degree video streaming, and augmented reality experiences engage fans.

Virtual Reality in Sports Training

Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing sports training, offering realistic simulations that allow players to develop skills in a safe environment. Let’s look at an example below.

VR Hockey Training

• Simulates game situations
• Improves reaction time & positioning
• Increases player decision-making

AI & GPS Tracking Technology

GPS tracking technology has become a valuable tool in high-performance sports to help improve performance. AI-driven tracking systems provide real-time data analysis, which helps coaches and athletes optimize their techniques.

Football & Soccer GPS Trackers

Football and soccer clubs now rely on GPS trackers to track:

• Positioning and movement of players
• Optimal sprinting speeds and acceleration
• Fatigue and recovery levels

Wearable soccer tracking devices have helped teams create customized training programs to reduce injuries and enhance stamina.

Ball Tracking Camera Systems

Artificially intelligent ball-tracking cameras provide:

• Real-time ball trajectory tracking
• Officiating assistance automation
• Enhanced game footage analysis

This technology is widely used in soccer, tennis, and baseball, allowing teams to make data-driven tactical decisions.

The Role of AI Sports Cameras in Modern Sports

AI sports cameras are transforming the way teams record, analyze, and improve player performance. In contrast to video recording, AI sports cameras automatically follow gameplay without having to rely on human-controlled systems.

Veo Sports Camera

• Automated following of player movements
• 360-degree coverage of a match
• AI-generated performance analysis

These cameras are used in soccer, football, basketball, and hockey to help teams analyze strategies and improve gameplay.

Key Features of SkillShark: The Future of Evaluations

✔ Tailorable Assessments: Coaches can create customized assessment templates for any sport, measuring the skills that matter to them most.
✔ Real-Time Performance Analysis: Data is collected in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback and performance adjustments.
✔ Automated Reporting: Detailed reports, such as player ranking grids and player comparison reports, are automatically generated by SkillShark.
✔ Mobile & Cloud-Based: No more pen-and-paper evaluations—SkillShark allows real-time data entry, analysis, and sharing on any device.

In contrast to pen-and-paper evaluations, SkillShark automates the whole process with simple mobile evaluations and instant reports, allowing coaches and scouts to make data-driven decisions.

SkillShark’s AI Tracking Tool for Baseball & Softball

One of the most unique features is SkillShark’s AI analysis tool, which provides coaches with an objective score of a baseball or softball player’s swing mechanics. The device examines a player’s:

• Hand speed
• Shoulder & hip rotation
• Stride length

See It In Action: Skillsharks AI-Powered Video Analysis of a Baseball Player’s Swing