The 2014 FIFA World Cup, perhaps the world’s biggest sporting tournament, has been a thrilling one till now – high scores, great goals, big bites – it’s all happened. And it promises to get better as teams reach the last leg. However, apart from the great matches, a bigger revolution is unfolding on the field. This year the teams have had access to data generated from wearable technologies, sensors and videos to improve their performance.
These big data analytics technologies are helping the teams in myriad ways. And the influx of data is mind boggling. Teams are using technologies such as goal-line and ball-tracking to learn accurately about player movements. Video analytics has been used to retrieve key moments for closer analysis of strategies and tactics. Sensors have been placed in shin guards, clothing, and the footballs to gather data on speed averages, ball possession, and other player movements. Those records are then streamed, analysed, and stored to build strategies and training modules keeping in mind the strengths and weaknesses of teams and players.
One of the biggest contributions of this data revolution has been the reduction of injuries on the field. Wearables such as heart rate monitors, GPRS tracking systems and pedometers, have provided valuable health metrics in the hands of the World Cup doctors and administrative staff which can be used to prevent or reduce injuries. These devices even track breathing, exertion, REM sleep hours to identify players in need of rest or additional training on certain physical aspects.
Teams who can leverage these new-age technologies to the fullest will gain a significant competitive edge over their peers. The 2014 FIFA World Cup is proving to be a bigger playing field for Big Data and Wearables. Chances are that the team that best leverages them will hold the trophy come July 13!
