How AI Can Improve Athletes
AI Improvement in Both Practices and in Games
The 1st Monday of each month SportsTrace discusses a new topic related to the use of video for training athletes. In this post SportsTrace goes over how AI can improve athletes’ performance in baseball and in golf.
If you’re enjoying the SportsTrace newsletter, please feel welcome to leave a comment for us. If you want to hear more about SportsTrace and the use of video for training athletes subscribe here:
Traditionally, data analytics uses artificial intelligence (AI) to process and make sense of this data in ways that cannot be replicated manually by humans. Recent developments in AI and the associated technology of machine learning (ML) have yielded the ability to simulate human intelligence to assist coaches and managers in making real-time decisions. By studying the patterns revealed through analytics and working with AI applications, players and teams can improve their performance in games and get more value from practice sessions.
Diamond Sports
AI for Enhanced Practice
Baseball players at all levels appreciate the benefits that come from focused practice. Concentrating on specific aspects of the sport that need improvement is a strategy as old as the game itself. While the goal of getting better at the game is the same, today’s athletes can make use of the technological advancements in AI to create a personalized program that addresses their weaknesses and builds on their strengths.
An example of AI in action is an app we have developed here at SportsTrace which brings machine learning and markerless motion capture data to anyone with a smartphone. Why is that valuable? The app makes sense of split second data from player footage, while analyzing, for instance, pitcher’s mechanics and provides coaching recommendations. Thanks to AI, our app generates frame-by-frame images to assesses a player’s throwing and hitting motion based on 11 variables, such as balance, release point, and most notably kinematic sequence.
Understanding proper kinematic sequence is key to understanding how software like SportsTrace accurately takes a player’s movements and provides personalized solutions. Kinematic sequences study how energy is transferred through the body when throwing or batting a baseball. The concept behind the kinematic sequence is that power comes from the ground up through the four links of the pelvis, torso, arm, and hand. Maximum power when throwing or batting comes from the efficient transfer of energy as evidenced in the rotational velocity and timing of the body segments. Understanding the flaws in the sequence is about understanding flaws in transfer of energy. Once players correctly transfer energy through their body—well that’s a homerun thanks to AI systems.
Artificial intelligence engines like SportsTrace perform a regression analysis on the images and suggests corrective exercises. The application considers specific factors regarding the player including their size and age so it can make the most appropriate recommendations. This makes it an excellent tool for players of any age and skill level and offers players a method of obtaining top-flight coaching anytime and anywhere.
Using AI during Games
Teams have been using the practice of shifting fielders for years, but advancements in analytics and AI have enabled precise placement of infielders and outfielders to address specific opposing batters. Based on the predictions made by their software resources, the Tampa Bay Rays employ four and sometimes five outfielders as seen in this year’s postseason. Their data indicates that this positioning gives them a better chance of success than going with a standard alignment.
Tools like the Kinatrax monitor collect data during a game to help prevent injuries, enhance performance, and alert the coaching staff about potential fatigue issues. Teams can use the insights to replace pitchers before rather than after they give up a homerun due to their arm strength dipping slightly. The additional information provided by these tools along with the experience that a manager brings to the table adds up to a big advantage over the opposition.
It’s no longer enough to go with instinct or feel when making decisions regarding the lineup and placement of players during a game. Teams and players who choose to disregard the benefits of AI will find themselves at a distinct disadvantage over their more tech-savvy rivals.
Golf
Whether you only make it to a course a few times a year or you are competing in The Masters at Augusta National, you probably want to improve your swing in some way.
Bringing down your handicap has never been easier and more accessible thanks to AI apps and online services like Swing Index,Golf Boost, Golf AI and 18 Birdies. Here are five ways how AI can improve your golf swing:
Evaluation
You no longer have to find an expensive coach or club professional. AI apps enable anyone to upload your swings and receive instant analysis of your mechanics using proprietary 3D technology. During the COVID pandemic where many players were forced to find alternative ways to improve their game without in-person coaching, AI has stepped in as the solution that excites players and fans alike for what it could mean for the future of golf.
Find Your Flaws
Once your swing is uploaded, the instant analysis breaks down your swing’s strengths and weaknesses and where you need the most and least amount of help. Maybe your posture is good, but your backswing or hip rotation leave a little, or a lot, to be desired. The AI determines where you’ve gone wrong and where you may not need as much help as you may have anticipated.
Catered Drills
Once those flaws have been identified, AI apps provide specific, catered drills to your flaws and weaknesses that can improve your mechanics from the comfort of your own home. These drills likely won’t be free, but it beats doing guesswork on the course or going to TopGolf and hacking away, especially if similar type simulator locations and costly lessons are closed in your area due to COVID-19.
Track Your Progress
After you receive your drills, lessons are your roadmap to success. Depending on which AI app you choose, you’ll hopefully improve and develop every element of your swing that the initial AI evaluation said you needed work on. And instead of having to book a lesson or an appointment, you can progress on your own time from the comfort of your home.
Exude Confidence
AI helps you show tangible growth and progress on your swing, increasing not only your confidence as a player but your ability to consistently hit balls harder and further. Not a bad result for just downloading a simple to use AI golf app.
Convinced? Get SportsTrace NOW: