In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict Technology has long been part of elite athletes’ training programs. It’s a key weapon in their arsenal in the quest to get ahead of the competition.
AI will be (or, perhaps, already is) the next big technological disruption to reshape the world. It will impact every facet of everyday life, so it’s only natural that we look to see how it will impact the professional sports we watch every weekend.
How do Athletes Use AI in Training?
Customized AI-powered training programs and real-time feedback during games or competitions are revolutionizing how athletes train and strategize.
Firms such as Forceteck and Second Spectrum use AI-driven performance analysis, which leverages video and data analytics – during training or in competition – to uncover critical performance and biomechanical data.
These systems are like popular wearable tech like the Fitbit or Apple Watch, but with the ability to tailor solutions and data for individual athletes.
What Real-World Examples of AI in Sport Exist?
We interviewed Neil Sahota, Chief Executive Officer of ACSILabs Inc, AI advisor to the United Nations, and IBM Master Inventor, to get his thoughts on the growth of AI in sport and give a couple of examples of how it’s used by top professionals.
FC Barcelona
Barcelona took a step into the AI analytics world when it partnered with an AI platform called OLIVER back in 2023.
Sahota explained, “This AI tool equips players with GPS trackers during training and matches, gathering data on movement, speed, heart rate, and more.
“The platform processes this data in real-time, enabling coaches to analyze performance metrics, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make real-time decisions to adjust tactics.”
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has used AI to power his training and competitive play in recent years. The 24-time Grand Slam winner continues to compete at the top level.
Sahota explains, “Djokovic employs a system developed by SAP and TIBCO that analyzes his game footage, simulates match scenarios, and offers insights into his opponent’s tendencies.
“By using this tool, Djokovic can create personalized training regimens, which highlight specific areas to improve, giving him an advantage on the court.”
Can AI Help Prevent Injuries?
Nothing can derail an individual or team’s pursuit of glory like injuries. Though still in its early days, AI systems are being developed that help athletes catch issues and adapt training regimes to prevent injuries.
Applications such as wearable motion sensors and video capture can calculate real-time metrics such as an athlete’s acceleration speed, response time, and joint angles.
All this helps measure strain on their body and ensure they aren’t under or over-exerting themselves in training.
Even in leagues where contact injuries are common such as the NFL and Premier League, AI systems have proven how athletes can avoid contact injuries by changing how players approach or brace before impact. These analytical AI coaching aids could prove pivotal in preventing serious season-ending injuries.
Neil Sahota again:
Today, AI systems like Catapult Sports are already being used to track and analyze athletes’ biometrics, enabling teams to predict injuries before they occur. For example, the NBA has adopted Catapult to monitor player fatigue and stress levels, helping to reduce the risk of injury. But the future of AI in sports is about more than just preventing injuries; it’s about actively managing an athlete’s workload to preserve their career longevity.
Managing workload is key to preventing injuries before they happen and AI is a key new tool in the arsenal of coaches and athletes at the highest level.
Are There Ethical Issues With Using AI to Improve Performance?
Any technology that helps athletes better understand their bodies and design optimal training regimes should be (and has been) welcomed.
However, AI is yet to be fully democratized and so its benefits accrue disproportionately to the wealthiest and most powerful athletes and organizations.
Addressing the subject, Sahota explains, “Currently, there are no universal regulations governing how AI can be applied in sports training, leaving room for inconsistencies.
“This lack of oversight could lead to wealthier teams and athletes gaining an unfair advantage, as they can afford to invest in cutting-edge AI systems.”
In top-level sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, all clubs will be able to afford technologies that help their players train and perform better.
However, in individual sports like golf and athletics, the greater means of certain athletes and organizations could generate large performance gaps, which can ultimately hurt competition.
Conclusion
AI is going to play an increasingly large role in the lives of almost everybody in the world, sports is certainly not immune from this change and has, at the top level at least, embraced the technology and the advances it has brought.
In future, the upside is huge as see sporting performances reach new levels thanks to tactical advantages and injury prevention powered by AI.
So, if AI continues on its growth trajectory and becomes more widely available, the sporting future is bright for fans and athletes alike.
