Chapter 14: Technology in sport

14.1 Technology for performers

Introduction: Engage the class in a discussion on technology in sport, including: – Examples of technological advances for performers in terms of clothing, equipment and injury prevention – The merits and drawbacks of technology e.g. slowing down the game – Examples of technology the students have used/benefited from.

Discuss the Nike running shoes Apply it example and the case study on equipment.

PRACTICE QUESTION ANSWERS

Q1. There have been significant developments in sports technology over the past two decades. Using a named activity: (a) Explain how clothing and footwear have developed over time to enhance performance. – Cycling suits made from Lycra will reduce drag and increase efficiency. – Running shoes that absorb more shock and provide more energy return will increase running economy and reduce fatigue. (b) Outline two other ways technology has impacted performers in a named activity.

Activity: Athletics

– Increased recovery e.g. NormaTec pulse massage – Improved nutrition e.g. specialist supplements to extend performance – Prosthetic limbs for disabled performers e.g. blades for running and jumping – Performance analysis. (c) Do technological advances provide an unfair advantage to some athletes? – Yes: some technology is only available to sponsored athletes or athletes who can afford it. Q2. Some sports require the use of playing equipment. Advances in performers’ equipment may heavily influence the outcome of the competition. Using one selected activity: (a) Identify how equipment used for the activity has developed. – Hurling: modern hurleys have dimples for improved traction. – Running: shoes absorb more shock and return more energy. – Football: boots are lighter and more flexible; the ball is lighter. (b) Outline the benefits to the performer. – Hurling: improved control. – Running: less fatigue and improved economy. – Football: more control and less fatigue and impact. (c) Discuss the potential negative effects for sportspeople of technological advances. – Lessens the challenge by making the sport easier e.g. completing a marathon. – Some technology is only available to sponsored athletes or those who can afford it. Q3. Identify two methods of recovery that have been influenced by technology. Identify the type of performer who would benefit from each method and why. – Cryotherapy has replaced ice-baths. Football clubs have installed these to speed up recovery between matches. – NormaTec pulse recovery systems massage the performers’ legs to aid recovery and reduce the need to attend a physio session. An athlete who is travelling between races may not have access to a physio.

CASE STUDY QUESTION ANSWERS

Q1. Identify one benefit to performance as a result of advances in technology for: (a) a golfer: developments in the design and construction of golf clubs have increased velocity and accuracy (b) a hurler: developments in the construction of a hurley have improved the feel and control of the sliotar; modern helmets are safer. (c) an endurance athlete: athletes can rent or buy an altitude tent to stimulate an increase in red blood cells without having to relocate to a high-altitude training camp.

14.2 Technology for coaches or choreographers

Introduction: Discuss the positives and negatives of technology for coaches/choreographers. – Explain the purpose of video analysis, GPS tracking and heart-rate monitoring.

TASK 14.1 (Group work) ANSWER

Discuss the benefits of one piece of technology for coaches/choreographers and identify: • the purpose of the technology • its impact on the sport • benefits and drawbacks for coaches.

Technology: GPS devices

– Purpose: Provide data on speed, distance, acceleration and position. – Impact: Allow coaches to track training and competition performance, compare players’ work rates, individualise training plans and inform decision-making such as substitutions. – Benefits: track training and competition performance in real time; identify social loafing in a team, avoid overtraining by monitoring volume and intensity; aid decisionmaking. – Drawbacks: give no indication of skill/tactics/strategies; provide a lot of data to be analysed which is time consuming for coaches; additional education may be required to understand the data.

14.3 Technology for officials

Introductory discussion: Technology has many benefits for officials but it also has negatives for sport. – Improved decision-making and communication between officials. – Slows the game down e.g. watching replay or awaiting a VAR/TMO decision. – Undermines the officials e.g. big screen replays/TV slow motion.

TASK 14.2 (Practical task: sprinting) NOTES

Compare the three results and outline one advantage and one disadvantage of each method. Decide which method was most accurate and fair. – Method 1 (counting): This is the easiest method as it requires no equipment and can be carried out by anyone. It is likely to be the least accurate. – Method 2 (stopwatch): This method is likely to be more accurate but is still subject to human error. – Method 3 (video timer): This method is should be most accurate as the officials can replay the performance and repeat the timing process in order to get an average time.

It is much more time consuming and requires access to technology.

This task can be linked in with practical classes, especially if sprinting has been selected.

14.4: Technology for spectators

Introduction: Discuss the technology available to spectators: • at home • at the sports venue.

PRACTICE QUESTION ANSWERS

Q1. Coaches have become heavily reliant on technology for analysis of performance. Discuss the positive and negative implications of technology for coaches.

Positives

– Identifies the strengths and weaknesses – Highlights areas for development – Provides objective in-depth analysis of performance – Provides objective feedback on tactical, strategic and structural decisions – Sets performance markers e.g. percentage of possession – Useful for talent identification – Informs decision-making such as strategy and substitutions.

Negatives

– Time consuming – Technology can be used to undermine a coach – Requires coaches to have additional skills and qualifications. Q2. How can GPS tracking and heart-rate monitoring aid a coach to manage training and competition? – Tracks intensity and volume to avoid overtraining – Identifies social loafing in a team – Supports individualised training programmes – Uses real-time objective data to enable decisions on substitutions. Q3. ‘Athletes from countries who can afford to invest heavily in sports technology have an advantage when it comes to competition.’ Discuss this statement making reference to the advantages for coaches and sportspeople. – Technology is expensive and many sportspeople and clubs cannot afford the latest developments in devices. – Richer countries can afford to invest heavily in preparing their national teams e.g. GB cycling customises bikes and performance clothing. Q4. Examine how the use of sports technology has impacted upon the role of sports officials. – Reduced human error – Improved communication and decision-making – Can undermine officials – Allows officials to have a seconds look at an incident. Q5. ‘Technology has led to more people becoming less involved in sport as physically active participants’. Evaluate this statement based on the impact of technology on spectators. – Improved viewing experience and ready availability of live sport has encouraged armchair spectators. – Technology such as television can inspire people to get active in order to try to emulate their role models. – Spectators are more involved with the sport and sports stars through social media.

Case study: Explore the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium case study. Show the video of the stadium in the PowerPoint. Discuss the technologies incorporated into the stadium that improve the spectator experience and the multi-functionality of the playing surface.

CASE STUDY QUESTION ANSWERS

Q1. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium boasts the latest technology. Outline how this stadium uses technology to enhance the spectator experience. – Large HD screens situated around the stadium to watch the live action and replays – Free Wi-Fi – Cashless payment linked to stadium access cards – An app for tickets, transport and a stadium wayfinder. Q2. The playing area is innovative and multipurpose. Describe the technological features incorporated into the playing area. – The turf pitch is mounted on retractable panels. – There is an NFL pitch underneath the turf pitch. – There is grow-lighting and an irrigation system. Q3. The influence of technology in soccer has increased significantly in recent years. Outline examples of how technology affects: (a) players – Improved clothing, boots and equipment – Detailed performance analysis – Improved recovery methods and medical treatment – Improved safety equipment – Invasion of the players’ private lives through social media – ‘Technological doping’ provides an unfair advantage. (b) officials – Improved decision-making through technological assistance – Improved communication between the officiating team – Clarity of scores and rule infringements e.g. Hawk-Eye – Technology undermining officials may reduce trust – Slow decisions affect the game – Undermines honesty and the spirit of fair play. (c) coaches – Performance can be tracked and analysed easily – Collaboration with other coaches and specialists – Players can be monitored to ensure peak fitness, reducing injury and avoiding overtraining – Detailed analysis of each player is time consuming – Technology is expensive – Coaches’ performances and stats are scrutinised rigorously.

14.5 Planning for optimum performance

Introduction: Discuss the impact of technology on fitness testing and training analysis. – Compare the traditional fitness tests with technology-based tests. – Explore the use of tracking devices such as GPS (time, speed, power, intensity). – Examine video analysis of technical and tactical elements.

TASK 14.3 ANSWERS

Identify one app that you could use to monitor fitness levels and outline:

App: MyFitnessPal

(a) what does it measure or record: exercise time and calories burned; diet including macros (carbohydrate, protein, fat) and micros (vitamins and minerals) (b) two benefits of the app: links exercise and diet in order to control weight; links with smartwatches and GPS devices to track exercise (c) one recommendation to improve it: add additional lifestyle considerations such as sleep (d) a performer who would benefit from it: game players could use it to maintain their body composition.

Technology for analysis of fitness

– Ask the students to provide examples of fitness tracking technology they use or are aware of. – Identify the type of data produced by these devices e.g. Fitbit. – Discuss the benefits of these devices to performers.

Technology for technical and tactical analysis of performance

– Discuss the use of video analysis software. – Explore how technique be analysed e.g. slow motion, measuring angles, comparing with others performers. – Explore how tactics be analysed e.g. Hudl Sportscode combines multiple angles and presents the data on one screen offering live match analysis for coaches. – Discuss the benefits for coaches and performers.

Link to the Physical Activity Project (PAP) Section A: Performance analysis

– The benefits of fitness testing technology can be discussed and tested when collecting evidence for the analysis of fitness. – Students can use video analysis to analyse their technical performance (Hudl) or tactical performance.

Link to the Performance Assessment (PA)

– Students will collect their PA evidence on video. – When teaching students how to effectively collect evidence, the benefits and drawbacks of technology can be reinforced.

PRACTICE QUESTION ANSWERS

Q1. Explain the difference between performance analysis and training analysis. – Performance analysis: the process of observing, recording and assessing performance in order to identify strengths and weaknesses. – Training analysis: the data that is collected during training and is used to influence future training plans or evaluate the effectiveness of the training. Q2. In terms of performance analysis, explain the difference between tactical and technical analysis. – Tactical analysis is the process of observing, recording and assessing the success of a pre-planned method of play. – Technical analysis is the process of observing, recording and assessing actions relating to skill and technique. Q3. Identify examples of technology that a coach could use to enhance their tactical and technical analysis of performance. – Video analysis software such as Dartfish. – Live match analysis such as Hudl Sportscode. – Quintic biomechanical analysis for technique.

Long answers

Examine the impact of technology on the analysis of training including: (a) the impact on the evaluation of fitness – Technology can be used to test fitness such as touch screens for agility or electronic timing gates for testing speed. (b) tracking fitness progression – GPS devices and heart-rate monitors can track intensity, distance, speed and training time. – Time spent in each training zone and above each training threshold can be calculated. – Increases in speed and endurance can be tracked. (c) technical and tactical analysis of performance – Technique can be evaluated using video software in order to identify areas for improvement. – Comparisons can be made between performers in terms of technique. – The effectiveness of tactics can be tracked and compared using software such as Hudl Sportscode. – Tactical data can be used to inform decision-making such as future formations.

Outline the benefits of training and performance analysis technology for: (a) the sportsperson – Provides a clear picture of their technical strengths and weaknesses. – Highlights their tactical errors. – Improves their decision-making by identifying good and poor decisions from past performances. – Improves confidence/self-efficacy if the data is positive. – Motivates and focuses the sportsperson to improve. (b) the coach – Clearly identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the team and individuals. – Highlights area for development in their own coaching practice. – Provides objective in-depth analysis of performance. – Gives objective feedback on tactical, strategic and structural decisions. – Sets performance markers.