Football, the beautiful game that we all love, has gotten a whole lot smarter than it was a few years ago. Now, with the introduction of technology into the sport, we have seen transformations that are both subtle and profound. Either from the way the fans experience the thrill of the game or how the players perform. In fact, we have seen new tech like custom fantasy sports software development and AR/VR development that tracks a player’s every move, how far they sprint, as well as every tackle and kick. With this, the game is changing and we can only wonder what more could be achieved in the years to come.
This post looks at technology in football and how this new generation of innovation has impacted the beautiful game of football.
The Use of Technology in Soccer
The use of technology in football is a welcome change to the sport we love, and we have seen how it has made the game much more wholesome. Although this change is still awkward for a lot of people, understanding how this tech is improving football is important. Here are some innovations that are now commonly used in football:
Player-Tracking Technology – Evolution of GPS and LPS systems Training Optimization via Physical Evaluation and Monitoring Technologies
As mentioned earlier, player tracking is one of the most essential techs changing how football is perceived. This technology has improved the way teams prepare for games and also how they compete.
With the use of Advanced GPS and Local Positioning Systems (LPS) coaches have now been able to monitor their player’s on-field performances. They can now get data on real-time information such as acceleration, deceleration, speed and distance covered. With this information, they can optimize training programs and enhance player fitness and also reduce injury.
Player tracking technology also allows coaches to tailor individual ability into the team’s overall game plan. It also helps with understanding opponent analysis thereby exploiting their weaknesses.
VAR – Video Assistant Referee
Since the introduction of VAR into football in 2018 at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, the innovation has divided opinions among fans, critics, and soccer stakeholders.
After the successful trials and implementation, many feel it has improved refereeing decisions and reduced human errors, but others think it has taken away the unpredictability and feel of the game. In the opinion of Manchester United Coach, Erik Ten Hag, “I think the game is never meant to be like this. This (VAR) has nothing to do with football.”
Based on the use of VAR technology, refereeing rules have become more stringent as players can be held responsible for even the tiniest of infringements. With trained match officials at the helm, football matches now have the games reviewed in real-time giving room for correcting errors and reducing controversy. We see this almost every week, and in as much as it can be frustrating, it has helped central referees promote fairness, eased decision-making and changed the overall football experience.
Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT)
Although a lot of people don’t know about the SAOT, the fact is that they have seen it in play. This innovation was designed to help make refereeing decisions more accurate, as it uses advanced algorithms to detect offside positions. Working hand in hand with the VAR system, this innovation ensures fairness is upheld, and infringement as simple as a toe over the line is penalized.
Soccer Goal Line Technology
If you watch football matches, then it’s a given that you have seen the application of the goal-line technology. There’s also a high chance that your team has been on either side of this innovation which in fairness must have hurt or made you so happy.
Since it was introduced in most major tournaments there has been little to no drama on the pitch in regard to whether the ball has crossed the goal line or not. The France national football team manager Didier Deschamp had this to say about it, “Goal line technology is a good thing. The ref gets the signal and can decide based on that.”
Wearable Technology and Analytics
Wearable technology is already mainstream in everyday society, and we have now seen its introduction in soccer. Now, a lot of teams use this cutting-edge technology with players wearing it under their jersey. This has helped improve physical and player performance, training sessions, and enhance player safety.
Social Media Technology
Aside from the fact that technology is changing soccer physically, we have to admit that its impact is also felt digitally. Unlike never before, the use of social media in football has skyrocketed as teams and players have built a bridge to enhance fan engagement. With platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook, the sense of community is now heightened, and real time interactions are now a mainstay.
Broadcast Technology
As the wave of technology continues to spread to every sphere of football, the broadcasting section isn’t left out. Fans now get to enjoy a more immersive viewing experience through different modes. We now get clearer images from the games, augmented and virtual reality has also modernized how we interact with the game we love.
Recently, COSM Los Angeles showed a Premier League football match at their venue that had people wowed, as it made the viewers feel like they were seated at the stadium. This points to the fact that broadcast technology is still growing and the possibilities are endless.
How the Growth of Wearable Technology is Transforming Football
We are still at the early stages of development in wearable technology for football players, and we can only imagine what else to expect. With the use of this tech, teams can now leverage on advanced sensors and GPS tracking to monitor player’s performances. This means that no more guesswork or human error in assessing a player’s performance thereby helping the player achieving their possible best.
It also helps with a better understanding of players physiology, as this is the foundation of their development. This way, they can be kept safe from injuries and potential risks to their overall health. Also, it can help avoid possible fatality during games, as players’ vitals can be monitored, and prompt intervention can be administered.
Examples of wearable technology used in football include:
- GPS tracking devices
- Heart rate monitors
- Muscle activity sensors
With innovators like Catapult Sports, STATS Sports, and WHOOP at the forefront, wearable solutions are changing the game.
What The Future Holds
According to Kate Richardson, a tipster and an expert in the sports and betting industry, when it comes to tech and innovation in soccer, the future possibilities are almost limitless. What we will see is beyond advanced devices and software that determines if a ball has crossed the line, or a device that monitors players’ and teams’ performances, we will also be exposed to tools that are capable of predicting the correct match scores, pick team lineups, and more. Football bettors will probably love these.
The future of innovation in football is exciting and it is one that will continue to grow. As innovation advances, we expect to see widespread adoption of AI, enhanced player tracking and more tailored fan experiences. Teams would also become much more competitive, as they leverage on advanced data analytics.
Also wearable innovation would continue to improve to the point where we expect to see the introduction of technologies like biometrics and health monitoring to the game. Altogether, all these advancements are expected to transform the game, making it more engaging and efficient. It would also make the sport safer for players, teams, and fans.
