When SportsPro first compiled this list of 20 sports technology trends in January 2020, the world was a very different place. Tokyo was preparing for the Olympics, social distancing was common practice at soccer grounds, and zoom was a sound you might hear at a Formula 1 race.
But the 2021 list outlined a number of innovative technologies that are set to transform the way athletes train, track their performance and engage with fans. Some, like fitness watches and social-viewing applications, are tackling short term issues caused by the pandemic while others, such as data analytics and personalisation, address long-term needs.
The latest wearables and video analysis tools have become game-changers for semi-professional sports clubs, providing access to high-level performance insights and allowing them to develop training programs that can improve athlete safety, mitigate injury risks and enhance competitive advantage. In particular, systems such as Catapult Vector allow coaches to see precise data on movement and workload, enabling them to create tailored training regimens for individual players.
Similarly, a range of smart sports equipment and fabrics have been developed to reduce injuries. For example, smart shoes or rugby-specific pads can include pressure sensors to measure force distribution and determine whether the player has absorbed a blow to the knee or back. Smarter helmets also offer a variety of protective features, including impact sensors and visors that detect concussions to protect athletes’ brains.
These advancements will continue to have a profound impact on the way sports is played and consumed. And they will also drive a transformation in how sports organizations operate and generate value.