2023 Sports Trends: The Year of High-Tech Performance – 5 Trends to Keep Your Eye On
The sports performance and technology industry is an exciting and rapidly growing field that is having a profound impact on the world of sports. With the help of advanced technology, athletes can train smarter, perform better, and mitigate the risks of injuries.
From wearable technology to advanced data analysis, many trends and innovations impact teams and athletes. Here at Catapult, we are passionate about building the future of sports performance and technology to drive innovation and improve athletic performance, and we are committed to helping our teams and athletes navigate this exciting industry.
In doing so, we asked members of our customer success team to share what trends to keep an eye on in 2023. In this blog, we take a closer look at some of the key trends and innovations in this industry and explore how they are helping athletes push the limits of performance.
1. More and more teams are adopting wearable technology
One of the biggest trends in the industry is the use of wearable technology. “This can include fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other devices that are designed to monitor athletes’ performance and provide them with real-time feedback”, said Catapult’s VP of Customer Success, Chris Polley.
This technology can help athletes to track their heart rate, distance travelled, and other metrics, and can be used to provide valuable insights into their training and performance.
Catapult currently works with more than 3,650 teams across 40+ sports. Interestingly, 18 of the 32 teams at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar used Catapult, including finalists Argentina and France.
As teams from five confederations competed at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, we hosted a webinar titled: ‘Wales at the 2022 World Cup: Preparation, Expectations, Challenges’. This webinar featured Tony Strudwick, Football Association of Wales’ Head of Performance, who provided insights into an international team’s sports performance set-up, and Wales’ approach to major tournaments. To watch this webinar, click here.
2. Building more contextualised insights by combining data and video
Another area where sports technology is having a significant impact is in the analysis of sports data. With the help of advanced algorithms and machine learning, teams and coaches can now analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to gain insights into player performance and strategy.
“This can help to improve decision-making and can also provide valuable feedback to athletes on their strengths and weaknesses,” said Catapult Customer Success Specialist, Steve Collins (Collins recently joined Catapult after spending six years as a performance analyst for Arsenal FC).
Attempting to be at the forefront of this trend, Catapult, last year, created integrated performance data and video analysis. For the first time, athlete performance data from Catapult’s Vector wearable devices synced with MatchTracker, the most powerful video analysis application for top-tier teams. Learn more:
–> Try Performance Data + Video for free, click here to request a demo.
“Now, every physical metric is connected to video footage, viewable at every game moment. Performance staff, video coordinators, and other team personnel can gain a new level of analytical insight with Catapult’s new integrated performance data and video analysis solution,” said Collins.
3. Predictive analysis improving decision making
In 2023, we will see the increased use of predictive analysis software, helping teams and coaches make better decisions. This software uses data and algorithms to analyze past performance and make predictions about future outcomes. For example, a team might use predictive analysis to determine the best strategy for a game or to identify potential players who could be a good fit for the team.
Additionally, predictive analysis can help teams monitor the health and performance of their players, allowing them to make informed decisions about training and playing time. Overall, the use of predictive analysis in sports is helping teams to become more data-driven and make more informed decisions.
Formula 1 teams are very much at the forefront of this trend towards using predictive analysis software. Discover how Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport uses Racewatch Race Analysis, a software for pre- and post-race strategy.
The use of predictive analysis technologies like Racewatch in Formula 1 is likely to land in other sports like football, rugby, and ice hockey. Watch this space in 2023!
4. Advanced analytics on broadcast TV and streaming
The use of data and analytics across broadcast TV and streaming has become increasingly common in recent years.
Broadcasters are now able to use advanced technology to provide viewers with a wealth of information and analysis during a game. This includes real-time statistics, player tracking data, and predictive models that can help to inform viewers and enhance their understanding of the game.
Catapult Customer Success Manager, Gordon Rennie, explains more here.
Additionally, broadcasters are using data and analytics to create more engaging and interactive experiences for viewers, such as interactive graphics and virtual reality simulations. Overall, the use of data and analytics in sports broadcasts is helping to improve the viewing experience for fans.
5. Virtual reality: Spectator experience and athlete’s practice mimicking real-life performance
In addition to helping athletes and teams to perform better, technology is also being used to enhance the spectator experience. For example, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being used to bring sports fans closer to the action. VR headsets can transport fans to the stadium or arena, allowing them to feel like they are part of the game. AR technology, on the other hand, can be used to display real-time stats and other information on top of the live action, providing fans with an even more immersive experience.
Athletes have also been getting their hands on VR and AR technology. In doing so, they have been able to mimic real-time performance in a safe environment. The technology provides an effective learning experience by training the athletes in the most realistic way possible, without the situation happening in real life. This is especially effective for athletes in contact sports like American football and rugby where overexposure to tackles and hits can cause drastic injuries.
To delve deeper into the sports performance and technology industry, read last year’s sports trends by clicking here. Did the 2022 trends come true? How have they evolved today?
Alternatively, if you are ready to discover the right technology for your sports team in 2023, click here to see what technology and Customer Success support is on offer with Catapult.
Trends In Sports Across The Years
2023 Sports Trends: The Year of High-Tech Performance
5 Sports Trends to Watch in 2022