Biomechanics in sport is all about analysing sport movements to help improve performance and reduce the risks of injury. It uses modelling, simulation, and measurement to gain a stronger understanding of athlete performance, and aids the process of video analysis.

Technology that incorporates biomechanics and artificial intelligence has transformed the way coaches analyse their athlete’s performance and technique. Such platforms have the ability to track and analyse the movements of every player, generating deep data insights that can help athletes improve their overall performance. Artificial Intelligence can even be used in real time – allowing coaches to analyse in-game situations to adjust their tactics accordingly.

How does Artificial Intelligence in Sport work?

Depending on the sport and discipline, specific game events are flagged. For example, if AI is being used to analyse football, the shots, passes, and possessions would be flagged, timestamped, and their XY coordinates would be recorded. With player-location data at hand, the data can be transformed into meaningful and helpful insights for coaches and athletes.

With its ability to track movement, artificial intelligence provides coaches and athletes with deep insights on player behaviours, during and after the game.

Biomechanics in Video Analysis

Sport biomechanics on the other hand, are much more focused on the individual. For helpful insights, each athlete needs to be assessed individually. There are different methods that can be used in biomechanics – from 2D or 3D kinematics, kinetics, to EMG or pressure. Biomechanics analysis is required to be done ‘in the field’. So if you’re trying to analyse a skier, they must be on the ski field, or a runner must be on the track. High performance athletes must be analysed in a competition state to ensure the information and data retrieved is relevant.

The data and insights that are retrieved from the analysis must be understood by both the coach and athlete to make use of the information in future training sessions.

Sprongo’s move into biomechanics

Here at Sprongo, we’re constantly trying to improve our platform to ensure coaches and athletes get the most out of video analysis. We are currently working on biomechanics software to help enhance our video analysis process and aid coaches in improving their athletes’ performance, and technique.

Athletes will be able to have access to biomechanics of some pro athletes to help compare performance for a deeper understanding of successful techniques and plays.

Stay tuned to the Sprongo Blog and Facebook for updates on our move into biomechanics!