Artificial intelligence in sports

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing our favourite sports. From unlocking the secrets of sporting success to transforming tactics during a match, planning a training session, preventing injuries and even allowing fans to see behind the scenes the latest news and performances of their favourite players, AI in the sports industry is here to stay.

But how did we go from stop clocks and whiteboards to predictive algorithms and machine learning so quickly? As technology has evolved and the power to process data has improved, programmers have worked to develop algorithms to include sports in this new generation of computing. With artificial intelligence, we have been able to turn something as simple as a watch into something that is capable of interpreting real-time data and analysing sports performance with incredible precision.

In this post, we will see in detail the advantages of AI in sport and some examples of how it is being used. And if you are interested in learning more about this topic that is revolutionising the sector, you should think about studying a program at the Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea, such as the Master in Digital Transformation.

Advantages of artificial intelligence in sport

The introduction of AI in sports represents a breakthrough in the way we measure and understand the vast amounts of data at our disposal. AI's ability to process and interpret sports data at fast speeds and with spectacular precision means we can drill down into the details and use them to optimise our performance.

In addition to the more obvious benefits athletes can gain from learning more about their abilities and limitations than ever before, coaches can now make data-driven decisions about training and performance, while fans can be a part of the action, too.

These are some of the advantages of using AI in sport:

• Advanced personalised coaching: AI-powered tracking systems can do more than just measure performance on the field or track. They can also keep track of everything that happens outside of it. This allows doctors, physiotherapists, coaches and the athletes themselves to better manage their workload.
• Team Performance Analysis: Coaches can now use AI to make data-driven decisions about individuals, team performance, and even skill levels. AI is able to detect things that most trainers would miss while providing them with accurate and real-time information.
• Real-time analysis: Coaches and athletes can now track their performances in real-time, making decisions on the fly without having to wait for results after the match is over. This means that tactics can be modified live, while those of the opposition can also be identified and responded to immediately.
• Stronger Connection and Loyalty: When we better understand our sports stars and their careers, we feel a stronger connection to them and a part of their journey. AI developments allow fans to gain greater insight into athletic performance, trends, injury updates, and overall form, resulting in more engaged tracking.

AI in sports examples

Below, we will tell you some examples of how artificial intelligence is being used in sports, although we must add, there are many more!

• Sports training and performance improvement: AI has become a key tool for coaches. It allows them to make strategic decisions based on irrefutable data about their teams or individual players. AI-linked cameras, sensors and trackers also allow access to data before, during and after a game.
• Personalised Training and Diet Plans: An AI diet plan uses machine learning to customise different meal plans for athletes based on their needs and schedules.
• Scouting and Recruiting: Scouting and recruiting departments today use artificial intelligence technology to analyse the players to sign that will best suit the needs of the team.
• Advertising: Artificial intelligence can be used to identify opportunities and present more relevant ads based on demographics. In this way, brands get better advertising based on the most prominent aspects of the game and identified by AI.
• Stadium Access: Sometimes fans may have difficulty getting into stadiums in time to watch the game. Nothing could solve the problem until now, when AI intervened. Sports teams and organisations are now adopting AI-based facial recognition technology to allow supporters access to the stadium without having to check their tickets. This prevents bottlenecks and makes stadium entry more efficient.

Study artificial intelligence in sport

Just as clubs and organiaations in the sports sector have had to adapt to the artificial intelligence boom, at Real Madrid Graduate School - Universidad Europea, we have also adapted and today we offer you a portfolio of programs to learn more about AI and its impact on sport.

In addition to the masters already mentioned, we also offer you online courses to develop the necessary knowledge to have a successful professional career in the sports and technology sector.

The courses are:

• Course in Big Data and AI
• Sports Physiotherapy and AI Course
• Course in Sports Technologies