It has just been over a year since we have invested in our coaching technology and to celebrate, instead of telling you all that we do with it (check out our tutorial page here if this is what you want!), we are going to show you some other sports and applications to our technology.
First up… Trackman
Trackman
Here at PAR Academy, we have two launch monitors, GCQuad and Trackman 4. GCQuad is predominantly used for golf, however Trackman units and technology are used in many other sports.
The other main sport for Trackman is Baseball. Just like in golf, measuring launch and ball parameters for both hitters and pitchers can help coaches learn, improve and feedback to players.
Every MLB stadium has Trackman units installed, to provide game statistics and feedback to coaches and players.
It has also been tested within the last year to call balls and strikes to replace umpire calls.
3D Motion
3D is used in a variety of disciplines, not just sport. This includes animations for films and video games, as well as clinical applications. 3D is used to analyse human motion to the highest degree of accuracy.
There are two main types of 3D motion systems, inertial sensors and optical systems.
Optical systems can track any human motion, in a capture area defined by multiple cameras. For it to track human motion, we have to place reflective markers (just like we do with GCQuad) on the person or area we would like to measure. So if you can perform your activity or sport movement in a defined space, then optical 3D tracking is possible!
In the biomechanics lab at University of Portsmouth, during my masters we have recorded and analysed using an optical system, the following sports or movements:
- Running (gait analysis)
- Football (goalkeeper kick)
- Rugby (side pass)
- Counter Movement Jumps
- Golf Driver Swings
More recently, due to advancements and innovation in technology, capturing in certain sports is only just beginner to take off. One of the coolest applications I have seen recently is recording optical data under water, which sounds tougher than you can imagine! The reflective markers do not stick, the high spec cameras cost fortunes to make waterproof!
Our K-Motion system is used in other sports too, mainly baseball. The hitting motions are very similar (highly rotational and powerful) and also overlap in some coaching technique too.
Pressure
Just like 3D, we use pressure to analyse human movement, but this time we are focussed on interaction with the ground. Many sports rely on using the ground effectively to produce power or efficiency of movement.
One of the largest vertical forces measured in sports is with Cricket fast bowlers. When they run in to the crease and plant the lead foot, they are exerting up to 800% vertical force! To put that into perspective, in a golf driver swing, above 160% is considered high!
The planting of the lead foot here is creating huge vertical forces!
Once again, due to technology advancements, pressure and force plates have started to come in all shapes and sizes to suit different sports. Kistler (world leaders in force and pressure plates) have recently developed a plate which overlays starting blocks for sprinters, so they can analyse forces during the start phase of sprint racing.
Force plates in a starting block
If you would like to understand more about pressure, 3D or launch monitors then please do not hesitate to hit me with any questions!
Lewis Clarke
