High-tech athletic equipment is fast becoming mainstream. Modern technology enables the production of smart sports gear that can provide athletes with specific feedback to improve performance.
High-Tech Balls
Athletes can use a smart basketball or soccer ball to track how they are training. The ball has a sensor inside, and it connects to an app on the athlete’s smartphone. Wilson has a basketball that tracks total time played, how many shots were taken, and how many points were scored. The soccer ball from Micoach can detect speed, spin, strike, and flight path data, and it will even provide tips for improvement.
High-Tech Racquets and Bats
Both tennis and baseball have equipment with smart technology that will help players improve their game. A tennis racket from French company Babolat is battery powered and tracks serve speed and the number of shots taken. In baseball, Zepp Labs has a mountable sensor that goes on the bat and connects to a player’s smartphone and tracks bat speed. It can even show the player’s swing in 3D on the app. They also make a sensor for golf clubs and tennis rackets
High-Tech Running
There is a wide variety of high-tech equipment for runners. Under Armour plans to release a pair of running shoes that tracks the distance traveled, stride length, and pace, and it will transmit the information to an app. Nike already has a clip-on sensor that serves the same purpose. Sony has a different approach. They use a wireless headset to track the run. In addition, it has a voice coach who will provide information on heart rate and distance traveled.
High-Tech Golf
As mentioned above, Zepp Labs has a mountable sensor that attached to a golf club. In addition, Game Golf offers a sensor that can be affixed to the player’s belt and provide feedback on the golf swing and fairway accuracy.
Technology is advancing rapidly, and high-tech athletic equipment is growing in popularity. The ability to keep track of practices, analyze form and technique, and even receive tips is invaluable.