How the Overlap Between Technology and Basketball Helps Athletes Elevate their Game
By: Dylan Tehada
Technological developments are being made every day. Whether it be harnessing the capabilities of artificial intelligence or optimizing basic data analysis through automation, technology is allowing users to focus on value-adding tasks instead of spending time on nitty gritty busy work. As technology has developed, so has the game of basketball. Behind the scenes of every team’s game plan and every player's training routine, is technology providing data that is being used in exciting and innovative ways.
The common thread that binds technology and basketball alike, is that progress is continuously being made and both industries are evolving in profound ways. As technology becomes more accessible and integrated into basketball training, athletes at any level can leverage its capabilities to elevate their game to the next level.
The million dollar question is how does technology correlate to player development on court? How can data and numbers translate to physical and mental growth in the game of basketball? Well, according to Syracuse Basketball Analyst, Eugene Tuliyagijja, data points and stats clarify strengths to maximize and areas of weakness to improve on. Player development is rooted in identifying strengths and weaknesses and honing both sides to elevate an athlete’s overall game. On a strategic level, if an athlete can identify areas where they thrive while training, then they can get to those spots and attack certain opportunities in game. On the coaching side, it is important to convey the “why” of certain feedback and coaching instruction, and by utilizing technological capabilities, the “why” becomes clearer than ever.
“As a coach you want to show the ‘why’ behind constructive criticism and direction. That's why I think data technology is a great resource, because you can show the why behind the art of basketball,” Tuliyagijja stated.
Tuliyagijja’s role as an analyst is not only to identify trends and patterns in data, but one might ask where is this data coming from? One source of valuable information for UPB Player Development Coaches, in particular, and analysts is harnessing real time shot tracking by using platforms like the Home Court app that identifies areas of the court where players shoot the best and can look to attack in game. This technology uses AI to track made and missed shots by recording players as they train and the information can then be used by player development coaches to help optimize their training methods and elevate their athletes’ game. The Home Court app has been integrated into UPB private training sessions as player development coaches continue to enhance their training tactics and curate their training sessions to the specific goals and skill sets of every athlete.
“Technology like the Home Court app that tracks shot charts and each rep the players take is very beneficial. A [player development coach] can see in real time where an athlete is getting better at and where they’re struggling at, and over time, looking back at these data will help player development coaches create a point of attack [for their athletes.]” Tuliyagijja said.
Technology is becoming more accessible than ever for athletes of all ages and experience levels to use. Apps like Home Court are a great way for athletes to utilize AI to track their shooting tendencies, but even simpler methods such as recording workouts and in-game play are available to athletes to identify patterns in their skill set. According to Tuliyagijja, simply recording a game or training session and watching the film can help a player be aware of their tendencies. By being aware and conscious of their skillset, now an athlete can focus on attacking certain citations and focus on the strategic and mental side of the game.
Technology and basketball are evolving at an unprecedented level. As these technological developments become more accessible and more data points are provided, players will be able to elevate their game in new and more effective ways. We are excited to see how technology continues to help players and the game of basketball as a whole grow.
