Wearable technology has taken the sporting industry by surprise. These gadgets are no longer just for tracking fitness and health. The advancement in technology has seen the development of gadgets that have the capability to detect habits and errors in playing techniques. This information is then fed into an app that analyzes the data and provides useful information that can better a player’s ability and skill. In Tennis, there are numerous gadgets that fall into this classification. They include:
Racket sensors
These are sensors that are placed either on or within the racket. They may vary in the type of data they collect. Racket sensors include the following:
1. Racket base sensors
These are devices that are placed at the base of the racket be it a tennis racket, a bat or a golf club. Zepp a producer wearable technology has taken the sporting industry by storm with its 3D recording sensors. The Zepp sensors are capable of recording the impact the ball hits the racket at, distinguish between the different types of swings and strokes as well as the playing or practice duration. Other features include wireless Bluetooth connection and an 8 hour rechargeable battery. The Zepp gadgets go for $205.
2. Handle sensors
When a company has been in the sporting industry as long as Babolat has been, then you are assured of the quality of their products. Babolat is a French company that specializes in the manufacture of tennis equipment. Its existence in the market has enabled them to have a full understanding not only of the sport but also of the player. Their passion of the game has led to the development of what we call ‘smart rackets’. This is because the racket’s handle is fitted with sensors located inside the handle that monitor and measure various factors of the game. The information retrieved is used to detect anomalies in the playing technique and in the long run improve the player’s skill.
The sensors are responsible for identifying the different types of shots as well as the number of times they have been taken and the number of spins. Coupled with a compatible app, the sensors can detect where the ball hits the racket and the app could calculate and display your deviation. The app also allows you to compare your performance with that of Rafael Nadal as a way of motivating you. At a price of $550, this is definitely a worthy investment for tennis players.
Body sensors
Body sensors are worn by the player on his body. This could be in the form of garments or wearable gadgets. They include:
1. Smart tennis shirt
This is where fashion meets technology. Ralph Lauren fashion houseis the proud designer of the Bio-sensing Tennis Shirt. This is a compression shirt that is embedded with sensors to work as a wearable device. The compression shirt is constructed in such a way that it can adapt to a number of different body types. This enables it to be as fitting as possible thusas close as possible to the body. This unique smart shirt is fitted with advanced technology sensors otherwise known as bio-sensing silver fibers. These bio-sensing silver fibers are knitted into the garment fiber makingthe shirt functional. The sensors are capable of performing the following functions:
- Monitor the heart rate of the wearer
- Monitor the breathing rate
- Monitor stress levels
- Count the calories burnt (when synchronized with a compatible app).
- Monitor and count the steps taken.
The shirt is inclusive of a small black box where the data is transferred and stored. It is with this box that someone can analyze the data through the app. It should be noted that the black box is detachable and should be detached from the shirt before laundering it.
2. Wearable wrist bands
The arm is the most active part of the body when it comes to playing tennis and other club games. It is also the arm that determines how well and how effectively you hit the ball. Therefore, it is of most importance that you identify your weakness in any arm work. Wearable technology can be useful in this tackling this problem. There nearness to the body allows them to detect muscle movements. Smash Wearable’s has capitalized on this fact leading to the development of a wristband that is specifically intended to assist players to improve their game. To be released early next year in the month of February, this band is expected to use state of the art sensors to make accurate readings.
The sensors within this device will be able to monitor your swing in terms of the angle as well as the pressure exerted by the arm. The Smash wearable gadget differentiates all the different types of movements made during a game be it serving, spin, backhand as well as the forehand among other aspects. This monitoring will enable the device to detect any problems in your arm work. Coupled with its compatible app, the user will gain access to tips on how their swing can improve to better their game.
