Big Data on the Pitch

100 years since the foundation of the NFL, you might suspect that the art of the game has been perfected by now. That may be true to some extent, however with the increase in data being collected in the sport, the 'art' of american football may becoming more of an exact science.

One company at the centre of this data revolution in the NFL is Zebra Technologies who

produce tracking chips and radio equipment to extract the data from the chips. Using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, Zebra Technologies have opened the door for teams and fans alike to see real time player and ball tracking in real time.

The chips are currently implanted in both the ball and on players' shoulder pads. The shoulder pads provide with a wealth of data that can be used to a teams advantage and equally for in depth analysis for both coaches and broadcasters. This data can allow coaches to quantify previously qualitative attributes of players. Previously you might know that a player has good hands or is very quick off the line, but now with this data you can see exactly what is required by a player to catch a ball or be quick off the line. From this you can train other players in a more precise and scientific manner.

The RFID tags in the ball are much more sensitive and can collect data at twice the rate of the tags on the players. The tag in the ball is a mere 4 grams and is strategically placed under the NFL logo so as not to impede the flight of the ball. The tag can measure the rotation of the ball, the acceleration of the throw and even the likelihood of a player catching the ball. This results in a huge surplus of data for broadcasters and teams alike. This will continue to allow broadcasters to provide fans with interesting stats, and who knows, maybe further down the line a form of sabermetrics will crossover into the NFL!

While all the data from this RFID tags might seem overwhelming as we swim through this sea of data, it is clear we live in very exciting times and I hope you are as excited as me in seeing what comes next for data in sport!

Cian Rellis