Technology giant IBM is pushing ahead with the development of predictive analytics to help experts forecast the outcome of sports games, while also providing fans with more intriguing statistics during contests.
IBM has conducted growing amounts of groundwork following trials at Wimbeldon and in rugby’s prestigious Six Nations tournament.
Previously IBM had developed a tracking system labelled SlamTracker, which was used to help predict who was most likely to prevail in clashes at the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
SlamTracker combined 39 million data points gathered from seven years of Grand Slam tennis matches in order to determine each player’s pattern of play. These stats included how much forehand was used, first serve percentages and each player's willingness to play on the volley.
As games were played, footage was taken from 3D cameras placed around court to monitor how players were performing, with the research data being compared with footage to establish critical aspects of play that could help to determine the winner of the game.
IBM took its interest further last year when it launched the use of its TryTracker system, in combination with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), to try and predict the outcome of matches based on events in the game.
The company took data from OPTA and used it in combination with technology which mapped games in real-time, as well as highlighting key turning points.
The Tracker was also used to highlight the three things a player needed to do to increase their chances of winning.
As well as its predictive element, the Tracker could prove useful if obtained by teams, as the software also determined key influencers in the match.
The results were arrived at as the Tracker analysed every single action that each player took, with the technology able to showcase the three players who had the most positive impact on their side’s showing during the encounter.
IBM has also been using its predictive analytics software in the Premier League, where games featuring Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been monitored.
The company’s TryTracker is currently in operation on the RFU’s website, allowing fans to engage better with games as they are being played live – with users able to observe a range of stats and metrics.
