Contents
What is ball tracking and ball coordinates technology?
Ball tracking technology brings a new dimension to understanding the dynamics of soccer. Using ball sensors and optical tracking gives you insights beyond basic stats, including real-time tracking of ball coordinates and movements. This connected ball technology transforms the official match ball into a data-rich source, helping teams and leagues analyse each soccer ball interaction with pinpoint accuracy.
How does ball tracking technology work?
Sensors and tracking in the official match ball
With advanced ball sensors embedded directly in the official match ball, tracking sensors capture data on every ball contact. These sensors, combined with reflective markers, allow for precise data on ball actions, helping coaches and analysts understand key elements like ball gains and possession time.
Real-time data and artificial intelligence for accuracy
This tracking system is powered by real-time information powered by artificial intelligence. AI processes optical tracking and sensor data, making it possible to capture fast-paced game events like dribbling speed or shot speed accurately. By leveraging these insights, teams can refine strategies and create a seamless experience for fans and video assistant referee systems.
Advantages of ball tracking in football matches
Insight into team strategy and player performance
Ball tracking technology gives developers and analysts powerful tools to measure player performance metrics, including high-speed sprints and distinct ball actions. This data helps to optimize team strategy, allowing deeper evaluation of benchmark players and real-time adjustments in the game.
Enhanced accuracy in VAR and video analysis
Ball tracking ensures accuracy and clarity in critical decisions for video match officials and the video assistant referee. Video clips and replay systems can review each ball contact and action, creating fairer outcomes and boosting fan confidence in officiating.
Technological innovations in ball tracking
Reflective markers, heat maps, and shot speed for in-depth analysis
Tracking technology has opened doors to in-depth analysis through tools like heat maps, showing where the ball has spent the most time on the pitch. Other insights, like shot speed and flight characteristics, reveal new layers of player and ball performance in each match.
Testing standards in professional leagues
Leading professional leagues, with support from programs like the Quality Programme for Electronic Performance Testing Systems, conduct ground truth testing to ensure reliable and standardised tracking across all matches. This commitment to rigorous testing formats solidifies the technology’s accuracy and consistency on the pitch.
Future of ball tracking and fan engagement
Data-driven fan interaction through ball gains and dribbling speed
For fans, real-time data on elements like ball gains and dribbling speed brings a new level of engagement. Data-driven insights create a richer football experience and strengthen fan loyalty by immersing them in the game with every soccer player’s move and ball trajectory.
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"season_id": 19699,
"stage_id": 77457729,
"group_id": null,
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"round_id": null,
"state_id": 5,
"venue_id": null,
"name": "Real Madrid vs Manchester City",
"starting_at": "2023-05-09 19:00:00",
"result_info": "Game ended in draw.",
"leg": "1/2",
"details": null,
"length": 90,
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"ballcoordinates": [
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Sportmonks’ ball coordinates
Alright! It’s time to discuss the Ball Coordinates further. You have all seen our documentation on how to get the data from our API, right? However, we found out not everyone can use the data because not everyone knows what the data means. No worries. After reading this blog, you will have exactly what you need to get your full potential out of this data feature!
First, some interesting facts
The average number of data entries for a game is 568. So, on average, you will know where the ball is located 6.333 times per minute. The match with the most data entries was 1.083, which is 12,0333 times per minute! In the 40 Premier League matches we tested, there were a total of 22.728 data entries.
How does it work
Now, let’s find out how this works. You have X and Y values. The Y value represents the shorter side of the field, so it goes from one sideline to the other. While the X value represents the lengthier side of the field, it is from the back line to the other backline.
Now that that is out of the way, we will tell you the maximum and minimum values of the x-values and y-values.
The x-value represents the lengthwise axis of the field, running from one goal to the other;
minimum value: 0.01
maximum value: 1.01
The y-value represents the widthwise axis of the field, running from sideline to sideline;
minimum value: -0.02
maximum value: 1.02
Conclusion
Ball tracking technology redefines how developers, teams, and fans connect with the game. As advanced tech and artificial intelligence continue to shape soccer, tracking setup and real-time data collection innovations will play a growing role in professional leagues and the fan experience.
