How Artificial Intelligence is applied in sports

Artificial Intelligence in sport is already a realityWhat was once the exclusive domain of laboratories or technology companies has now become a fundamental tool for athletes, coaches, referees, managers, and even fans themselves. silent revolution It is changing the way sports are conceived, practiced and enjoyed around the world.

From systems that predict injury risk to real-time strategy analysis to immersive stadium experiences thanks to augmented reality, AI is here to stay. In this article, we explore how artificial intelligence is being applied in different sports areas, what advances have already been consolidated, what ethical challenges it poses, and what we can expect in the coming years.

Impact of AI on sports performance

One of the areas where AI has had the greatest impact is in the individual and collective performance of athletes. By using machine learning algorithms (machine learning algorithm ), biometric data and behavioral patterns are analyzed to generate personalized training plans.

Portable devices and sensors are capable of Measure variables such as heart rate, speed, acceleration, posture, or effort distribution in real timeThis information allows coaches and physicians to adapt loads and prevent injuries, design more efficient workouts, and reduce physical wear and tear throughout the season.

Sports such as tennis, football or cycling benefit greatly: sensors in rackets, pedal strokes or balls allow every detail of the game to be recorded to detect opportunities for improvement and risk areasIn the United States, teams like the Chicago Cubs and Seattle Seahawks They already use AI to monitor their players' fatigue and prevent injuries before clinical symptoms appear.

It is also common to see the use of Predictive models that determine an athlete's future fitness level based on your current habits, allowing you to make strategic decisions based on data and not just intuition.

Smarter, more personalized workouts

AI has revolutionized the way athletes prepare. Thanks to tools developed with smart technology, training can now dynamically adapt to everyday conditions.

Platforms with advanced algorithms are able to adjust, almost in real time, the intensity, duration and type of exercise that each athlete should performThis not only raises your competitive level, but also decreases the risk of overtraining or chronic fatigue.

In addition, artificial vision systems allow analyze the biomechanics of movements To correct technical flaws and improve execution efficiency. High-speed cameras combined with AI are used to detect subtle errors, for example in a tennis serve or a jumping technique in athletics.

In team sports, such as football or handball, AI helps to study team dynamics and tactical cohesionAnalyze positions, trajectories, and decisions made during a match to improve overall strategy and tactical adaptation against opponents.

Better decision-making in sports management

 

The use of artificial intelligence technologies in sports is not limited to training and competition. the most directive and strategic part In clubs, AI is used to optimize processes, manage rosters, and predict financial and sporting results.

By analyzing large volumes of historical and real-time data, teams can Anticipate critical situations, such as massive injuries, drops in performance, or wrong bets on transfers.

Current systems allow players to be evaluated not only on past merits, but also on their future potential, analyzing physical, tactical, and psychological variables. This provides a competitive advantage enormous compared to traditional methods based on the intuition of scouts.

More accurate and fair arbitration

One of the oldest challenges in sports has been the subjectivity of refereeing decisions. Thanks to artificial intelligence, this problem is beginning to be mitigated thanks to tools such as YES (Video Assistant Referees)or the system of “hawkeye” in tennis.

These systems employ multiple cameras, sensors, and motion detection algorithms to capture and analyze plays with maximum precision. In soccer, for example, automatic lines are drawn to check for offside, while in tennis, the impact of the ball on the surface is recreated in 3D.

In addition, sports such as baseball and basketball have already joined the use of systems that identify fouls, strikes or key plays completely objectively. In the NBA, for example, algorithms are used to detect improper contact and analyze referee decisions.

This not only improves fairness in the game, but increases the transparency of competitions and reduces the controversies associated with human decisions.

Transforming the fan experience

Another of the great revolutions that AI has brought to sport is the the way in which fans experience the matches, both at home and in stadiums. Thanks to real-time data analysis, personalized content can be generated to enrich the fan experience.

Sports clubs and platforms employ AI to analyze behaviors, interests, and consumer habits of fans and thus offer exclusive content: customized statistics, replays of favorite plays, personalized merchandising recommendations, and even advice on the best seat in the stadium.

Many digital platforms already offer experiences with augmented reality and 360º views From mobile devices, which increase immersion during the sporting event. Additionally, virtual assistants and chatbots are used to answer questions and provide information to fans instantly.

Smart equipment and optimized materials

AI has also redefined the design of sporting goods and training equipmentCompanies like Adidas and Wilson have incorporated smart technologies into their balls, rackets, and apparel to enhance athletes' performance.

Soccer balls have been created that adjust their flight path with millimeter precision, rackets that give feedback on technique with each shot, and running shoes that They adapt the cushioning according to the athlete's fatigue.

There are even bicycles that combine GPS data and traffic information to calculate the most efficient route according to the destinationAll of this is based on intelligent systems that learn from the user in real time.

Using AI for stadium security and access

In terms of security and logistics, the implementation of facial recognition and biometric systems has modernized stadium entry. Teams like Osasuna already use these systems to allow entry. quick and safe access for fans, reducing queues and increasing comfort without compromising protection.

In addition, specialized algorithms detect signs of aggressive behavior on social networks and online platforms with the aim of prevent hate speech and offensive content, As is the case the FARO tool used by LaLiga.

This is an excellent example of how AI not only improves the show, but contributes to more respectful and inclusive environments both inside and outside the stadium.

Ethical and social challenges in the implementation of AI

Although the applications of artificial intelligence in sport are promising, there are also ethical and social issues that need to be consideredEquity in access to this technology can be a disadvantage for clubs with fewer resources, creating new gaps between teams.

There is also a constant concern regarding the privacy of biometric and personal data collected by these systems. Therefore, it is essential to establish protocols for the control, consent, and transparent use of this information.

Another possible risk is the loss of the “human essence” of sportAn overreliance on AI for tactical or strategic decisions could make the game too automated and predictable. For these reasons, experts emphasize the need to apply AI responsibly.