Exploring data analysis in sports
0The average sports fan is likely to highlight the strengths of their favourite team, cite recent wins, and predict that this year could finally usher in another well-deserved title. However, others take what can only be described as a much more scientific approach. This is commonly known as data analysis (or data analytics).
Why are such methods becoming more popular? What technology is employed? Are there any unique benefits to mention? Whether you regularly bet on the outcome of sports events or you would like to learn about how analytics can be applied to other sectors, the information in this article should be rather interesting.
Team and player benefits from data analysis
In sports, data analysis has become a new staple for many teams. One of the early adopters of data analysis is baseball, with the so-called ‘moneyball’ system used by the Oakland Athletics and their general manager, Billy Beane. Moneyball involves taking a different approach to the roster-building process. Instead of signing big and established names, Beane and his team relied on data, seeking players considered ‘undervalued’ – players receiving lower salaries relative to their ability to contribute to winning – using advanced statistics in specific situations. The Oakland Athletics achieved playoff spots in 2002 and 2003 and maintained a competitive roster, even though their budget was just a fraction of the biggest teams’.
But this was only the tip of the iceberg, and the evolution and improvement in data-gathering has changed the game and usage of data analysis. For example, now data analysis has begun to influence the nutrition plans of athletes. With more data available, teams can prevent injuries thanks to a better diet and plan specific training sessions to improve different aspects of the game. These are sometimes known as on-field data analytics. Other strategies include examining parameters such as merchandising returns, ticket sales, and fan engagement. These business-related concerns are referred to as off-field analytics.
How sports data analysis is influencing other fields
As sports data analysis has become the new ‘El Dorado,’ other industries have picked up the idea and are trying to replicate the same results. Whatever the industry, data analytics are associated with the collection, categorization, and interpretation of raw information. The intention is the same too: to draw a valid conclusion based on predetermined parameters.
The online environment is perfect for these kinds of projects, as data gathering is an easier process than in a land-based business. Through the use of cookies, online stores and the games on Royal Panda can record your preferences during your sessions if you provide consent. With the correct study of this information, data analysts can recommend the perfect products for you in the future and, at the same time, help the companies create new products that will adapt to the requirements of their users.
Data analysis is a technology that is here to stay. In the world of sports, it provides crucial assistance to teams by helping them with building much stronger rosters with fewer economic demands and further enhancing contracted players. However, overlooking the impact of data analysis on other technologies would be a mistake, as these tools are already influencing other fields such as the business world.