Football tracking camera features sports gear is becoming increasingly common in professional sport. While some players and coaches utilise this technology to look busy and progressive, it is important to understand the context of the sport in order to ensure that data is useful and not simply used to bolster performance.

It was once impossible to settle arguments at a football match over which player had covered the most distance, but now we can see precisely how far every player has run in seconds on our phones. Meanwhile, specialised cameras – such as the GeniusIQ system used in the WNBA – capture the arc and speed of every shot, helping teams optimise shooting techniques and defensive positioning. Similarly, inertial measurement units (IMUs) that combine accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers can detect subtle changes in the movement of an athlete’s body, allowing them to refine their technique. These sensors have also found a home in running, where they help athletes track their distances and review their routes post-workout.