Babbage from The Economist (subscriber edition)
Game on: AI is coming for sport
Jan 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, former professional volleyball player Abby Bertics, sports data analyst James Tozer, and Google DeepMind's Petar Veličković delve into the transformative impact of AI on sports. They explore how AI is revolutionizing strategies in basketball and soccer, enhancing player recruitment and game tactics. The guests share insights on predicting injuries, analyzing player interactions using graph neural networks, and the challenges AI faces in capturing the complexities of human performance on the field.
37:35
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Quick takeaways
- AI has revolutionized sports analytics by enabling teams to refine strategies and recruitment processes through vast data analysis and predictive modeling.
- Despite challenges like data quality and the subjective nature of player performance, AI's potential continues to evolve, promising enhanced decision-making in sports.
Deep dives
The Impact of Data Analysis on Basketball Tactics
Data analysis has significantly transformed basketball strategies, particularly with the shift in focus from two-point to three-point shots. A review of game patterns through AI revealed that players had a higher success rate and scoring potential when opting for three-point attempts, which require less precision compared to two-point shots. For instance, players could achieve the same score with a third of their three-point shots as opposed to half of their two-point shots, allowing for greater margin for error. This insight prompted teams to revise their tactics, leading to a style known as 'Morrie ball,' which prioritizes shots from beyond the arc.
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