Sports

Wilson's sensor-packing Smart Basketball tracks shooting performance

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Wilson's Smart Basketball pairs wirelessly with a smartphone app to track training performance
Wilson's Smart Basketball pairs wirelessly with a smartphone app to track training performance
Wilson's "Make/Miss" technology uses sensors built into the ball and a companion smartphone app to track shooting performance from different spots on the floor
When the training session comes to an end, users can view their shot success from two-point and three-point range, and also how many they made from the free throw line
The app also provides a heat map to demonstrate which parts of the court had them running hot, and where their game may need a little work
Wilson's "Make/Miss" technology uses sensors built into the ball and a companion smartphone app to track how many shots the user makes from different spots on the floor
Wilson's Smart Basketball designed to offer detailed feedback on training performance
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Tracking shooting success from different areas on the basketball court can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of a player, though it usually involves dedicated statisticians to collect and monitor the data. Looking to extend the benefits of these analytics beyond the professional arena is sporting goods manufacturer Wilson, who has announced its Smart Basketball designed to offer detailed feedback on training performance.

Wilson's "Make/Miss" technology uses sensors built into the ball and a companion smartphone app to track how many shots the user makes from different positions on the court.

When the training session comes to an end, users can view their shot success from two-point and three-point range, and also how many they made from the free throw line. The app also provides a heat map to demonstrate which parts of the court had them running hot, and where their game may need a little work.

Wilson isn't the first to look at using tracking technology to aid shooting performance. The 94Fifty, which we looked at last year, also uses sensors built into the basketball to provide performance feedback, while Hoop Tracker combines a sensor placed on the rim of the basket with a connected watch to keep tabs on your makes and misses.

The app also provides a heat map to demonstrate which parts of the court had them running hot, and where their game may need a little work

Wilson isn't giving away too much in terms of technical details just yet, however, we do know the technology was developed with the help of Finnish technology company SportIQ, who specialize in sports performance tracking equipment and real-time analytics.

Wilson says its Smart Basketball will be available in time for the northern winter 2014.

Source: Wilson

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1 comment
Hoop Defender
I love my 94Fifty Smart Sensor Basketball. Has helped me get so much better and does a lot more than Wilson is promising it can do. The best thing I love about it is it provides me drills to do and don't need any other accessories with it besides my phone or tablet. Pick up the ball and go. Not a surprise why it won all those awards from CES, Edison, and Bluetooth.