Modern Technology and the Efficiency of Football Players - Research Paper Example

Modern Technology and the Efficiency of Football Players 1. Introduction  Soccer or Football, also known as Association Football, is the world’s most famous sport. Soccer is played between two teams with eleven players [Giu99]. Soccer is played on green artificial turf or rectangular grass, goal in the centre of short ends and field. The unit of the game is to score from the ball in the opposite team's goal. Team who scores high wins. In case of draw, penalties shootout options or extra time can be given to the teams to get results. The terms and condition of football or soccer rules were defined in 1863 in England by Football Association [Wil88]. Today soccer is quite technical and teams have more options to learn and control their mistakes by looking at the videos of their games. Computers and video are advanced to upgrade the performances of players these days as technologies have influenced the lifestyle so as the sports. The most famous issue in soccer and football is the difference; however, the point is to elaborate if there is any difference between the two. Mostly, people get confused with the names and they take soccer and football as two different games. In real, soccer and football are two different names for one single sport. Football is called Fussball in German, Voetbal in Dutch, Futebol in Portuguese, Futbol in Spanish and fotboll in Swedish.  For all sports, there are some customs and rules to follow. The physical capabilities and skill technologies and techniques of the competitor are the key factors to win or to be defeated in any game. The term sport is defined as spirited, prepared adroit physical activity, which requires dedication and fair game. Today for Soccer, accurate records are being maintained and kept for future analysis in order to improve performance. Latest technologies provide coaches a variety to teach and upgrade their team performances [Lin97]. 2. Literature Review Sport has always been the leisure time activity since centuries. Such as china‘s primordial past time game was Gymnastics, Swimming and Fishing for Pharaohs, javelin throwing, high jump and wrestling were also included in the ancient Egypt games, Iranian martial art and polo and jousting in Persia. Ancient Greece established a wide range of sports. As the time passed, sports became prominent and then Greek created Olympic Games. Football or Soccer is the most popular game in today’s world. People all over the world are crazy for football while a few countries worship this game. Soccer evokes passion and emotion unparalleled within the realm of competitive sports. The immense popularity of Soccer does not mean that it is an easy game. Soccer possesses several physical and mental challenges for participants. There are no specialists on the soccer field except the goal keeper. In soccer, each player has to attack and defend at the same time during the game. A player is the one who uses several foot skills to control the ball under the specified space restriction, time limit, physical fatigue and the indomitable challenges of opponents [Ekb94].  During the play, a player has to perform and prove his abilities of good decision making and respond rapidly to the changing situation. Team success and individual performance depend on player abilities to face challenges during the game. These skills are not being found by chance in any player, it has to be developed with lots of practices, trainings and techniques. Nowadays, every second person would agree that like other games, football is in the state of instability. During the last ten years, investment and player influence have increased. The technicalities of football match have been unsuccessful in the grip modification and in some instances as sophisticated technology as these were 50 or 100 years ago.  Every game has rules and methods to follow and learn. In Football, there are total twenty two players, one referee and two linesmen. For the betterment of football, they also developed few technical and offside rules in order to improve the game. The legendary two player offside rule of 1925 still defines the semantics rendered multifaceted of dynamic players.  Duties of a referee, since the beginning of the professional game, have been kept supremely simple. Referee reports to no one and refers to no one. Many Football fans would believe that the use of yellow and red cards during the match, changes the result of many matches. Soccer has now become a billion dollar sport and is run within simplistic frame work; its simplicity is one of the reasons that allowed it to become more popular. How technology can improve this ancient system it has developed or maintained is practically surprising in the failure of football. In present days, many countries are using different methods to improve their team’s performance and skills. From school to colleges, they appoint coaches to coach them and teach them the latest techniques. Like, college football season in the United States of America is one of the most popular anticipated sports competitions, the National Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I-A, football games receive wide media coverage and encircled by enormous fans, attended by thousands of spectators and millions through media. Any institutional success in football and good ranking results an increase in student applications and in significant financial earnings. It is important that due to an overwhelming response for the winning institute ranking, college football team is as fair and balanced as possible. The National Athletic Association (NCAA) Football Championship does not allow traditional ranking methods, which are used in the other professional leagues where each team plays with other teams during the regular season [Lux05]. 2.1. Colley Matrix Method The Colley Matrix Method (Colley 2003) is one of the well-known mathematical approaches to college football ranking, was recently developed in an attempt to produce relatively fair and impartial rankings, and now it is used as a part of BCS. The benefit of this technique and the main idea behind is relatively simple, which makes it easy to understand and implement. Wins and losses are the only input information used in this model. For rather realistic results, Colley Matrix Method takes into account the schedule strength of each team. For example the number of games won by the team i is nwi total number of games played ntotal,i, now winning ratio defined as nw;i=ntotal;i. For any team i, the rating mentioned team ri is defined as ri = 1 + nw;i 2 + ntotal;i This definition is to avoid the winning ratio equals to 0 (no wins team) or 1 (no losses teams). The winning team of the opening game of the season (1 wins and 0 losses) and the losing team ratio is (0 wins and 1 loss). Evaluating the formula, winning team (r =2=3) twice enhanced gain than the losing team (r = 1=3), this is more sensible from the practical perspective. The teams who played no games, their evasion ratings are 1=2, is compared as a median value between 0 and 1. Team r wins to increase the value and makes it closer to 1, and loss decreases to 0. After the measure of quantitative performance, it is needed to be adjusted according to the corresponding opponent strength, for this alteration of the values, nw is applied. ntotal nw = (nw ¡ nl) + ntotal = (nw ¡ nl) + ∑ 1 2 2 2 j=1 2, 3. Discussion A player who improves his performance takes part in the game with deep pleasure more when he improves and enhances proficiency over his skills and strategies for a victorious game. For the better game, various technologies use to enhance the game and make it more interesting.  3.1. Technologies Used in Football or Soccer To deal with the game in a better way, numerous technologies are being used to bring proficiency in players. Below are some of the technologies and tactics used by smart players to enhance their skills and to improve their performances. 3.1.1. Computer Technology Computers change the life style of not only ordinary people but it has influenced sports as well. Coaches are relying on computer technology for analyzing, simulating, playing performance in competition and for their team training. Computerized match analysis system in soccer could not be ignored as well. 3.1.1.1 Soccer Performance in Computer Analysis A variety of match analysis system with each offers different levels of data and information overcome the market in the last two decades. To simply analyze the match, cassettes were being used in basic game systems with giving the access of allowing basic data input. It contained the arithmetical information such as number of passes, etc, even tackles were also provided. That can be done in minutes with no time, depending on the provided systems. To split and put together a digitized video of post matches, coaches acquire the help of video montage software to use select, extract and get the information that is required. Headers, shots or passes of any specific match that can be linked are known as the digital time code at the accurate time when that happened. The access to visualize the desired event is a click away as compared to search through film using video recorder. As compare to the old fashioned cameras, digital cameras are cheaper and better in results with best image quality. As compare to the video cassette created from non-digital cameras, digital camera can be linked directly with the computer and pictures or videos can be download easily with no hassle and no time consumption. The input data speed and precision is the only limitation of this type of software. Touch sensitive pads and voice recognition equipment have contributed significantly by inputting accurate and exact data in less time. For the enduringly view of the game and input, the data without diverting the latter is exceptionally useful. The playing area, pitch positions of player actions are easily evaluated by simple clicking and by leading to imprecise data. The progress of the system lacks the exactness which mechanically calculates player’s position and movements. For the tracking of player’s position and movements, computerized system uses of camera, video and computer technology are very common. In order to use such systems, several cameras are installed to cover the complete pitch and all the players in range from almost all angles. Player’s positions and movements can be calculated by using this multipart trigonometry and mathematical algorithms. The accuracy of the produced data may be doubted due to the positions of cameras and the possibilities of real-time are limited. To make the perfect computerized analysis, GPS (Global Positioning System) could be the future for that purpose. GPS are use by the internet services providing companies for the perfect coordinates, boat direction, and for mountaineering, etc. GPS can be really helpful if implemented in soccer, then analysis of the movements and profiles of physical activity of any player can be done on the pitch. For real time and accurate analysis, GPS is quite reliable. It can be used for immediate data by the coach for the evaluation. GPS system is portable and fragile but it is also very expensive. Microchip transmitters can easily be broken in soccer unless vigorous or secluded. The stored data can be viewed, compared and retrieved in a quick efficient manner by modern databases usage. The whole game reconstructed in 2D/3D by tracking player system. It is really useful for coach to visualize the recreated moments of the game. The kept record helps in detailed comparisons of players at the time of team selection. For the development of the player, the Artificial Intelligence helps in process by expert knowledge, playing and selection. 4. Finding  To check the performance capacity of a player, equipment helps in training, like the treadmills and cycle ergo meters. They are useful in providing surroundings for simulating exercises to the player’s physiological performance. As per the requirement in soccer, the treadmill speed can be adjusted [TEC]. It is important to lactate blood level and oxygen uptakes of players under conditions to present valuable physical performance. During the match, researchers not only measure the rate of accumulated lactate but also assess the importance of anaerobic glycol sis. During the performance, blood lactate analyzers grant clear summarizing graphical outputs and other body fat analyzers and blood pressure monitors. To predict muscles injuries of the soccer players, Isokinetic machines are often used to check muscles imbalance, difference in muscles, balance or strength of legs, hamstring and quadriceps. These machines can also be used to build up muscle strength especially on way back from injury. To endow with valuable jumping biomechanical information aptitude and power output force platforms can also be used. By using such methods like Electromyography (EMG) that is valuable to evaluate co-ordination and can be identified and analyzed. Photoelectric cells equipment is used to measure running players speed and stop watches increase the error risk. Kinematic analysis is constructive to record sprinting speed. The computerized re-enactment involves high-speed cinematography often in 3D movements. This can be functional in breaking down kicking and throw-ins specific techniques. Neuromuscular harmonization quantitative information is twisted and can be used on a player or match up to players of various levels and ages so that to evaluate. To the intensity of exercise and setting targets, both in training and competition, Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) is gradually accepted. During the fitness training of soccer player’s these can be use to ensure if players are working above the target, below the target or at the target. During non fitness drills as technical drills, coaches need to make sure that players are not exhausted. The player performance can also be measured during game by using HRM that can help using information provided in computers to provide graphical and statistical analysis. Soccer shoe design has under gone a scientific rebellion in past few years. Shoes must be stable and good in fitting. Shoes show the forces produced from ankles, sprints, jumps and holds properly. Players can run freely without any interference. Few players choose shoes especially designed for their feet. With the passage of time, soccer shoes have become flexible, responsive lighter and durable. For the good results in manufacturing the soccer shoes, vast immeasurable improvements by using better quality material have been made. With the passage of time, soccer balls have also been improved and are made progressed. As compare to previous soccer balls, latest are lighter in weight. These balls resist water. This practice was started after the incident when a player got injured while hitting the ball from head. After a proper research on the manufacturing of soccer ball, on the basis of past incidents, it has been realized that the previous design of soccer ball was causing head injuries, therefore, the balls which absorb water can also injure player especially younger ones. 5. Evaluation  Technologies which are used in Football could take many forms. If technology helped Football to progress, disagreement on different methods also came across. One of the controversies is related to the video reply. It also seems as video refereeing, which break the game and multitude of related issues. It is like video replays makes Football stop-start because of the gap in the game and also in the final decision. Video replays helps to avoid any controversial goals. Well it is like if replays can work in Rugby or Cricket then why not in Football. The other method which is used to enhance Football is the goal line technology. The biggest question amongst the fans was the introduction of goal line technology that would slow down and potentially ruin football. FIFA tried two extra officials first time an Under-19 tournament in Cyprus, November 2009 instead of goal line technology. Sport is not considered as a simple game anymore. Soccer or any game victory or defeat has its own side effects. Viewers from around the world get involved; stadiums get filled with crowd while billions of viewers watch through electronic media is riding on team’s fortunes. A player has to improve his efforts to give match winning performances. Various training to improve skills helps for better game. A player can also improve himself by watching games on TV or videos of different team’s game in slow motion for improvement. Visualization of good games gives strength to control mistakes and learn other team weaknesses and way of attacks. Video provides excellent checking performance analysis from observing, recording evaluating and analyzing. Video provides benefits to player and coaches for improvement. Video provides perfect record of past and present matches and can also be used to make presentation to enhance performance. By watching videos of unsuccessful matches and also by watching competitor’s games, a good coach can also make strategies and keep the track of important points which may be over looked. Camera also plays an important and key role to record moves, actions and this helps in presentation. If highly sensitive multifunctional camera could be used to record the game then it will be easy to track the player’s weakness and flaws in his performance. It is also helpful to watch the desired videos again and again to clear numerous points and to learn tactics. There are lots of techniques and skills of soccer which can be helpful in winning a match if they can be judged from videos to improve player’s abilities. Such as Kicking, Ball control, Heading, Dribbling, Tackling and Goal Keeping. Practices can be improved if a football player watches the videos of top players’ performances. To measure the characteristics of 133 healthy male soccer players in the 30-s walking test an accelerometer system was used. The obtained data was analyzed by GEDEM (Gait Evaluation Differential Entropy Method). GEDEM calculates and indicates the process of pace speeding up statistics provides quantitative assessment on walk with insignificant consequence on the focus at low cost. After struggling for several years, the GEDEM was not interconnected with the manifestation of body weight, age and body mass index. The weekly depleted time on preparation, GEDEM frontal subsequent value showed diminutive pessimistic statistically considerable parallel with loftiness and the vertical axis reasonably. 6. Conclusion  To watch and to play a game, technology can contribute in many ways by providing numerous benefits during the training competition, injury or during the game prevention and rehabilitation. This paper described various techniques, skills, technologies which are available for coaches and players to increase their abilities and to enhance their performances. As the time passes, the new methods and technologies are invented to increase the ability of team and player to get better and good result. It can be helpful by analyzing, storing and visualizing the provided data. Technologies will be coming up with so many advance innovations that would continue to benefit the players and coaches of soccer. For played performances computerized match analysis are useful for collecting and analyzing data. The data is provided for the enormous amount of data on playing performance. As the modern technologies are getting more advances day by day, it allows the process to achieve quickly and accurately. Soccer is described or its main characteristics are intermittent, ball contact sport, high intensity, and vigorous. Functional activities of soccer include the following. 6.1. Kicking Kicking, trapping, throwing the ball are the techniques that a player uses to score his performance. The best way to judge player experience is even, competent movement to gracefully change between techniques. A Soccer player can improve his skills and techniques through repetition, observation or visualization. A player can build confidence and target motion by regular practice and training of specific technique [Kicnd]. Kicking a ball is fundamental and versatile technique. It is used for passing the ball to other player shooting or clearing. Professional Football players use the term striking the ball. Balance and composure help to produce quality kick. Below are the two types of kicks based on ball position. 6.1.1 Grounds Kicks Balance and composure are essential for a quality kick. Both foot uses are imperative in kicking a ball, supporting leg position is just as important as kicking a foot. Supporting foot placement awareness is necessary to manage the stature of pass or shot. Placing a other foot with a ball in a line helps a player to retain power while keeping the kick low. When a player places ball a little in the rear, it produces a jump or hit ball. Player’s superior part f the body also contributes while kicking the ball. The ball rises high when a player bends backs and kicks remains low and hard by lean forward. For the maximum power strike, knee of kicking leg has to be in line or above with the ball at the exact moment of contact. 6.1.2 Volleys Proper balance is essential while striking the ball in the air. Quick foot adjustment is needed to adapt the path. Proper distance and positioning is important to get ready to swing the ball. If a player is too far or the ball is too close from his body for a good quality swing then a player should not attempt to volley. A player needs to be composed, alerted and focused to the situation when jumping while volleying is required at the same time. 6.2. Ball Control Ball control is one of the essential skills in football. To become a good and well known player, it is important to have the ability to manipulate the ball for following touch. Receiving and trapping are two types of ball control [Exp10]. 6.2.1 Receiving Ball During running into space, receiving is useful and it is better to make contact with central point or peak part of the ball, lightly tap it in the direction of the desire way. A good football player is the one who settles the ball in space which is open, besides the fact he is under pressure or not. This skill over the defender provides extra pressure. 6.2.2. Trapping To direct the ball with first touch when it is moving too fast, the trapping is useful. It is important to stay loose and on toes because it is not possible to adjust when body is stiff or flat-footed. A football player should face the direction of the ball coming with hips open and it is better to put foot in the path and cushion the ball. A player can gently with draw his feet before contact time. 6.2.3. Control Practice Partner can help in improving the practice to control the ball. He can throw the ball with hands after settling with a single clean touch and pass it back. A player can also use a wall by standing 3-5 meters (10-15 feet) and knock the ball against it for this practice. This practice gives ability to work on kicking and control. 6.2.4 Control Methods There are different types of control methods techniques which are used in Soccer. 6.2.4.1 Inside of the Foot To path the ball supporting, foot must be in 45-90 degrees and weight should be on toes. Arch free foot to seize the ball and move it along the original when contact. Redirect the ball instead of trapping by simply turn the foot in receiving direction. 6.2.4.2 Outside of the Foot Slight turn of the body in the path when ball is coming, this technique is useful. A football player can control it by using outside of the foot nicely and then settling it considering contact surface. 6.2.4.3 Sole of the Foot In this technique foot of the player is on the ball with his toes raised slightly above his heel. To control passes in the speed of the modern game, trapping of the foot sole is rarely applied. A player can use foot sole skill in dribbling. A player can also use this before changing direction or incorporate in more elaborate combo. 6.2.4.4 Instep If the ball is coming from steep single angel then Instep technique is useful. A player should lock his eyes on ball and stay on toes but should not just wait for the ball to arrive. Regulate the route to reach safely so far and by stretching the ankle of controlling foot before ball arrives and should cushion it with the area of shoelaces. Band knee and ankle by controlling foot at the moment of contact, it will settle the ball. 6.2.4.5 Thigh To trap the ball in Football, thigh is useful. But when a player wants to redirect the ball into space, it is harder with the thigh. Thighs can be use to cushion the balls while rising and dropping. It is better to properly position oneself when trap the ball. When player associate him properly, thigh must be put in the path of ball and redirect the angle downward otherwise ball can bounce. Player contact surface area is the space above the knee half way of thigh. If a ball is coming straight, inner face of the thighs can be used to stop. 6.2.4.6 Chest For trapping and receiving the ball, chest provides the broad area. When a player wants to use his chest to control, the best way is to stretch out arms and flex muscles and then produce a slight arch at back to cushion the ball. According to the height of ball, chest can be bend on knees or jump. 6.2.4.7 Head When a player is ready to head the ball, set the body accordingly. A player can simply seize the path by using the surface area on forehead below the hairline. While receiving the ball turn head in required direction but in case of trapping, it can bring the ball at feet. 6.3 Heading Head the ball practice is important for any player to start from his early age to avoid any injury. A player should know how to save his head and swinging with it. It is natural for any person to be frightened by a flying object especially, if it is directly coming to hit your head. The practice makes it perfect that a player should not be injured so it is better not to let the ball hit you. The best part to strike the ball is the top part of the forehead. A player should not close his eyes while hitting the ball with the head otherwise injury chances are increased. To strike the ball, a player must bend back his entire upper body because the power to hit from head does not come from the neck muscles. It is better to take short shuffling steps before heading. The most important part to remember is that the ball will not hurt if you deal with it correctly [Expnd]. Ball Striking Methods There are four methods or techniques of header strikes. 6.3.1.1Standard Header In this technique when a football player wants to head the ball with maximum speed, then he needs to arch his back and swing head forward. Meanwhile, shoulders should be in level and perpendicular to seek and contact must be with the center of the forehead. 6.3.1.2 Diving Header In diving header technique, player must push his entire body in the path and arms should be stretched forward. 6.3.1.3 Glancing Header In glancing header technique, football player should turn his head in aim direction and movement redirects the approaching ball. 6.3.1.4 Flick Header In flick header technique, player actually makes contact with the back of his head. To hit the ball directly, a football player needs to arch backward. Midfielders who have their back towards the opponent’s goal use this technique often. 6.4 Dribbling Dribbling must be learnt with the complete proper mechanics before a player can take on defenders. It is better not to hit ball when a player wants to enhance speed. A player can frequently move his feet while pushing the ball and its better, just not to fix eyes on the ball when dribbling in space. At the same time, it is better to dribble and scrutinize football field [Drind]. There are four different techniques of dribbling. 6.4.1 Cone Drills There are four techniques in cone drill. 6.4.1.1 Slalom Run A player needs to start from one end of row and slalom through as fast as he can by using both feet to inside and outside cut. 6.4.1.2 Inside-Outside In this technique, a player uses his one foot when moving in each direction and continues practice with both feet. 6.4.1.3. Inside Cut A player goes through the cones by creating an arch with his foot to cut the ball and move his body as well. 6.4.1.4 Roll This drill technique is similar to the inside cut with the exemption to roll the ball instead of cutting. It is better to move the ball directly to the cones row and tap it gently forward to the next cone. 6.4.2. Dribbling moves basic There are six dribbling basic moves. 6.4.2.1 Scissors A football player moves his faking foot plant and around the ball on the outside and in the meanwhile with other foot cut the ball outside. 6.4.2.2 Double Scissors In this, the customary scissors development move, excluding the two fakes, a player cuts to the inside instead of outside. 6.4.2.3 Rivelino move In this, a player maneuver by touching the ball on one foot outside in and then cut the ball but using outside on same foot. 6.4.2.4 Matthews The two-step move which involves in pushing the ball inside and cutting in the opposite direction is called the Matthews. For effective result, player should gently scoop the ball when cutting outside. 6.4.2.5 Fake Kick False instep drive kick with simple move and cut the ball across the body by making sure to use upper body to be realistic is called fake kick. 6.4.2.6 Lunge There is nothing special in this as its look complicated. To give the impression to cutting the ball by dipping shoulders each time, the football player lung. 6.4.3 Dribbling Intermediate Moves There are five dribbling intermediate moves. 6.4.3.1. Puskas move This is a very useful move if the player of opposite team is quite closer, a player just needs to pull back the ball simply and push its sides ways with the inside of the foot. Some players like to fake kick and other use the outside of the foot to push side ways to kick the ball. 6.4.3.2 Reverse Scissors Reverse scissors are complicated in looks but it is actually the sideway ball roll across the body. When a player is surrounded in a wing with number of opponents this move is applied. The above described skills or techniques are functional activities that include acceleration, kicking, jumping, pivoting, turning, heading and declaration. Soccer takes out the physical and technical skills of football players. Soccer is one of the famous games; there are almost 200 million registered players of the International Federation of Football Association in 186 countries. In this ratio, unlicensed soccer players are not included. By the techniques and skills of heading, kicking etc players around the world are learning from the videos and research work. All moves are recorded and can be found over the net and computerized videos or directly at the sport channel websites that are quite informative. It is important for players to learn all the moves and tactics, failure of which can result in the injury chances. Football manufacturing, special shoe requirements have also been improved in last few years. To get better results, a coach should be aware of the latest technologies that can really help a lot in bringing better results. Overall portability of systems should be made available. Modern coaches, software development companies and sports scientists remain busy improving the communication skills and enhancing several innovations. Bibliography Dribbling n.d, viewed 28 June 2010, < HYPERLINK "http://expertfootball.com/training/dribbling.php" http://expertfootball.com/training/dribbling.php >. Ekblom, B 1994, Football (soccer), Blackwell, London. Expert Footbal, Ball Control, viewed 27 June 2010, < HYPERLINK "http://expertfootball.com/training/control.php" http://expertfootball.com/training/control.php >. Expert Football n.d, Heading, viewed 28 June 2010, < HYPERLINK "http://expertfootball.com/training/heading.php" http://expertfootball.com/training/heading.php >. Giulianotti, R 1999, Football: a sociology of the global game, Blackwell Publishers Ltd, United States. Kicking n.d, viewed 27 June 2010, < HYPERLINK "http://expertfootball.com/training/kicking.php" http://expertfootball.com/training/kicking.php >. Lingen, BV 1997, Coaching Soccer: The Official Coaching Book of the Dutch Soccer Association, Congress, United States. Luxbacher, J 2005, Soccer: steps to success, 3rd edn, Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. TECHNOLOGY IN SOCCER: TRAINING EQUIPMENT n.d, viewed 28 June 2010, < HYPERLINK "http://www.soccerperformance.org/specialtopics/trainequipment.htm" http://www.soccerperformance.org/specialtopics/trainequipment.htm >. Williams, JM, Murphy, P & Dunning, E 1988, The roots of football hooliganism: an historical and sociological study, Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd, New York, United States of America. Read More