Ubersense

         Who knew 10 years ago that badminton and other sports would have a virtual coach. A coach who could see what the human eye could not and exhibit human movement and mechanics on a new level with interactive critiquing figures all at ones finger tips. If someone had told me this was a real possibility I would have laughed. As a matter of fact, maybe Steve Jobs would have as well.

It is here and here to stay. I have seen Video and technology transform and strengthen the sport of badminton; allowing its athletes to reach a whole new level.

A few of the many strengths of the use of video and technology within the sport of badminton is its practical usage in critiquing player posture. Proper on court posture is essential in athletic development and competition. Being able to view posture as a coach is easy. However, viewing posture during a high speed match in a thirty shot rally between four players in a doubles game is nearly impossible. For years we coached based on obvious observations of player performance, posture and skill. However, there were two loop holes.

1. Players cannot see this evaluative feedback. Players nod their head as if they understand your observations and feedback, but do they actually? Having a visual breakdown on file for them to see frame by frame how they performed eliminates this doubt in learning.
2. Coaches are not perfect. This seems obvious, but technology reiterates this point. We cannot always see performance, posture and player movement at a micro level during intense gameplay. Having a video which can be replayed over and over again increases the validity and reliability of proper coaching. 

Another benefit to video and technology is its usage among peers. For example, I can show five badminton players to video other players during practice on their iPhones, iPads’ etc and have the players evaluative and give feedback to each other in discussion around the videos captured. This way, you can break through to those players who would rather listen to their best friend than a wise coach of many years. This allows your players to foster their own learning and evaluation without you essentially even being there.

One last point I want to raise is how efficient apps like Ubersense and video/technology are. Personally, I have seen coaches spend ten minutes critiquing three different players on three different shots. Having assisted technologies can make use of your coaching time much more effectively and efficiently. 

Ryan Fahey
B.A Human Kinetics
CPTN Canada
Canfitpro FIS, PTS
NCCP