Case Studies

Sports analysis for curlers

by Mark Rowe

British Curling’s National Academy is using network cameras as part of its sports analysis, ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

AnalysisPro, providers of performance analysis software and training, has completed the installation of network cameras at the home of British Curling with the aim of helping athletes improve performance. The IP cameras from network video product company Axis Communications will provide an visual sports analysis to help training staff.

After their success at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014, British Curling, the body that manages elite curling, received funding to build a new £3.15m National Curling Academy at the Stirling Sports Village in Scotland. As part of the investment made by UK Sport, it sought new technology to improve on previous portable sport analysis.

The new visual sports analysis comprises 16 network cameras, including eight overhead 4K network cameras with pan, tilt and zoom. Eight other fixed position 1080p network cameras installed at a low level, capture side-on views of the curlers in action. Before these cameras and AnalysisPro AP Capture software, coaches would film sessions on their mobile phones, distracting them from their coaching; or rely on the on-site Performance Analyst to deliver post-training feedback.

Along with the ability to capture footage and control the cameras via the AP Capture laptops, all of the cameras are recording onto network drives, for access during and after a training session. If a coach identifies an area that an athlete can improve on, they can provide real-time feedback to correct the techniques while on the (ice) sheet, helping to reinforce when an athlete is performing well and increase confidence.

Kenny More, British Curling Performance Analyst said: “Not only do the cameras enable us to identify problem areas and correct them immediately, but the analysis system also helps us reinforce what the athletes are doing well, which increases their confidence in match play. The coaches are finding it easier to get on with their core job. Being able to provide feedback live while the athletes are on the ice also means any problems with technique can be rectified immediately.”

Kevin McHugh, a High Performance Manager at sportscotland, said: “We had to find innovative ways of trying to nurture talent that existed, and that meant coaches needed to focus solely on training techniques, rather than doing the filming themselves. The installation was incredibly smooth. All parties bought into the project as a whole and were able to oversee the installation work carried out. In addition, on-site and remote support was provided so we didn’t have to concern ourselves with maintenance issues.”

Josh Bryan, Manager at AnalysisPro said: “We utilise Axis technology because of its smooth movement controls, great image quality and open architecture which enables us to deploy different software. The system British Curling is using means they can keep themselves ahead of the competition.”

More at https://www.axis.com/customer-story/5028.

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