Will AI End Up Meaning All In?

Don’t know about you, but I’m finding the conversation about AI and its impact on racket sports fascinating. But try as you may, accurately forecasting the evolution of a rapidly changing new technology is a daunting task, maybe nearly impossible. Still, there seems to be a strong argument that there will be quite a few areas in the tennis world where AI might provide valuable new insights, such as match statistics, improving equipment, and video analysis. As to how much influence it will have on coaching, there are still questions that need to be answered. Because students have so many variables, coaches will probably have to go it alone.  

Let’s first identify the variables most coaches have to address. Age, size, mentality, skill level, learning behavior, time commitment, practice access, competition access, financial limits, and, finally, parental influence. There are probably more, but that's a lot for any AI analysis to evaluate and draw absolute conclusions for every individual player.

Video, combined with on-site, quality coaching, will probably offer the best chance of insight. Take time to read last month’s article in Racket Business by Gareth Shaw. He provided excellent insight as to how AI will impact that teaching tool.

The historical fact is, video analysis has been available since the mid- 60s. It has evolved to provide more variable angles, slow motion, comparable examples, and coverage of every venue a player might participate in. But the number one problem here is simple to recognize: to what example or model will it be used? There are so many different types of players; then add all of the variables mentioned earlier, and it will be a monumental task for any coach to use AI exclusively to find potential coaching solutions.

Some may remember years ago, a process called SyberVision. It was used as a training system, invented by Stanford psychologist Steve DeVore. It relied on "neuromuscular programming" and observational learning, using continuous visual loops of an athlete's elite performances. Pro golfer Al Geiberger praised its impact, and baseball players like Mark McGuire discovered that watching their successful home runs over and over again helped them focus on repeating those moments. SyberVision initially did well; many thought it would be a great addition to the coaching world, but over time it did not take off as hoped; it faded away and became obsolete as better technology came along. A classic example of enthusiasm and expectations about new technology not coming to fruition.

So, the likely answer to the original question, AI may assist, but replacing coaching is not likely to happen. Yes, AI tools and apps can track joint movements, analyze swing paths, measure ball speed, and provide instant biomechanical feedback, but they lack the human elements essential to total athletic development.  

In addition, it won’t be able to replace the key ingredient of having a hitting partner or a coach who can deliver or feed balls that will either challenge their students or, in some cases, help their students by feeding a ball that allows a student to experience a successful response.

A coach also has the insight and experience to provide intellectual and emotional feedback that addresses the ups and downs a student will experience during competitive play. Can you picture an AI machine on the sidelines giving an encouraging fist pump during a close match?

Finally, the variables that emerge from a player's opponents are not only extremely high, but often change or alter during a match. Tactics and strategy have to adapt, something only an on-site coach can provide.

In fairness, this technology will adapt and progress over time to address all sports participants. Sporting events attract so much attention from fans that it is a natural challenge for AI developers to try to have greater influence. That would logically include coaching, in a hopeful attempt to be more relevant and influential over the results of competition.

But here is a thought that deserves serious consideration. If AI does become more of a factor in the progress and outcome of any sport, wouldn’t that take away some of the human elements that keep competition less predictable and more spontaneous? AI is all about knowing, but for the sports fan, it’s the opposite; it’s more about not knowing. That perspective is probably the strongest motivation for gambling on sporting events.

By removing the human element of trial and error, success and failure, or just plain luck, we are taking one step closer to sterilizing our sport and removing the joy in following the journey to the outcome of any match. There is a reason we wrap Christmas presents; the thrill of knowing something good is coming our way, but not knowing what it's going to be, makes those moments more special and more embraced.