There’s a lot of press about analytics in sports and how the data can be used to improve player
selection, but how about performance?
We’re happy to see a new technology from ShotTracker, a start-up located in Overland Park,
KS. They’ve solved the age old problem of tracking player shots, and developed a device that
delivers some powerful benefits for coaches as well, particularly during the off season when it’s
hard to keep players in check. It applies the theory “you can’t improve what you don’t
measure” to shooting, which for a skill that improves with repetition, makes a lot of sense to us.
ShotTracker consists of three components: a wrist sensor, net sensor and the ShotTracker App.
The wrist sensor detects when a shot is attempted. The net sensor detects whether the shot was
made or missed. Both sensors communicate with the ShotTracker App, which automatically
keeps track of your shooting stats.
From the player’s perspective, it’s motivating to see day-to-day progress and certainly ups
the focus during even a casual shoot-around. In addition, players can complete structured
workouts and get shot charts of their results. Players can also follow other players – whether
they be teammates or rivals, which creates some healthy competition.
The player functionality is great, but it’s the connectivity between coach and player that gets us
most excited. The ShotTracker Coach App lets a coach create and distribute custom workouts
to their players. Once sent, the coach can see when the player completes the workout, and
his/her performance, in real time. No more paper workout sheets, no more excuses – coaches
can evaluate performance and adjust their players’ workouts throughout the off season. Or, if
their conference rules do not allow off season engagement, the coach can wait to review the
data when their players return to campus.
We think ShotTracker has gotten it right. It’s an easy-to-use system that improves player
performance via access to data, but also provides increased connectivity between player and
coach. We realize that all coaches are not technically savvy, however our players are, and this is
a training tool that will engage young players and deliver results. To learn more, visit
