Sports

How professional Football is using AI to improve Corner Kicks

Liverpool and Google DeepMind’s AI-powered assistant, TacticAI, is transforming football tactics.

Published

3 months ago

July 1, 2024

AIinAsia

TL;DR:

Liverpool and Google DeepMind have developed TacticAI, an AI program that creates more effective corner-kick routines than humans.
TacticAI can predict the movements of players and the success of shots, offering improvement on human-generated tactics in 90% of cases.
The use of AI in football could revolutionise tactics and separate richer clubs from poorer ones.

The Power of AI in Football: Liverpool’s Innovative Approach to Corner Kicks

In the world of football, every advantage counts. Liverpool Football Club, in collaboration with Google DeepMind, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to gain an edge in one of the game’s most underestimated areas: corner kicks. The result is TacticAI, a groundbreaking AI program that can devise more effective corner-kick routines than humans, potentially revolutionising football tactics.

TacticAI: The AI-Powered Football Tactics Assistant

TacticAI was developed by Google DeepMind scientists working closely with Liverpool FC. The team analysed nearly 10,000 corner kicks from Premier League matches between 2020 and 2023. The resulting AI program can simulate corner kicks, predicting player movements and shot success. It can even factor in player height and weight when determining who will reach the ball first.

The Impact of TacticAI on Football

The utility of TacticAI is remarkable. In a study published in Nature Communications, it was shown that TacticAI’s suggestions were not only indistinguishable from real tactics but also favoured over existing tactics 90% of the time. This AI-powered assistant offers an effective corner kick retrieval system, demonstrating the potential of AI in football.

AI in Football: A New Frontier

The use of AI in football is not limited to corner kicks. Elite teams have been using data and analytics for recruitment, training, and injury prevention. However, the application of AI for tactical recommendations is a significant step forward. Some worry that this development could further widen the gap between rich and poor clubs, as smaller clubs may not have the resources to invest in AI technology.

The Future of AI in Football

AI is undoubtedly the next frontier in football. Manchester United has partnered with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport to explore AI’s potential in improving performance. Manchester City has recruited Laurie Shaw, a computational astrophysicist, as their head of football AI. As AI continues to permeate the sport, it’s clear that it will play a crucial role in shaping football’s future.

What do you think about the use of AI in football? Do you believe it will revolutionise the sport or create an even greater divide between rich and poor clubs? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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