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
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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. You can read more about the research in Nature Communications here.
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. This echoes concerns about the AI arms race in other sectors.
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, much like how AI is shaping our shared heritage in museums. The growing influence of AI in various industries highlights why it's important for individuals to understand their non-machine premium in the evolving job market.
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Latest Comments (2)
This is fascinating! I'm just delving into this whole AI in sport thing, and TacticAI sounds brilliant. I wonder though, with all these data-driven insights improving corner kicks, how do teams ensure they don't lose that element of spontaneous human ingenuity in their plays? Wouldn't too much predictability make the game a tad dull for viewers? Just a thought. I'll definitely be looking more into this.
This is fascinating! I’ve always wondered how much more intricate set-pieces could get. TacticAI sounds like a brilliant tool, especially for something as critical as a corner kick. My main thought, though, is about the real-time application during a match. While this AI can analyze endless scenarios pre-game, how quickly can a coach or even the players on the pitch adapt to its suggestions when the game is flowing? It’s one thing to train for a perfect routine, quite another to adjust mid-play if the opponent shifts their defense. I guess the big question is, will we see more dynamic, AI-informed adjustments *during* the game, or is it mostly pre-planned optimization?
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