Sports Data Analytics : Techniques, Applications, and Innovations

In the rapidly evolving world of sports, data has become an invaluable asset, transforming how athletes train, teams strategise, and fans engage. The book delves into the heart of this transformation, offering a comprehensive guide to the latest techniques, applications, and future directions in sports data analytics. The book begins with the fundamentals, introducing key concepts and methodologies for data collection, management, and preprocessing. It then explores various analytical techniques, from descriptive and predictive analytics to advanced AI applications like computer vision and natural language processing. It presents real-world case studies and applications, showcasing how data analytics can enhance in-game strategy, player performance, injury prevention, and fan engagement. Finally, the book addresses emerging technologies, ethical considerations, and the future landscape of sports data analytics.

Dr. Mehul S. Raval, an educator and researcher with 27 years in engineering, holds a B.E., an M.E. in Digital Systems (2002), and a Ph.D. (2008) in Electronics & Telecommunication from the University of Pune. Since 2020, he has been Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Professor at Ahmedabad University. He previously lectured at SCET, DA-IICT, and was associate professor at Ahmedabad University until 2018. He later founded and led ICT at PDEU (2018–2020). His research includes computer vision, image processing, machine learning, data analytics, and engineering education. Supported by various funding agencies, he has numerous publications, editorial roles, and mentors students. Internationally, he has collaborated with Okayama University (Japan), Olin College (USA), and Sacred Heart University (USA). He also held leadership roles in IEEE Gujarat Section.

Dr. Tolga Kaya joined Sacred Heart University in the fall of 2017 as an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Computer Engineering program under the School of Computer Science and Engineering. His responsibilities include teaching undergraduate Engineering and graduate Computer Science courses and conducting research in his field. Dr. Kaya also oversees the growth of Engineering programs at Sacred Heart University. Before joining SHU, Dr. Kaya was an Associate Professor at Central Michigan University’s School of Engineering and Technology between 2010-2017. Dr. Kaya worked as a research scientist at Yale University from 2007 to 2010 at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. For several years, he has worked as a technology consultant (Brightwell Corp.) and a senior analog circuit designer (Microelectronics, Inc.). Dr. Kaya has a diverse research background and accomplishments in Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering. His research primarily focuses on wearable devices to monitor the physiology of athletes. He is well-known in the field of hydration research. Dr. Kaya also focuses on Internet of Things (IoT) devices and 3D printing technologies. Dr. Kaya also researched education technology and teaching pedagogies in the past few years. He implements active learning strategies in his classrooms and focuses on student-centered learning. All his courses have significant hands-on components with plenty of activities to help students link theory with practice.

Dr. N. Sertac Artan is an Electrical and Computer Engineering Associate Professor at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) College of Engineering and Computing Sciences. He got his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from New York University (formerly Polytechnic University). Before joining NYIT, Dr. Artan was on the New York University School of Engineering faculty. He also worked as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) Design Engineer, designing integrated circuits for commercial, academic, and military applications. Dr. Artan is the co-chair of the National Workshop for REU Research in Networking and Systems (REUNS) since 2021. He also served on the organizing committees of the ACM/IEEE Symposium on Architectures for Networking and Communications Systems (ANCS), IEEE Sarnoff Symposium, and ACM Conference on Security and Privacy in Wireless and Mobile Networks. His current research interests include network security, circuits and systems for medical devices, hardware accelerators, and biomedical signal processing.

Dr. Christopher B. Taber received a Ph.D. in sport and exercise physiology from East Tennessee State University. He is currently the program director of exercise and sport science, an M.S. program, and an associate professor at the College of Health Professions, Sacred Heart University. His research interests include strength and power development, periodization, muscle physiology, and monitoring and testing of athletic performance.