I have long been interested in the physics surrounding the perfect parallel pass, and the biology behind why some people can push themselves beyond what seems humanly possible to win that big game. That is why, after reading the article linked below, I decided to start this post. Its purpose will be to track advances in science that directly impact sports.
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From 'Avatar' Playbook, Pro Teams Use 3-D Imaging (NYT / CNBC)
Anybody that has recovered from an injury can tell you how hard it can be to re-discover your body's overall balance. What feels right is not necessarily right, and what feels wrong, well, you may need to get used to. How great would it be for physical therapists, and sports medicine specialists, to have a tool that actually provides a comprehensive before-and-after, moving picture of a persons posture? Apparently we are not too far away from attaining this, and much more.
"[I]f an athlete is captured when healthy and performing with peak effectiveness, a second recording can effectively let the athlete 'step inside' himself or herself after an injury or a slump, compare the two sequences and reveal in precise detail what has changed and how to focus rehabilitation."
The incredible amount of data these new 3-D scanning devices are obtaining, and storing, can be used to improve actual game-play as well. Putting real-time numbers to a pitchers every movement is thousands of times more effective in determining the exact body metrics involved with the perfect curve ball, than even the most advanced video camera.
The one instance of possible abuse listed in the article, NCAA players training too long with coaches via lap tops, seems like a minor infraction given the way my maniacal mind is spinning. I can imagine a competitive world beyond the court or field, where having the scan of a key players' movements is worth more than gold.
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