You’ve probably heard stories about gifted people who are so talented at their sport they could hit a home run with a chair leg or get a hole-in-one with a walking stick. However, for most people who take part in sports, such achievements are considerably less likely, and you depend upon the equipment you use to help improve your performance. As with most other aspects of life, technological developments are changing sports for everyone, helping people improve their game and make it more enjoyable.
Take golf as an example.
Golf is a sport that appeals to all ages and cultures the world over, and you can play golf well into old age. The vast market for golf equipment has led to manufacturers investing heavily in technology to develop their products and give them the edge. On the downside, if you’re playing with clubs that are more than a few years old, the chances are that technology has advanced since you bought those clubs to the extent that if the people you’re playing with have newer sets, you could be at a distinct disadvantage.
If you’re thinking of upgrading, it’s worth finding out more about the extensive range of irons and other golf clubs available before deciding which to purchase, as the clubs you use make such a difference to your game. Different styles of club suit different people, so it’s definitely not a case of one make or design of a club being suitable for every player. You can now get your clubs fitted and weighted for you, so they are set up to precisely complement your playing style and reduce the effects of errors in your swing.
You can also harness the power of tech to analyze your game. Swing sensor gloves and detachable sensors record your swing as you play so you can view it on a smartphone screen and see where you need to improve. Detachable sensors can do the same thing with your hip rotation, too, or you can attach a device to your clubs and record a whole round to play back at your leisure.
There are a couple of issues to bear in mind with technology, however:
- It’s a tool, not magic: All the aids in the world won’t turn you from a high handicap golfer to a scratch player, so you still have to practice and work at getting better.
- Everyone else is trying to do the same thing: The people you play with will all be doing what they can to improve their game, and therefore the advantage is greater when you are in the minority.
- Rule contravention: Rules and regulations limit some technologies, so make sure you won’t have a problem, especially if you’re likely to be competing.
It might be a personal choice or personal finances, but not everyone is going to spend money on new tech, while others will buy every new gadget and gizmo that comes onto the market. If you embrace technology in your chosen sport, you may well find your game improves; but don’t rest on your laurels!
