On Court Coaching Mobile App using SAP HANA for WTA

On Court Coaching Mobile App using SAP HANA for WTA : SAP along with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced a breakthrough technology innovation to allow coaches to bring a WTA-authorized mobile device onto the court during a coaching break and use real-time data insights to analyze player performance for WTA games. Developed by SAP as a custom-built solution using core SAP technology based on requirements of the WTA and its players, the WTA coaching app, which has been used this season by players and coaches post-match to prepare for future games, will be available for use by the WTA when the athletes call their coaches on-court during matches in the 2015 WTA Season. The Mobile App is powered by SAP HANA and simplifies how WTA Players and Coaches use data to immediately analyze player performance during Match Play.

The WTA is the global leader in women’s professional sport with more than 2,500 players representing 92 nations competing for a record $118 million in prize money at the WTA’s 54 events and four Grand Slams in 33 countries. Close to 5.4 million people attended women’s tennis events in 2013 with millions more watching on television and digital channels around the world.

On-court coaching was originally introduced by the WTA in 2008 as a broadcasting initiative offering fans an inside look at the strategy between players and coaches. SAP worked very closely with WTA players and coaches in the development of this app to ensure that the data and analytics gathered will help them better engage by providing players and coaches with a tool to have insights about match performance live during a match.

On Court Coaching Mobile App using SAP HANA for WTA

Currently, WTA players and coaches receive post-match point-by-point analysis from SAP that allows them to visualize the subtle technique variations that players use throughout a match, helping them to analyze performance. Over the course of the 2014 WTA season, SAP technology experts worked closely with coaches and players to identify what information was essential to create a powerful analytics solution to optimize performance. As a result of this co-innovation approach, SAP developed a simple and engaging app to enable players and coaches to access key performance data such as serve direction and shot placement in real-time during match play.

In addition to the coaching tool, SAP developed the official WTA Finals mobile app to provide fans around the world with access to exclusive content, news, virtual replays, fan polls, statistics, player profiles and photos, along with ticketing and tournament information. Fans in Singapore will also be able to experience a Social Media Wall in the Fan Zone, allowing them to follow all activities around the WTA Finals on social media as well as the SAP Match Center, where attendees can track their favorite players’ insights and performance.

Over the last few years, SAP has increased the company’s focus to help transform the media, sports and entertainment industries with innovative technology to improve team and player performance, increase fan engagement and simplify league and venue operations. Today, SAP is successfully collaborating with a number of well-known sports organizations and associations in sailing, golf, Formula 1 racing, cricket, American football, baseball, tennis, basketball and football.