By Michalis Michaelides

As tennis becomes more data-driven, advanced tracking technology is transforming how players, coaches, and broadcasters approach the game. Hawk-Eye is leading this transformation with SkeleTRACK, which debuted at the Laver Cup 2024 in September. This optical tracking technology provides real-time data on player movements and biomechanics, offering next-gen insights into metrics like knee bend angle, shoulder-over-shoulder angle on serve, and top sprint speed.

In the fast-evolving world of professional sport, precision tracking is revolutionizing how we understand and experience tennis. At the forefront of this change is Hawk-Eye’s SkeleTRACK, an advanced optical tracking system that captures 29 skeletal points on an athlete’s body. Using cutting-edge image processing and player recognition, SkeleTRACK delivers unparalleled insights into player movements, biomechanics, and performance. More than just a tracking tool, SkeleTRACK is a game-changer in the way sport is analyzed, played, and experienced.

Why SkeleTRACK?

Hawk-Eye has long been trusted for its Electronic Line Calling (ELC) system in tennis. As demand grows for more precise and comprehensive data, tracking technology has evolved beyond ball tracking to capture player movement and biomechanical insights in greater detail. SkeleTRACK was developed to bridge this gap, offering a more in-depth analysis of biomechanics and real-time player movement insights as the action unfolds.

Traditionally, tennis players have relied on wearable tracking devices to measure metrics like distance covered, velocity, and acceleration or deceleration rates. However, these devices are still not permitted in a number of tournaments, limiting access to performance data during live matches. SkeleTRACK can help overcome this challenge by offering a non-intrusive solution that provides real-time data without requiring wearables, ensuring accuracy and continuity for athletes between training and competition.

How SkeleTRACK Works

SkeleTRACK is an advanced optical tracking system that uses image processing and player recognition to track both the ball and player movements. Unlike previous methods that focused primarily on ball tracking, SkeleTRACK enhances analysis by capturing 29 key points on a player’s body, offering greater accuracy and deeper biomechanical insights.

For instance, during a serve, the system can measure the shoulder-over-shoulder angle, helping players understand the mechanics of their motion and how they can improve efficiency in the future. It also tracks seven key points on a player’s racket, capturing data on racket velocity, ball speed, and spin. These insights allow players and coaches to connect racket movements with ball outcomes, improving both technique and game strategy.

Benefits of SkeleTRACK

SkeleTRACK can offer a range of benefits to professional tennis. During the Laver Cup 2024, biomechanical insights sourced through skeletal tracking data, supported the enhancement of live broadcasts with deeper stats and analytics. Down the line, these insights could be shared with players and coaches to improve performance.  

Player Performance

• Potential for coaches and players to access detailed biomechanical data in real-time.
• Targeted technical adjustments through deeper advanced metrics, such as knee angles and shoulder positioning.
• Small refinements in movement can lead to significant performance improvements.

Broadcast Enhancements

• Data such as top sprint speed and on-balance percentage add new dimensions to broadcasts.
• Fans gain deeper insights into the physical and technical demands of the game.
• Enhanced visual storytelling makes broadcasts more engaging and informative.

The Future of Tracking in Tennis

By advancing beyond traditional ball tracking, SkeleTRACK offers a more accurate and comprehensive way to monitor player movement, racket characteristics, and ball dynamics. Not only does the technology enhance match analysis, but it also unlocks new opportunities by transforming raw data into actionable insights. As tracking technology becomes increasingly central to tennis, the introduction of skeletal tracking is playing a key role in shaping the sport’s future.

Following its debut at the Laver Cup 2024, Hawk-Eye-powered SkeleTRACK is set to provide tennis with unprecedented levels of data. Whether refining player performance, enhancing broadcasts, creating new fan experiences, and next-gen officiating tools,, skeletal tracking technology marks a significant step forward in how we understand and experience the nuances of tennis.

Keen to learn more? Get in touch with our team and book some time to discuss SkeleTRACK and the suite of solutions Hawk-Eye provides for tennis and many other sports.