Communication of time sensitive information is often considered one of the most important elements to improved team performance. Coaches in all leagues use shouts, hand signals, signs and many other methods of communicating information to the team on the field/court/rink at all points of a game. This communication is often how to change position, to pass in a play, to counter an offense or many other things. The one who relays the best information last often wins.
This brings me to Google Glass. For those that don’t know it is a piece of wearable technology that sits at the corner of your right eye. It is able to display visual information in a hands free way.
Imagine the impact this could have on sports (if it were ever allowed – although I don’t believe it is banned specifically in the rules yet). Managers could convey unique information to every single player at the push of a button based on set requirements. A pitcher/catcher coordination could be quicker. Batter strengths/weaknesses could be displayed instantly (maybe even their hot/cold zones by pitch). In football the same could be true for every position on a defense.
All of this without a material change to player equipment or impacting player visibility on the field of play. Three quick blinks could enable/disable the display instantly when needed. It is secure, personal and instantaneous – every quality necessary in critical information sharing.
With that said, this will likely be banned by all sports as it becomes ubiquitous and teams think about making use of it. But sports (like the military) often revolutionizes new ways of communicating and analyzing behavior before it makes its way into the mainstream. I’ll be interested to see how this one progresses.