Pictures form the basis of cognitive learning for many people of all ages and abilities. Instruction manuals are frequently a combination of directions and diagrams, and even most drive-thru franchises include photos with their menu displays. Having the capacity to analyze a photo and derive relevant information is a skill that most folks use every day without even realizing it.
In the NFL, coaches and players can make (or break) a game, a season, or even a career based largely on their abilities to effectively study pictures taken during games (and then strategize accordingly). In seasons past, NFL coaches and players relied on printed Polaroid pictures for their playbooks. This season, though, the Microsoft Surface Pro tablets on the sideline are changing the game.
Implementing the use of the Surface has most notably cut the time spent waiting for pictures by nearly 75 percent. Where coaches and players used to experience a lag-time of 20-30 seconds during games, Microsoft has whittled that down to a mere 4-5 seconds. This expedited process (ideally) will lead to a more efficient interpretation of plays, and, subsequently, generate better overall performance. The pictures provided by the Surface are also in color (versus the former black-and-white prints); and have zoom capability, so that viewers can get up close and personal with jersey numbers, player positioning, and field orientation. By maximizing the amount of relevant information and minimizing the wait time, the Surface tablets provide NFL players with a new edge.
In addition the instant-gratification benefit that comes from using more efficient technology, coaches also have the capability to compare up to four images at one time and revisit specific plays later in the game. Surface tablets are restricted to images only in order to help alleviate potentially questionable competitive opportunities (lookin’ at you, Bill Belichick), but this could potentially change in future seasons. Having the ability to compare multiple photos come in extra handy when teams want to refer back to previous tactics and strategies on the fly (i.e., a team sets up in the same offense multiple times in one game). The tablets will also be equipped with styluses, which give users the ability to highlight passing routes, or circle a missed defensive opportunity.
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Photo-ops aside, the tablets can also be used to access a player’s medical information—a benefit that extends far beyond the field. If a player gets hurt, the medical staff has the ability to look up a player’s medical history with a few simple navigational swipes. The NFL has also taken a proactive approach to concussion prevention; and the technology in the Surface tablets allows health officials to monitor players with suspected head trauma. The remedial functions of the tablets could undisputedly be some of the best attributes that the technology brings to the industry.
Perhaps in the future, the tablets will be able to acquire statistical data (based off of the captured images), and then use it to generate hypothetical scenarios and their potential outcomes. This could be useful if teams are facing unfamiliar offenses, less than desirable weather (rain, snow, etc.) or are missing a key player. The Surface tablets could also be leveraged as another way to connect with fans—perhaps tweeting a V.I.P. shot of a play in the end zone or a picture of a few lucky fans.
As the technology continues to advance, the potential utilizations will expand to include achievements that weren’t even considered possible a mere few years ago!
Despite Microsoft having to coach NFL announcers to not confuse their tablets with iPads during broadcasts, the coupling of the NFL and the Surface tablets is one to keep an eye on in coming seasons.
Kimber is welcoming fall with open arms and a tasteful sweater-vest. When she’s not watching football, you can find her writing about her love of sports and her newfound addiction to conference call Bingo.