Vertical Ball Rebound Height Analysis Software

The Problem

FIFA and other national and international sporting bodies have requirements for how high a ball should bounce when impacting the surface from a fixed height. Traditional methods before this technology had been developed were to either eyeball the height using a meter stick (which presents a risk of human error) or use software such as Audacity and post-process the data (which is a time-consuming process).

The Solution

Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a technology that is designed to fill the void for a quick and accurate (not subjective to human error) analysis of how the ball rebounds from the surface. The software records the audio generated by the ball hitting the surface after being dropped from a defined height. After a set recording time for the initial ball strikes, and the second strike, the software analyses the time difference between the two highest peaks. The value generated is run through a formula to determine the ball rebound height based on the initial drop height. The software supplies a diagnostic graph of the audio recorded to allow the user to ensure the accuracy of the data collected.

Benefits

Benefit
Unique in the field
Accurately quantifies and speeds up collecting and analyzing ball rebound data

More Information

Tyler Newton, M.S.
Assistant Technology Manager, Multi Campus Office
865-974-1882 | cnewto12@tennessee.edu

UTRF Reference ID: 24010
Patent Status:

Innovators

Dr. John Sorochan

Distinguished Professor, Plant Sciences

Dr. Sorochan received his PhD from Michigan State University in 2002. His research interests include athletic field management, including athletic field performance and safety, athlete to surface interactions. New cultivar and species evaluation for management and use, sustainable strategies for reduced inputs for gold courses, residential turf, and sod production.

Conlan Burbrink

Graduate Research Assistant, UT Institute of Agriculture

PhD Candidate Burbrink received his M.S. from Texas A&M in 2022 in Agronomy and Crop Science. He previously explored the within-field variability of sports fields, its effect on athletes, and ways to reduce variability through the prevision application of cultural practices.

Dr. Kyley Dickson

Research Scientist, Plant Sciences

Dr. Dickson received his PhD from UT in 2017. His research interests include sports turf management, gold course management issues, and variety performance of grass cultivars.