App-Enabled Soccer Ball

Adidas recently released a new addition to their miCoach product line that helps soccer players fine-tune their kicking technique by providing instant feedback on a variety of performance metrics. Called SMART BALL, the size 5 regulation weight soccer ball has the feel and reaction of a normal ball, but is designed to communicate with the miCoach app to analyze kick data and provide tips for mastering new techniques and improving ball control.

A sensor array suspended in the center of the SMART BALL collects data, and proprietary algorithms determine the speed, power, spin, strike point and trajectory of the kick. The information is transmitted via Bluetooth to a mobile device where the miCoach app predicts and displays the complete path of the ball, even if it’s kicked against a wall. Tutorials offer advice based on the data, and a library of ball-mastery videos provide guidance for improving ball touch and handling. Users can also capture video of their kicks to share with friends, prove their ability with power and speed challenges, and track their progress in their personal record book.

Battery life is about 2000 kicks or one week and recharge time is approximately one hour. The package retails for about $200.