iBall delivers fascinating insights at the VELUX EHF Finals4 2018
The biggest handball event took place last weekend, May 26⁄27, in the LANXESS Arena, Cologne — the VELUX EHF FINAL4 2018.
HBC Nantes, HC Vardar, Montpellier HB and Paris Saint-Germain Handball were fighting for the title of European Champion, which Montpellier HB won with a 32:27 victory in an exciting French final against HBC Nantes. Uwe Gensheimer (Germany, playing for Paris Saint-Germain) was honoured as top scorer of the season, while Diego Simonet (Argentina, playing for Montpellier HB) got awarded the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP), making him the first Non-European Player to win this trophy.
Another first in this Champions League VELUX EHF FINAL4 was the use of the iBall (find more information here). All SELECT handballs used during the four matches were equipped with a KINEXON chip and delivered a new level of sports content live to a TV audience in more than 80 territories via embedded TV graphics and to all users of the official app within the stadium and at home.
Some examples of interesting statistics and information that the iBall generated over the course of the weekend:
- Nikola Karabatic (Paris) holds the record for both fastest goal (136 km/h) and fastest shot (139 km/h), whereas Michael Guigou (Montpellier) scored the slowest goal with a 7m-lob (27km/h)
- Furthest goal: Michael Guigou (Montpellier) during the semi-final: 19.5 meters. Closest goal scored by Balaguer Romeu (Nantes) in the final: 4.6 m
- MVP Diego Simonet did not really care where to place his six goals in the final, with even 50% of his shot placements to both sides of the goal
- HBC Nantes averaged more than 100km/h (highest in FINAL4) shot speed in the final, but nevertheless lost to Montpellier HB (avg. speed: under 95 km/h)
- During the 1st half of the final, Montpellier HB tended to shoot more goals aiming for the left side of the goal, while HBC Nantes scored the majority of their goals on the right side
- Average shot speed of all teams: 96.18 km/h
- Average distance of all teams: 7.69 m
- Fun fact: the Top2 shots of the semi-finals were both saved by the goalkeeper
The FINAL4 also served as a starting point for nothing less than a new era in handball: a €500 million deal between the European Handball Federation and EHF Marketing GmbH, Infront and Perform Group. It is the biggest deal ever signed in handball and covers all media and marketing rights to all editions of the EHF Euros, EHF Champions Leagues and many more starting in 2020 for the duration of 10 years. It will surely shape the future of handball and bring a huge chance and potential for future growth and development. A key focus of the strategy will also be to grow the appeal of the sport through an enhanced digital offering. New content will have to be generated, and the iBall shows perfectly what stories handball has to tell. It makes the sport even more fascinating and tangible for fans all around the globe across a variety of channels like TV, Streaming, Apps and Social Media.
More stories
What Data and Insights Does Connected Ball Technology Provide?
Author: Daniel Linke, PhD
Adidas recently announced that the official ball for EURO 2024 will use connected ball technology at the men’s and women’s UEFA EURO tournaments. It provides real-time data and insights on the position, motion, and status of the ball. But what data and insights does this provide? Let’s find out.
How Much Do KINEXON PERFORM GPS PRO Wearable Sensors Weigh?
One of the most important criteria for wearable sensors is that they should be lightweight and comfortable, while still providing the sports data analytics that coaches and trainers need. KINEXON PERFORM GPS Pro wearables fit the bill, but how light are they, really? Let’s find out.
What Volleyball Analytics Can Coaches Get from KINEXON PERFORM IMU?
More and more coaches and players are implementing volleyball analytics to help improve their game. And they’re using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) to gain an edge. So, let’s explain what the IMU is, the metrics it provides, and which ones should matter most to volleyball coaches.
Savino Del Bene Scandicci Volleyball Selected as Third KINEXON and AWS Flagship Team
Savino Del Bene Scandicci is among Italy’s best women’s volleyball teams and competes on an international level, in the highest European competitions. Alongside other teams and clubs from different parts of the world in various sports like Florida State University, Viktoria Berlin and TSG Hoffenheim, the team is joining forces with KINEXON and AWS and embrace technology with clear goals in mind. Let’s dive in.
How Hockey Advanced Statistics Are Changing The Game On Every Level
In ice hockey, advanced statistics are an incredibly powerful tool. They can unlock the secrets of the sport. From the ability to track a player’s individual performance to developing team strategies, advanced stats can help teams make better decisions and gain a competitive edge. Let’s find out how.
Why Are KINEXON Sports Vests a Vital Part of Player Tracking?
In sports, advanced technologies are becoming increasingly instrumental in enhancing player performance and strategy. The introduction of sports vests has helped tremendously in the gathering of data. The reason? When equipped with a player tracking wearable sensor, sports vests make collecting sports performance data incredibly easy.
How Football Coaches Can Use Sports Performance Data to Peak During Bowl Season
As the bowl season draws near, the role of sports performance tracking technology becomes pivotal. For coaches, strategically balancing weekly training schedules and the demands of game day must be top-of-mind to secure the best opportunity to land a bid for a bowl game.
KINEXON Is Helping Teams to Introduce Cycle-Oriented Performance Training in Women’s Sports
When it comes to achieving peak performance in sports, the one-size-fits-all approach falls short. With the rise of individualized training regimens, a new area has emerged in women’s sports: performance and team training oriented on players’ menstrual cycle and well-being.
By leveraging the power of KINEXON sports analytics, teams are tapping into a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between the menstrual cycle, personal well-being and athletic prowess.
How Coaches Craft Game Plans from Basketball Shot Data and Performance Metrics
In the bygone era of basketball coaching, the responsibility of tracking and analyzing player statistics fell squarely on the shoulders of coaches. Assessing shot charts, dissecting practice drills, and developing game strategies were manual endeavors that required a keen eye and extensive time commitment.
Fast forward to today, where the marriage of performance tracking data and shot statistics can not only alleviate the burden on the coaching staff but also offer a profound, data-driven window into player performance.
Behind the Sports Tech: Why KINEXON’s Player Tracking Wearables Stand Out
KINEXON is known for its use in sports analytics by leveraging wearable sensors to collect data from athletes in real-time. Let’s break down the technology behind the sensors.
How Basketball Coaches Use Sports Performance Tracking Data Leading into Game Day
Earlier this year, we sat down with the University of Colorado’s Steve Englehart, Director of Sports Performance for Olympic Sports, to learn more about how he prepares for the Buffaloes men’s basketball season. His mindset about athlete performance and training methods has evolved with the development of sports performance tracking technology.
Here, we dive deeper into his experience using KINEXON’s PERFORM IMU solution to prepare his team to compete at the highest level for the 2023 – 24 college basketball season.
Florida State Basketball: Women’s Team Dribbles into the Future With KINEXON as the Next AWS Flagship Team
Helping to lead the charge with German lighthouse football club, Viktoria Berlin, Florida State University’s (FSU) Women’s Basketball program is the next flagship team to have joined forces with KINEXON and AWS, challenging the status quo for women athletes in professional and collegiate sports with cutting-edge sports technology – customized to women’s requirements.
What Types of Basketball Shots Can COMPETE Vision Improve?
From layups to three-pointers, the types of shots in basketball that players take continues to evolve. But now coaches can use KINEXON COMPETE Vision to analyze practice and game videos to help improve the shots their players take from anywhere on the floor. Here’s how.
KINEXON Sports Data Journalist Transforming The Handball Bundesliga Viewing Experience
Author: Dave Grendzynski
In the world of sports, a data-driven era is emerging, revealing untold stories beyond the on-field action. KINEXON is leading this transformation in Handball Bundesliga.
And at the heart of it is this season’s game-changing role: the sports data journalist, and Lara Kellermann’s impact in this innovative partnership.
Furman's Director of Basketball Performance, Matt Aldred, Joins KINEXON as an Ambassador
KINEXON is excited to announce the signing of Matt Aldred, Assistant Head Coach and Director of Basketball Performance, as a member of the KINEXON Ambassador Program.