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Category: Assignments & Class Work
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Topical Essay
Tennis has been around for a very long time. Racquets have been made of ash and have an oval head. However, wooden racquets have weaknesses.
Take this example of a 12th-century racquet. It was the prototype of the racquets we have today, built of wood and gut. Racquets broke easily, and there were always challenges to improving the racquet. Some of these had to do with strengthening the frame. Other problems were strengthening the space between the head and the attachment to the handle. By 1905 Spalding had figured out that a wedge could be screwed into the bottom of the head and that, attached with a metal screw to the handle this would strengthen the racquet further. Finally racquets had to become more aerodynamic https://racquets.tennisfame.com/wood-racquets).
Over time new developments in racquet technology included the development of metal racquets, then wood laminate racquets, metal and composite racquets, large headed racquets and eventually graphite racquets.
(Prototype, n.d.) (Jeu de Paume Glove, n.d.)
The technology of the racquet is just an example here and an introduction to the eruption of technology in other facets of the game. Racquet technology focused on the equipment and ways to improve would improve the player’s game. More recently technology has become a whole game analysis tool that looks at the player’s technique from grip and swing to how hard players impact the ball, how much the material is moving or bending when the ball hits the racquets, to game analysis in real time. The game analysis includes the accuracy of points made, statistics for games, and players in real time and over time. This paper considers other technologies that support racquet sports from the racquet itself to the holistic analysis of the game from many angles.
First, let’s return to the racquet, the player’s central piece of equipment. In a 2019 study on racquet technology, researchers analyzed the performance of racquets using game statistics from four tournaments. Then they measured the improvements and performance changes in five players using four different racquets, from wooden to composite. The study found that player performance highly depended on the racquet used, with a positive trend in player statistics with the newer composite racquets (Osdemir et al. 2019). The study supports the purchase of new racquets as they emerge on the market, especially if they maintain the characteristics that improve play and refine them to make a stronger, lighter, more flexible, and responsive racquet.
Equipment advances are not the only technology in racket sports. Now technology covers many other aspects of a player’s game and analysis of the game as a whole over time on different courts and across locations and players. First are the innovations in gathering performance statistics from individual players. Technology can now measure players’ performance through sensor-based, computer-based, and wireless and mobile technology applications. Gosh et al. (2023) categorize tech learning into four areas: statistical learning and analysis, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and comparative discussion. Specific uses include statistical analysis of plays, analyzing players’ reaction speed, and footwork. This technology is very applicable to all sports, but useful for racquet sports, helping players reflect and practice their skills with concrete feedback analyzed by the coach.
The products offered by SportAI are equally useful, as they can translate a short video of an individual’s playing style and recommend the right gear for that player (Thome, 2024). The sports analytics website offers a range of articles on how to use video technology to coach players without the need for wearable technology (SportAI, n.d.).
Finally, there is virtual reality technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Data Visualization (DV) in sports training. AI creates a strong statistical analysis of data from real-time play, matches, and individual players. VR lets players practice their skills in realistic settings that challenge their skill level. AR allows players to receive tips while playing and to help with tactical planning, even during a match. DV provides data visuals that enable a better understanding of the data collected. One review of the technology suggests that the best way to use this technology is to use all four together (Cossich et al., 2023).
For most of the racquet sports community, this technology is too expensive for the individual player. However, it is not out of reach for some high-end players and organizations. Wearable technology can help the individual player who can afford neither a coach nor high-tech analysis. For example, Swing Vision is an app made for Apple watches, which has been around since 2016. The main cost of that app is the Apple Watch! Reviews started shaky, but the app has improved over time. One review from Tennis Coaching has called it a game change,r particularly for measuring and analysing serve and swing performance (SwingVision Review: 5 Ways It Can Improve Your Tennis, 2022) Swing Vision Pro costs $149 which isn’t too bad if you can afford the hardware. Still, that can be too pricey for many. Because technology improves over time and the cost often reduces, this technology may eventually be available for the less well-funded racquet sports community. As a coach I like the technology more than many other coaches. It gives me the ability to collect more information than my human eye can see. Many coaches are worried that these devices are coming in to take their jobs. I see this technology as furthering our ability to do our jobs. The personal experience you provide as a coach will not be matched by an app or any technology. It is a tool that can improve coaching.
References
Cossich, V. R. A., Carlgren, D., Holash, R. J., & Katz, L. (2023). Technological breakthroughs in sport: Current practice and future potential of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and modern data visualization in performance analysis. Applied Sciences, 13(23), 12965. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312965
Ghosh, I., Ramasamy Ramamurthy, S., Chakma, A., & Roy, N. (2023). Sports analytics review: Artificial intelligence applications, emerging technologies, and algorithmic perspective. WIREs Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/widm.1496
Jeu de Paume Glove. (n.d.). Court Tennis. https://racquets.tennisfame.com/court-tennis
Osdemir, O., Odabas, H. I., & Turan, T. (2019). Impact of Racquet Evolution: How New Technologies Affected Tennis Players’ Statistics? Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, 10(2), 1–15.
Prototype. (n.d.). Early Metal. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://racquets.tennisfame.com/early-metal
SportAI. (n.d.). SportAI. https://sportai.com/
SwingVision, Inc. (2016, October 18). SwingVision: Tennis pickleball. App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swingvision-tennis-pickleball/id989461317
SwingVision Review: 5 Ways it can Improve Your Tennis. (2022, August 29). My Tennis Coaching. https://mytenniscoaching.com/2022/08/29/swingvision-review/
Thome, L. (2024, September 25). The role of AI in sports equipment recommendations. SportAI. https://sportai.com/news/the-role-of-ai-in-sports-equipment-recommendations
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IDS Essay (Revised)
Athletic Sales & Entrepreneurship
Crosby Fay
By choosing the Interdisciplinary Study Program at Plymouth State University I give myself the opportunity to create a major about the two topics I am most interested in: Business, Entrepreneurship and Sales in Athletics. I will name my program Athletic Sales and Entrepreneurship because I want to learn how to incorporate my coaching skills into a sustainable business of my own. I also intend to keep up with new developments in the sports and sales world.
I decided to create my major because my interests lie in several areas. Think of it as a smoothie. I didn’t want to take a major and minor where things are set in stone, but rather a blend of the courses that will best suit my personal career goals. I chose courses that are practical, hands-on, and directly address my goals as a learner and an athlete. I wanted the business courses to support my athletics work and introduce me to entrepreneurship opportunities. As a leader, I will need good communication, business sense, and marketing skills. I wanted to understand the nuts and bolts of running a business while staying connected to the athletic world.
The major I have designed includes courses from 10 different areas of study. However, in order to explain how the program will work to meet my goals, I have grouped the course by topic areas. The first three courses are the bookends of my program. The IP course Foundation of Interdisciplinary Studies has given me the time and guidance to put this independent major together. I further honed my plan with IP 2500 The Cluster Learning Springboard in the second half of this semester. In that course, I explored the way clusters of courses can inform each other. The other bookend IP course is the Senior Seminar IP 4500 which I am presently attending. This has helped me create my final project and brought all the different courses together.
The first section of courses included courses in Allied Health, Physical Education, Health, and Exercise and Sport Physiology and Health. These courses prepared me to get my certificate to be an entrepreneur. In the Allied Health courses AHS 2000 and 2001, I learned the basics of the health professions. I combined them with PE 2850 Wellness Choices for a Healthy, Active Lifestyle, I gained an overview of wellness, general health and fitness. The course selections contributed to my training and my future profession, guiding my personal health and those of my clients. This was also true of the Physical Activity and Health HE 2400 Physical Activity and Health course. The health and activity guidelines and the fitness assessments prepared me both as an athlete and a coach. HE 3220 Applied Nutrition for Healthy Living was an obvious choice because it is the foundation of all good training. I’m not only interested in staying on top of my diet. HE 3110 Eating Disorders/Disordered Eating taught me the challenges athletes face when balancing sports performance with image and well-being.
First, I took the general prerequisite course for Exercise and Physiology courses, EX 2755 Intro To Exercise Science. This course gave me the foundation for taking more advanced courses in the field that prepared me to be a racquet coach and entrepreneur. CC 2540 Coaching Effectiveness helped me to understand how best to motivate and direct my athletes’ training, particularly the young athletes, and to supervise other coaches.
Next, I move to my math courses. BU 1152 Financial Accounting was necessary for anyone running a business. This course gave me the practical knowledge to know what I need in an accountant and helped me think about numbers.
MA 2300 Statistics I helped me read both research on exercise and market research and understand the implications and whether the research is sound. This informed my ability to think about what makes a study sound and how to read basic statistics in studies.
Next SAL 3280 Professional Selling I introduced the basic foundations of selling for any commercial or private company. It also strengthened my professional social abilities. SAL 3290 Professional Selling II gave me the confidence to practice and improve on the skills I already have. It also expanded my knowledge of sales philosophy and how to build yourself as a product.
Next, I want to explain the two entrepreneurship classes in my plan. The courses were part of a minor I intended to take, but I have included them here as part of my major because they are critical to starting a business. ENT 2460 Business Startup Planning and ENT 3030 Social Entrepreneurship helped me to understand some of the challenges to starting and maintaining a business, and how to develop and maintain a business that is solid and stable in its growth.
Finally, I took a course in SM 3350 Sports Facility & Event Management. This was a great course for me to take because it bettered my understanding of the facility that I already take care of and work for. I also host many events and tournaments at the resort, and it reinforced my skill and knowledge in this specific field.
To develop this plan of study, I consulted with several people. First was Dr. Christina Bradbury, Associate Professor of Finance here at Plymouth. She looked at my contract and immediately thought I should involve the Entrepreneurship courses while also preparing myself to get certified for fitness training. I chose the two classes she advised to set me on the path to understanding what it means to be an entrepreneur. I got a lot of advice from my expert advice advisor Dr. Matt Cheney. Luckily, he is in the IDS department, and he was very helpful at guiding me through the process of developing a balanced curriculum. I continued my relationship with Matt Cheney and got further guidance from the people in the Entrepreneurship minor on how to get a business plan and funding together. Finally, I talked to Dr. Julie Bernier, a professor of athletic training, who gave me the idea to include coaching so that I better understood the motivational and social aspects of training. She was inspiring because she gave me a whole new perspective on what I needed for this major and how I needed to change it.
One of the bigger reasons I want to go into this field of work is that I have so many friends and family who own their own businesses or work in the fitness world. I know that I will continue asking people in the field what the best practices are for running a sports-related business or managing a coaching program.
I plan on completing an IDS major called Athletic Sales and Entrepreneurship. This major includes business and entrepreneur courses to enable me to start and run a sports-related business effectively, and it has already impacted my present job positively. From accounting to marketing, I understood the financial side of success in sports-related businesses. My coaching class supported my exploration of positive athletic training. This interdisciplinary program touches on the areas that will enable me to continue in sports and training and be a successful businessman. The program has given me a wide range of business sales and athletics skills. Moreover, it has given me the confidence to head out as a graduate of Plymouth State, knowing I have the best personally tailored program supporting my future efforts.
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Hello!
My name is Crosby Fay and I am an (Interdisciplinary Studies) Athletic Entrepreneurship and Sales Major.
My IDS program has changed since the beginning, but it has gone great. Originally, I focused more on exercise physiology and did not enjoy my work. I switched to an entrepreneur and sales-based focus, but I am still in the athletic world. The switch has helped me gain business skills as well as management skills and will help me do more of what I intend to do after I graduate. I plan to continue to further my professional career as a racquet teacher and aim toward a director role. In my internship I have gained a great deal of management experience while still teaching request sports. Working at a large, high-end resort has allowed me to see all aspects of management, from finance and personnel to plant management and repair.
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Read and Reflect ( The Defining Elements of a Discipline)
My IDS major was a fruit salad at the beginning. I had coaching and sports, entrepreneurship, exercise sport and physiology. The fruit salad aspect was one in which I wanted to get good at several interconnected disciplines in order to be a well rounded personal trainer and gym owner. But my interest changed and I began to have more of a fruit smoothie major because I transferred from coaching only to sales and entrepreneurship major with aspects of coaching health exercise and sports blended together. The epistemologies included the health sciences, marketing and entrepreneurship, coaching effectiveness as well as the technology of both sales and sports. The content of what I studied in each discipline was shaped by the interest I had in entrepreneurship in the field of racquet sports. The coaching, athletic and health sides of my major side became shaped by what was trending in equipment and technology. How could I use what was available to become a better coach and better sales person? How could I integrate my knowledge to be ome a racquet sport entrepreneur?
I have learned so much about how to sell myself and my skills. I have learned the most current technology and how to market that technology alongside the best available equipment for the price range of my clientele. I have learned about health and nutrition, how to keep myself and my clients up to date on best practices for well being. I have learned that I have a lot more to learn in order to start my own business.
My studies have been synthesized in my internship/ job at Owls Nest. There I get to drink the fruit smoothie. I have to be aware of the day to day running of a department, I have to jeep up on sales, inventory and the best equip[ment to buy for the money. I need to be aware of the clientele and what they need, both personally and in a professional caring relationship.
My disciplines have never really contradicted each other. Perhaps that is because my goal has been to learn how to best support the racquet sports community rather than having a goal of just making a sale or making money. There were aspects of the sales and marketing courses that made me wonder if I could sell ethically, but I realized that by paying attention to what my clients need to improve their game, my sales would stay bound by concern for the well being of my clients. The unexpected viewpoint I now have is that being who I am and applying my knowledge from the IDS major, I will just be a better more successful coach and businessman, because underneath I’m still the same person.
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Research Portfolio
Chauhan, Y. S., & Pal, U. S. (2022). Innovative evolution of technology used among racket sports: An overview. Journal of Sports Science and Nutrition, 3(2), 175–179. https://doi.org/10.33545/27077012.2022.v3.i2c.117
This article reviews the recent innovations in sports technology and their potential impact on racquet sports. It reviews the use of enhanced AI, 3D technology, and wearable smart tech. It describes Hawk-eye in tennis, which tracks the placement and speed of balls with great accuracy. It discusses IBM’s Momentum, which provides real-time data for matches and has the capacity to show data over matches. The discussion of racquet sports includes squash, table tennis, and tennis.
The article is valuable to me because it makes so many different points about AI and technological innovation relevant to the racquet world. As a racquet coach, this article is an invaluable overview of current technology. As a potential salesperson in the sports field, it gives me an overview of what I might consider selling and why.
Ghosh, I., Ramasamy Ramamurthy, S., Chakma, A., & Roy, N. (2023). Sports analytics review: Artificial intelligence applications, emerging technologies, and algorithmic perspective. WIREs Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/widm.1496
This article discusses the value of sports analytics, which collects data on players and matches to help players analyze their strengths and weaknesses. The article discusses sensor-based, computer-based, and wireless and mobile technology applications. In that way, it is similar to the article above. However, it also gets more in-depth into the types of learning possible using technology. It categorizes learning into 4 areas: statistical learning and analysis, depth learning, reinforcement learning and comparative discussion. The article discusses specific uses such as statistical analysis of plays, analyzing players’ reaction speed and footwork. Much of the article is too technical to follow when it goes into actual computer functions. The article also discusses the future of AI in sports.
The article is essential to me as a coach and in sales. It is very in-depth about technological advancements and discusses specifics about how to use technology as a coach. This article is very applicable to all sports, but really useful for racquet sports, helping players reflect and practice their skills with concrete feedback analyzed by the coach.
Osdemir, O., Odabas, H. I., & Turan, T. (2019). Impact of Racquet Evolution: How New Technologies Affected Tennis Players’ Statistics? Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, 10(2), 1–15.
This article analyzes the performance of four different racquets using five volunteer players over time. The analysis considers the weight, head size and raw material for fifty years of production. The first reviews the difference between wood and composite raquets, the data on the speed of men’s serves from 1998 to 2012, and the number of aces from 1990 to 2015 in 4 different tournaments. The article then turns to the research group of five players using four different racquets, from wooden to the evolution of composite racquets, stopping with the 2017 Federer racquet. The study found a significant increase in player statistics dependent on the racquet. It showed a positive trend in player statistics from the oldest to the newest innovation in racquet technology.
This article provides the historical development and progression of racquet materials and different use cases for those materials. It demonstrates that newer racquet technology is progressive and supportive of performance in the sport. As a sales entrepreneur, it supports the sales of innovative racquets. It gives reasons for getting the newest racquet each year. The racquets both advance the level of player skill in the sport and make the sport more accessible to all players.
Thome, L. (2024, September 25). The role of AI in sports equipment recommendations. SportAI. https://sportai.com/news/the-role-of-ai-in-sports-equipment-recommendations
This article is posted on the SportsAI website, a company that provides a range of sports AI technology to individuals and organizations. The article discusses Sports AI’s capacity to translate a short video of an individual’s playing style and recommend the right gear for that player. Sports AI suggests that video should be part of their technology.
The company has many articles on its site related to the value and use of AI in coaching and sales. The whole website is beneficial to explore. This company has free applications, and it will be vital to be able to recommend this app to players. Organizations like the one I work for may want to purchase the more high-end AI so that coaches have a comprehensive technology are their fingertips for analyzing players on the court. As I am also going into sales, the gear analysis of Sports AI will help me convince players of the best (and most affordable) gear they might purchase.
Cossich, V. R. A., Carlgren, D., Holash, R. J., & Katz, L. (2023). Technological breakthroughs in sport: Current practice and future potential of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and modern data visualization in performance analysis. Applied Sciences, 13(23), 12965. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312965
In this article, researchers review the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Data Visualization (DV) in sports training. AI creates a strong statistical analysis of data from real-time play, matches, and individual players. VR lets players practice their skills in realistic settings that challenge their level of skill. AR allows players to receive tips while playing and to help with tactical planning, even during a match. DV provides data visuals that enable a better understanding of the data collected. The article argues that the best way to use this technology is to use all four together.
This article gives an excellent, detailed overview of current technology. It is not very easy in the practical development of a sport to have a lot of time in actual competition. This allows coaches like me to relate training to how one should play or improve the game or competition. As a salesperson, the technology improves the more you buy into it. Selling all four as a package will appeal to trainers, elite, and/or high-level players. It won’t benefit the average player because it is probably too pricey, but wearable AI might be an affordable option.
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3/5 Post
My disciplines are entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, business, athletics, and sports management. This made me realize how broad my IDS major was even though it feels narrow right now. This shows me where I can concentrate, but also where I can branch off into other fields as my interest grows. For example I am mainly a racquets coach and manager now, but I may want to start my own business, or move into sales to earn more income.
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Read and Reflect (Technologies in our Field)
- “Never Forgive Them” by Edward Zitron
- “Data and Justice: An Introductory Lesson” by Jacob Pleasants
Both of these articles are skeptical about how things are. The first article is about the innovations in technology and how they drive our consumer behaviors. They force us into new equipment even though the functions are essentially the same, say, on a cell phone. They also put electronic waste into the world. It is creating a “rot economy,” as the writer says. The paying customer isn’t the focus; growth is the focus. This behavior is toxic.
The following article is fascinating because it means I must find out where the data is and whether it is accessible. Then I have to determine whether the data is being used to provide information in a way that helps people. I was fascinated by the example of the Chicago crime graphic, which condemns parts of the city economically and socially. When crime is evident, people may avoid that place or not want to invest there. On the other hand, it is important to know where things are dangerous. Finally, is the data just data, or does this tell Chicago where they need to change the environment?
The first article will let me resist unnecessary innovation and be clear about which technologies will be supported over the long run. Which are growth gimmicks, and which are essential? The second article just makes me more aware of data and social justice. As a racquet coach, it is always good to know the demographics of who can play, who can afford to play, and what charities are available to help disadvantaged people play. Also, it helps with equity and fairness, teaching all people at their level but treating them the same. We need to use data for the good.
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Skills Inventory
Rank each of the skills below as follows:
4: I have experience with this skill & feel competent at it
3: This skill is a strength or passion of mine
2: I would like to develop this skill more fully
1: This is not a skill I have strength/ experience with
Other skills you possess that are not included above:
Other skills you would like to develop more fully that are not included above:
ACTIVITY
- Of the skills you checked off in the second column (strengths/passions), list 3-5 you feel are your greatest strengths.
- Athletic skills
- Ability to build or construct structures
- Basic Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)
- Work collaboratively on a team
- Imagine new possibilities
- Evaluate my own work
- Present a neat and professional image of yourself
2. Of the skills you checked off in the third column (skills you would like to develop more fully), list 3-5 that are most important to you.
- Specific computer skills within your field(s)
- Share your ideas in a discussion
- Be patient with impatient people
- Speak up for my own needs & ideas
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Read and Reflect
1. Read “Career Readiness: Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce”
from the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE). Think about your work on the skills inventory. How ready do you feel for life after PSU? (Don’t be scared! You’ve got this!)
I feel very prepared for life after PSU. I am already working in my field, so I know my strengths and weaknesses. My strengths are in communication, teamwork work and professionalism.
My strength is that I am a clear communicator. As a coach, I understand body language and gesture very well, so I can intuit much of what people are feeling and trying to say. I rely on the internet for short communications, such as texts and emails. A challenge in communication is writing longer reports. I have to work on organization.
My strengths in professionalism include my fairness and accountability habits, both toward myself and others. I’m present and prepared for work tasks, including coaching sessions and meetings. I have a very positive attitude. Something I could work on is the equitable treatment of others. This is an ongoing practice for anyone because you need to find out what is going on regularly and not act on assumptions.
My strengths in teamwork are clear to me. I’m a team athlete and know teamwork in my bones. I’m a good mediator for conflicts on the team. I can compromise, and I work with others to meet our goals. I could work on my selflessness, which can be a strength or a weakness. Too much of either is not good for the team, so findinga balance is ongoing.
2. Read “Digitalization and the American Workforce
” and reflect upon what the trends in digital technology mean for your future career goals. Do you know much about the technologies that you might need to master for your career? Do you feel prepared for the technology challenges that you may face in your career?
My real focus with digital technology involves sports AI and related coaching and performance analysis apps. I also want to stay current with marketing technology, website construction, and social media tools for networking. I feel like all of these are ongoing. The job market increasingly relies on technology, as does the workforce. I’m prepared, but the technology changes so much that you can’t ever feel too prepared.
3. How do the two readings connect to each other? Write a brief ePort post about this. Submit the link below.
I think the main thing with both articles is that being prepared is an ongoing project. I won’t just get a job and have the skills or the technology under my belt. Instead, the two will intersect. Communication relies of technology and teamwork will be supported by technology. Professionalism means I have to stay current in all relevant aspects of technology in my field.
