Carolina Marín’s Big Data

The objective? transform into data not only Carolina’s movements but also those of her rivals, to optimize performance, anticipate the development of a match and create training patterns.

“Everything is an ingredient in a dish that is quite complex to cook,” highlights Fernando Rivas, Carolina Marín’s coach and a key figure in the success of the Olympic champion.

The coach from Granada, who came to the Spanish Badminton Federation in 2004, has known how to adapt new technologies to the specific training of an elite athlete like Carolina with a multidisciplinary work model.

“There is a training strategy based on all the data that we have analyzed, but based on that data is where we get the tactical concepts and decide how he can play in a way that others do not play,” he highlights in an interview with EFE.

The one known as the ‘Rivas method’ consists of “working in a very holistic way. For me, what rules is the tactic that defines what I have to learn, how to play or the physical preparation that I have to develop ”, he details.

THE KEYS TO SUCCESS

The method has given the best possible results with Carolina Marín, Olympic champion in Rio 2016 and winner of 3 World Cups and 5 Europeans, among other tournaments.

“We are working with artificial intelligence, with machine learning and integrating the work of engineers in different fields to be able to make a system as automated as possible, but it takes time”, he highlights.

To transform this information into badminton patterns, the Carolina Marín team has a program designed by Rivas himself and developed for their needs by Movistar, which allows them to “have higher quality data.”

“All data analysis has evolved a lot throughout my career, with Carolina in particular. Now we are looking for more predictive metrics ”, he highlights.

Information that allows them to understand which patterns are the ones that will give more options for success in controlling movements, accelerations, types of plays or performance profiles to model training.

“They will not only give us the effectiveness of each of the hitting points, but they will also allow us to help the development of young players in the future,” he points out.

The strategy is not only to maximize the success of Carolina Marín but to lay the foundations to ensure that in the future there are possibilities of finding new ‘Carolinas Marín’.

“I have always said that it is unique. Not because Carolina Marín is Spanish or there cannot be another that achieves results, but because she is unique in the whole world. It’s very special, ”he says.

The objective therefore is to continue winning titles with Carolina and create opportunities for the sport to grow.

“We have shown that we have been able when it has never been possible before. Now that we know the way, it should be easier. Or at least the path is marked for other coaches who want to try it ”, he adds.

In the short term, Rivas and his team have to recover Carolina Marín from her serious operation this year and prepare her for her priority objective, Paris 2024.

“We have to develop other styles of play that are more in line with Carolina’s current bodily needs. We are going to follow the circuit and enjoy badminton and competition ”, he concludes.