Qlipp provides tennis players with real-time stroke and video analysis of speed, swing, ball spin and more.
The game of tennis is as rich in tradition as they come. However, throughout the years, technology has radically changed the sport — from smart polo shirts to automated stringing machines to on-court data collection. Joining the likes of Babolat, Sony and a few others, one Singapore-based startup is now hoping to make it even smarter by way of sensor-laden racquets.
Whereas many of those before it have attached to the butt of a handle, Qlipp has taken a different approach by clipping a 9DOF sensor onto the actual strings of the racquet. This enables the unit, in conjunction with an accompanying mobile app, to keep tabs on every part of a player’s game such as measuring strokes, analyzing the spin, and tracking speed and sweet spot accuracy of each shot. Aside from real-time analytics, users can even capture and wirelessly transmit video of their swings.
“By analyzing stroke data, players can determine areas of their game that need improvement. Are they hitting the ball properly? What is the ball speed for each shot? What is the ball spin? Qlipp also provides data on the amount and quality of a player’s forehand shots, backhands, volleys and serves. By tracking every detail, from serve to match point, players can see where they need to improve their game,” the team writes.
Through their smartphone, players can instantly view their data, save each session for future reference or compare their performance to other users. Qlipp is capable of connecting to a number of social networks, allowing anyone to share and compare their progress, organize local matches and share their statistics on a community leaderboard. Beyond that, the app features voice feedback so users can hear the app relay their stroke information while they are still on court.
As any tennis enthusiast will admit, even the most minuscule weight change in a racquet can impact performance. Cognizant of this, Qlipp is super lightweight (only 8 grams) and brand agnostic. Meaning, the sensor can be attached to any tennis racquet via the device’s registered “twist and lock” design that doubles as a vibration dampener. To attach, users need only twist and lock the sensor below the first string.
Qlipp is equipped with a battery that can last for at least four hours on a single charge, which is plenty of juice for any training session or match — unless, of course, you’re in an 11-hour Wimbledon battle like John Isner and Nicolas Mahut. Meanwhile, communication between the instrument and the Android or iOS device is accomplished through Bluetooth Low Energy within a range of 164 feet.
Are you a tennis player looking to up your game? Then you’ll want to check out Qlipp’s Indiegogo campaign, where the team is currently seeking $30,000. Shipment is slated for December 2015.
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