15 Times Math Helped In Very Non-Mathy Situations

With data analysis becoming increasingly prevalent in society, it was only a matter of time before it began to revolutionize the world of soccer. Soccer has always been a game that relies heavily on instinct and split-second decision making; however, with the introduction of detailed performance analysis, players are now able to make more informed decisions on the pitch. This shift has resulted in strikers shooting less from a distance and wingers passing instead of crossing, as they look to capitalize on their teammates' strengths.

While some older athletes may be resentful of this nerd takeover, there is no denying that data-driven methods have yielded better results than traditional ones. In fact, data has actually enhanced the viewing experience by providing new ways for us to understand and appreciate sport. For example, concepts like 3 > 2 would not have existed without SportVU cameras tracking player movements throughout an NBA game. These little cameras sparked a whole decade worth of changes in how basketball is played; we see pace acceleration and record numbers of three-point attempts per game, because coaches can now rely on concrete evidence when making strategic decisions regarding playing style.