Brian Gordon and the 3D Markerless Revolution

An example of a pro level Type 3 forehand Brian developed, based on his research. Dr. Brian Gordon is taking it to the next level. As the premier quantitative researcher in tennis biomechanics, as detailed on Tennisplayer in numerous articles (Click Here), his work is not primarily academic. He uses it in building strokes as a full time working coach. So what’s the next level? It’s the holy grail of 3D research: a completely markerless data capture system. Historically the process of 3D scientific measurements has required that players be fitted with reflective markers or sensors which can interfere with performance in producing representative tennis strokes. Limitations Physical markers required a long set up time. Wearing them could also be an unnatural and often uncomfortable experience for the player when trying to hit strokes. In August of 2013, The New York Times wrote an article about Brian’s research entitled “For Tennis Players, a Tech Lover’s Paradise.” The article describes how Brian had to physically place up to 70 markers on the body and racquet of a student to be able to create any data points about an individual’s stroke. With the markerless system, the player simply walks out on the…