Where would we be, as sports fans, if there was no one inventing weird sports technology?
Over the years, we have been able to thank nerds and geeks for giving us sports features we could never imagine doing without. Good examples are stadium lighting (allowing night games), video recording, scoreboards, and even the Kiss Cam. Once established, most sport technology transitions from being seen as odd to mainstream. On the other hand, some sports tech may become popular -- but these four items will likely remain in the eccentric category for some time.
Scientists ruin the game for you
Part of the fun of watching a game on television is the anticipation over who will win. Sadly, unique technology has smashed this feeling to bits. Switzerland's Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Professor Pascal Fua are the ones to blame for this damage. Worse, this team of scientists think that their multiple cameras and fancy computer program can help coaches predict the outcomes of games and, "could also be used to create computer sports commentary."
Down-turned economy golfing solution
Are you tired of paying all of the costs associated with playing golf? If you are like many Americans, the economy is making it more difficult to afford golf course memberships and extra money for caddies. For this reason, a report from Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado may intrigue you.
Like baseball batting cages, golf cages work on the same principle. Created by Frank Vigil, a 50th Space Wing Information Protection manager, golf cages include a net that surrounds the area that you tee off in -- letting you swing for hours. Of course, people will stop and stare at you the first time they see you using a golf net. But on the flip side, you will never lose a single golf ball again.
Sports gear from a dentist
PowerBalance.com is promoting several pieces of odd sports products on their website this year. This includes their "neon invasion" accessories and their "black hologram" series. In addition, they are showcasing a $99 item that needs the help your local dentist. This piece of mouthgear is touted as a way to improve on mouth guards of the past. While practicality is still being reviewed, this item may make you difficult to look at.
Tasers are for sports too
If someone told you that they wanted to play sports with the help of a taser, you might look at them with question marks in your eyes. In spite of the strange name, this new sport is not as dangerous as it sounds -- unless you have a pacemaker. To play, teams are formed and a giant ball is tossed around what looks like a soccer field.
Featured on the Colbert Report, this Canadian sport, officially termed Ultimate Tak Ball (UTB), does leave losers feeling sparky. Currently, UTB has four teams in North America and is in the process of franchising extra teams.
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