TSG: where tactics and technology combine

As the club's main sponsor, SAP has always deemed it important to use its technical expertise to assist TSG Hoffenheim in the implementation of the club's innovative aspirations in all the fields in which it's engaged. ''For six years now, we've continually contributed our innovative strength and our technological expertise to the development of the club,'' said Fadi Naoum, Head of Sports and Entertainment at SAP and advisor to TSG in all technology projects. ''Thanks to a close exchange and an intensive working relationship, we've not only been able to optimise our business practices; we've also improved the sporting experience for both the team and the fans.''

TSG currently uses a total of ten interconnected integrated systems developed by SAP. The use of these SAP systems allows the football club to optimise its engagement with all of its target groups: the team, coaches, management and fans. This approach ensures that each of these groups is provided with the best possible service.

Tactics Board – the next innovation

In close collaboration with Hoffenheim, the long-established SAP Sports One solution will soon be complemented by the new Tactics Board application. This will significantly bolster the existing possibilities for match preparation: comprehensive new methods for the representation and communication of match tactics, set-piece practice and team formations will be made available. The Tactics Board forms part of the SAP Challenger Insights function within the SAP Sports One solution.

The advantages of the new function

Football coaches are able to make use of the Tactics Board in order to clearly and dynamically display player movements, formations and tactics. For example, a 2D view of the pitch allows for the simulation of set-pieces such as corners or free-kicks from both a defensive and offensive perspective. In addition, several consecutive passages of play can be turned into an animated representation of the overall run of play. The coach may then use a tablet to discuss the movements on the pitch with his players.

The Tactics Board means that information can be visually represented anywhere and at any time - with no need for pen and paper. The creation of a user-friendly interface was set as a priority in the development of the app. This could prove highly advantageous in certain situations, for example if the coach is forced to make an unforeseen substitution due to an injury and has to prepare the substitute for their tactical role in as simple and prompt a manner as possible.

Use of the Tactics Board

The iOS application can currently be used by all SAP-Sports-One customers and is expected to also be employed at TSG Hoffenheim. As the German Football League (DFL) has granted official approval for the use of iPads and other mobile devices in the technical area during matches, the Tactics Boards may now also be used during a match.