Shot Spot
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shot Spot is the name for a replay system used by ESPN for tennis. As the name suggests, it determines the spot of shots near the lines. CBS uses a simialar system called Hawk-Eye.
The exact details of its mechanism have not been released by ESPN. Ten cameras surround the tennis court and are aimed at various lines on the court. Data captured by the cameras is analyzed in a computer, which can recreate the play. It is described as being very accurate. The system can also measure the speed of the ball at any given point during a rally, along with other information.
Similar technology was almost to be used as an electronic line-calling system to aid the umpire in close calls during the 2005 US Open in a similar manner to the instant replay technology used by the NFL. The attempts to put this system in place were unsuccessful because the system is not yet as accurate as the USTA would like.
