# Athlete Independence The search for complete self-sufficiency finds its way into sports. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Mar 19, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athlete-independence ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.2/10 - Evidence articles: 3 ## What is the Athlete Independence trend? **Athlete Independence:** The capability of gadgetry today has created a standard for independence that has recently found its way into the world of leisure sports. Consumers who don't have the time or funds to dedicate to formally joining a sports team no longer need to worry, as products dedicated to self-coaching and independent team organization are available. This speaks to a desire for complete self-sufficiency that has become the standard in society. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 3 featured examples - Articles from: May 29 to Aug 26, 2013 - Published: Mar 19, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Athlete Independence trend ### Self-coaching and team organization gadgets Consumers are seeking products dedicated to self-coaching and independent team organization. ### Technologically savvy score tracking Athletes are turning to technologically savvy options to keep score and time. ### Embedded sensors Embedded sensors and digital tools are being used to guide sports performance. ## What the Athlete Independence trend means for industry ### For Sports Equipment Manufacturing Companies that manufacture sports equipment and apparel need to invest in technology-enhanced products that facilitate self-coaching and advanced tracking. ### For Advertising and Marketing Agencies that advertise and market sports-related products should invest in innovative guerrilla campaigns like Nike Spain's that bring the game to the players. ### For Fitness Centers and Gyms Wellness centers and gyms can seize disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating technology-enhanced equipment and tracking systems like the Evo One basketball sensors. ## Trend signals for Athlete Independence Trend score 2.2 out of 10, from popularity 37%, activity 22%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 37% - Activity: 22% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Athlete Independence trend 3 featured examples from May 29 to Aug 26, 2013. - [Shot-Correcting Basketball Sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evo-one): Evo One Acts Like an Electronic Coach with Whistle and All (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Manufacturers in the sports equipment industry can explore opportunities to incorporate smart sensors and technology into their products to enhance player performance and training… - [Digitally Projected Football Fields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-sports-field): Nike Spain Brings a Digital Sports Field to the Streets (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Brands in the sports apparel industry can explore innovative ways to showcase and promote their products. - [Sports Score-Keeping Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scoreband): The Scoreband is an Economical Way to Keep Score in Several Sports (Category: Fashion) Implication: Innovative sports accessories and wearables can be developed for athletes to enhance their gameplay experiences ## Recent trend clusters - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)