Volleyball is a sport where every detail matters - from the serve to the final block in the decisive game. But behind the development of modern volleyball lies something else - the technologies that analyze every aspect of the game. One of the pioneers in this field isEmilio Spirito, the man who created some of the most important software for statistics and analysis in volleyball -Data Volley,Data VideoandVolleyball SmartSheet.
The authoritative volleyball websitevolleyball.itpublished an exclusive first-person account in which Spirito shares how it all began in the 90s, how his companyData Projectbecame a global standard, and how today it continues to develop new technologies dedicated to this sport.
The beginning: competition, regionalism, and the breakthrough of Data Volley
In the early 90s, several software programs for statistical analysis of volleyball matches already existed on the market. One of them was developed byMauro Berruto, but he decided to dedicate himself to coaching (and later to politics), leaving the niche open.
Spirito quickly realized the challenges of distributing his productData Volley. In France, local clubs don't use it because of national software, and the same happens in the USA. But when competitors withdraw from the market because the economic return is not sufficient, their customers switch to Data Volley.
"Data Project was internationally recognized as a company 100% dedicated to volleyball. We were always available to our clients and at the forefront of research and experimentation,"shares Spirito.
Innovations: video synchronization and expansion into basketball
After the success of Data Volley, Spirito's team began working onData Video- software that synchronizes video with real-time statistical data. This allows coaches and analysts to review every game situation through detailed filters.
The project was so successful that Data Project also entered basketball, becoming the official supplier of statistical systems for the Italian Serie A and A2. For eight years, the company managed the official website and statistics of the basketball league, but after a sudden contract termination, Spirito philosophically accepted what happened:
"There are no positive or negative facts - everything depends on our attitude towards them,"he says.
After this moment, Data Project focused entirely on volleyball and gained even greater international recognition.
Data Volley as a global standard
Over the years,Data Volleyhas become an indispensable tool for coaches and analysts worldwide.Specialists such as Alessandro Piroli, who was an assistant to Plamen Konstantinov in the Bulgarian national team, and Ivan Contrario, one of the best scouts in Italy, who also worked with Bulgaria, made a huge contribution to the software's development.
"During a match, these people were sworn rivals, but off the court, they exchanged files and analyses so that everyone could get the most out of the statistics," Spirito recalls.
Data Project continues to expand its portfolio with new technologies:
eScoresheet- an electronic scoresheet that has become standard in indoor and beach volleyball.
Video Check- a video check system that has established itself internationally.
Click&Scout and Essential Scout- programs designed for amateur volleyball.
In addition, the company partners withthe European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), developing its website and statistical systems.
The New Beginning: Tech4sport and Volleyball SmartSheet
After years of success at Data Project, Spirito decides to take a new path. He foundedTech4sport Srl, together with his partnerFrancesco, with the idea of making volleyball statistics even more accessible.
Their newest project isVolleyball SmartSheet- a free mobile application that allows referees and organizers to keep the official match protocol directly on their phone or tablet. After the match, the protocol is automatically sent in PDF format to the teams and can be integrated with federations.
"We want volleyball to remain in the hands of those who practice and love it, not in the interests of private companies,"says Spirito.
With this new project, he and his team continue to develop the digital future of volleyball, making statistics more accessible, intuitive, and useful for everyone, from amateurs to professionals.
Conclusion
The story ofEmilio Spiritois an example of how a passion for volleyball and technology can change an entire sport. FromData VolleytoVolleyball SmartSheet, he has left his mark on modern volleyball and continues to make the game better for coaches, scouts, and fans around the world.
photo: volleyball.it
