Ten Surprising Sports That Use Magnets

We love our sports, but did you know that magnets play a key role in a surprising number of sports? You may not notice them, but magnetic applications are working in all sorts of sports technology and equipment. From improving performance and safety to creating innovative fan experiences, magnets are playing a valuable role across an impressive range of sports.  

1. Golf 

Jot this one down on the list of gifts for the person who has everything - magnetic ball markers and clips: Golfers often use magnetic ball markers that attach to a clip on their hats or belts. These markers are easy to attach, detach, and keep track of during a round. Here’s to a more relaxed nine holes on a Sunday morning!  

Golf clubs can be difficult to handle and keep organised in the golf bag, even for the experienced golfer. Magnetic club holders are the perfect solution, designed to keep golf clubs organised and accessible during practice or when you’re driving off the tee.     

2. Motorsports 

In Formula 1 and other motorsports, magnets are used in quick-release fasteners for pit stops, reducing the time required to change tires and perform repairs. The speed that these changes are made during races is the difference between winning a losing, and the quick release magnetic fasteners are absolutely essential in making that lightning speed change possible.  

Sensor Systems that monitor all sorts of criteria in race vehicles also use magnets. Magnetic sensors are employed to monitor vehicle speed, position, and performance in real-time, providing valuable data for teams and drivers. 

3. Cycling 

We all know that familiar walk that cyclists have once they unclip their cycling shoes from the pedals. Let’s not get technical, but on a racing or hybrid bike, getting your feet in and out of the pedal clips quickly is essential, not just for performance but also for safety. Magnetic bike pedals and cleats offer a secure yet easily releasable connection between the cyclist's shoes and the pedals. This design using magnets, provides better power transfer and reduces the risk of the foot slipping off. 

Magnetic resistance is used in indoor stationary bikes. Indoor cycling trainers often use magnetic resistance systems to simulate outdoor riding conditions, allowing cyclists to adjust the intensity of their workouts. Magnetic resistance on these training bikes has enabled them to be ‘tuned’ to get the desired training outcome, whether for elite athletes or for people looking to improve their fitness using stationary bikes for their cardio-vascular work. No modern gym is complete without this magnetically resistant training equipment. 

4. Equestrian Sports 

Magnetic therapy is widely used in equestrian sports for performance and recovery. Magnetic blankets and wraps are used on horses to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and aid in their recovery. Equestrian sports, from racing to showjumping, dressage and cross country, place a high physical toll on horses and magnetic therapy is an essential part of their conditioning and recuperation. 

Magnetic stirrups are another innovation that help riders maintain foot placement and balance, providing additional security during events, particularly high-risk equestrian sports such as showjumping, Western riding and cross country eventing. 

5. Fishing 

Tying lures and hooks can be a challenge if you’re all fingers and thumbs, so magnetic hooks and lures are a very popular innovation in recreational fishing. Advanced fishing lures use magnets to keep hooks in place until a fish strikes, improving your chances of a successful catch. 

Magnetic gear holders are another handy innovation. Magnetic holders are often used on boats or in tackle boxes to keep hooks, lures and other small metal accessories organised and secure.  

6. Basketball and Indoor Sports 

OK, you probably never thought of magnets in basketball, right? Think again. Magnetic Shot Tracking Systems are used for elite players to give valuable data for performance evaluation. In training environments, magnetic sensors embedded in basketballs or backboards can track shot trajectories, providing players and coaches with detailed performance analytics. 

Magnetic court markers are a clever innovation that makes it easy to set up courts and pitches literally anywhere there is a flat surface. Temporary court lines and markers that use magnetic bases are easy to set up and remove, making them useful for multi-purpose sports facilities. 

7. Soccer 

There is nothing more frustrating in sport, and soccer in particular, than disputes over whether the ball has crossed the goal line. Magnetic goal line technology seals the argument. This technology uses magnetic fields in conjunction with cameras to determine whether the ball has fully crossed the goal line, helping referees make accurate decisions and shutting down many heated arguments after the whistle has blown.  

Magnetic cones and markers are also used in soccer training drills for quick setup and easy repositioning. 

8. Skiing and Snowboarding 

Magnetic Goggles are not for a comedy act – they’re an excellent safety innovation gaining popularity on the ski fields. These ski goggles with magnetic lens attachments allow athletes to quickly swap lenses based on changing weather conditions. Clever – and a great improvement in safety for snow sports.   

Magnets are also used in boot and binding systems. The magnetic components in the boots and bindings provide a secure connection while allowing for quick and easy adjustments. 

9. Weightlifting and Gym Equipment 

Magnetic weight plates are used in some advanced gym equipment to provide a more seamless and secure weight adjustment system. 

You’ll also find magnets in resistance machines. Many modern resistance training machines, such as bikes, cross-trainers and rowers, use magnetic systems to create smooth and consistent resistance during workouts. 

10. Fan Experience and Stadium Operations 

Sports wouldn’t exist without fans to watch them, so anything that keeps the fans happy is important. Drum roll for magnets! Magnets are used in security systems at sports venues, such as magnetic locks and metal detectors, to ensure the safety of fans and players. 

Sports merchandise shops often use magnetic displays to create visually appealing and easily adjustable product arrangements. Magnets are also used in Point-of-Sale retail settings for transactions – very important when it comes to ticket and merchandise sales.  

While magnets may not be visible to fans or athletes, their applications in sports are diverse and impactful. From improving the function of equipment to safety and performance, magnets are quietly contributing to the evolution of the sports industry. Their role will likely continue to grow as technology advances, creating even more innovative solutions for athletes and sports fans.