Performance Analysis is a specialised discipline that provides athletes and coaches with objective information that helps them understand performance. This process is underpinned by systematic observation, which provides valid, reliable and detailed information relating to performance. Performance Analysis can help enhance the coaching process by providing visual feedback (Video Analysis) and objective statistical analysis (Data analysis) E.g.
Video analysis: lapse time feedback to help understand and improve tactics, technique, and movement etc.
e.g. Data analysis: data of speed splits accurate to hundredths of a second showing a gap analysis of our performance and that of our opponents.
Objective information allows for more evidence-based decisions and reduces those based on speculation. Using evidence to feedback to athletes helps them to understand exactly what they have done to be successful or unsuccessful. This knowledge helps athletes and coaches make the right decisions at the right time and deliver consistent performances.
Benefits for Athletes
Benefits for Coaches
Performance analysis can be used in the following areas to add value to a sports programme:
The Performance Analysis Team at the Sports Institute go beyond the traditional methods of analysing video; using advanced performance analysis software, athletes and coaches will have a greater understanding of performance, allowing them make better decisions about their training and interventions.
Example 1: Competition Support
Performance analysis is used to capture performances of our athletes, and where relevant, competitors. During competition, footage can be analysed whilst athletes compete, to provide coaches with immediate information to inform coaching decisions during the competition, and give coaches video and accurate data for feedback to athletes as soon as they have finished competing. Having a performance analyst gives coaches time to focus their attention on the athlete, knowing they will be given accurate data and video of the event to refer back to. This footage/ data is used for further purposes outside of the immediate competition event.
e.g. Live coding during competition: providing coaches with accurate data to inform coaching decisions
Example 2: Para Badminton
E.g. Statistical output: shot analysis
The Sports Institute has provided Performance Analysis support to para badminton athletes for the past 2 years. The project initially aimed to identify patterns of play, understand how players adapt based on their opponent and identify areas which could be exploited for performance gains. As with any athlete and coach the goal is to help them understand how they are performing and to provide them with objective information, increasing their chances of applying effective training interventions and ultimately achieving success. Through this provision athletes have the opportunity to:
E.g. Match Review: shot success rate.
