The use of feedback videos in sport

The purpose of match analysis in coaching contexts is to provide augmented feedback to players. Computer-based systems integrate quantitative performance data with video images. These systems can be tailored for use with any sport using performance indicators of interest to the coaches and players. This paper describes how feedback is given to players using match analysis systems, based on experience of working with athletes competing in international tournaments. The process of using systems to gather performance data, analyse that data, providing feedback in the form of statistics and video sequences. Video sequences can be provided in 2 ways; interactively through the match analysis system or as a stand alone edited movie. Interactively provided video sequences have the benefit of being provided flexibly and as soon as the data is analysed on the system. This can be as soon as the match has completed. If there is limited time between matches and a need for rapid feedback, interactively provided video sequences are used. These can include critical match events and novel incidents. The statistical information provided by the systems can identify areas that require attention such as possession losses, but observation of the relevant sequences allows the coaches to identify exactly why possessions are being lost and then this can be properly addressed in practice sessions with the player. There are different types of standalone video that can be produced. These include motivational videos of positive aspects with background music of the players’ choice. There are occasions where videos contain both negative and positive aspects.Coaches usually require the complete match on video in order to be able to investigate any ad hoc query they are interested in. Individual player videos can be motivational in nature or can include negative as well as positive aspects to provide feedback helping the player learn about their performance and identify areas requiring attention. Other areas of sports science support often require video sequences of examples of incidents in play. For example, psychological aspects of performance such as errors of attentional focus can be displayed to the team to help the sports psychologist to advise players on psychological skills. Where match videos of forthcoming opponents are available, they can be analysed and a movie produced to brief players on the typical tactics and technical ability of their opponents. Other types of standalone video that have been produced are videos of coach behaviour, souvenir movies of international tournaments and the occasional funny movie to provide light relief. The statistical information produced during analysis has been integrated into videos so as the quantitative information and supporting video sequences are provided synergetically. During the production of videos, it is important to be aware of trends in quantitative performance indicators in identifying relevant video sequences to display.