Video Analysis Homework

I’m sure in most organisations video analysis takes the form of player/manager meetings held to debrief from last weeks game and probably another session looking at next week’s opposition. Often in these meetings new concepts, formations or game plans are explained. It can de difficult to measure, but how effective are these meetings and what is the retention rate like for players?

With the development of broadband speeds and online technology many software companies are developing online platform to share your video analysis. With this relatively new method of delivery available does it give Performance Analysts the opportunity to use analysis differently?

Well before we look at it’s application in sport lets learn something from the world of education. In the video below you will see a former Wall Street Analyst ‘flip the learning process’. Basically he posts the lecture style lessons online and uses the face-to-face time for interaction and questions. Have a look at the video:

So how would this apply to sport?

Mark Upton, Adelaide Football Club, explains on his blog how this applies in a sporting environment. Here is his account of flipping the learning process and applying some of Kahn’s techniques.

‘Where possible we have used our online platform to deliver video examples and screen recordings of coaches explaining new concepts. Players login and view the content the day/night before (via mobile, tablet or computer). The next day we use the “face to face” meeting time for players to discuss the concepts amongst themselves and coaches (usually in smaller groups). This approach often makes this meeting time much shorter yet more valuable and interactive for the players. I feel learning and retention has improved due to this approach. Of course it is ideal to then apply these concepts in an on-field training activity as soon as possible. To finish off the process it can be valuable to then consolidate the learning even further within the next 48 hours. We sometimes do this by use of an online “pop quiz” where players will get a text message to login to our online platform and answer a question (sometimes accompanied by video) related to the new concept. Having to again process and problem solve further aids in understanding and retention.’

I think the scope for development here is massive. Nobody is saying that all video analysis sessions should be put online, rather that certain forms of presentation are more suited to being delivered online, leaving much more time for real interaction in face-to-face meetings. Even if you feel this method would not apply to your entire team, perhaps the teams leaders/captains would benefit from this approach.

This is a really novel approach to using video within a team environment. While some players & managers will be reluctant to implement this we must remember that both the next crop of managers and more importantly players have grown up with technology – this is not new to them and we must adapt accordingly.

It would be great to hear from people who may have tried this or if you have any thoughts on how it might (or might not) work in your club.