We spent the first 8 Modules of Evidence-Based Coaching looking at different theoretical concepts. These included defining a playing philosophy before looking at different phases of the game and revisiting our philosophy from an Evidence-Based approach.
It’s now time to look at some practical tools, which can help us to reinforce and measure our philosophy. In looking at these tools, we can begin to build a picture of what is realistic for our club or teams based on resources such as time or money.
Module 9 is going to introduce us to a wide range of companies, software, camera systems and even smartphone apps which can aid us in capturing video or basic data for our teams. Once we have reviewed some of the options available we can build a framework of measurement for our teams, which suits our resources. This will be done in Module 10.
Almost every professional club or academy in the world now incorporates video and data into their coaching process, and it is becoming more and more common in the college, semi-professional and amateur ranks too. Wilmer Cabrera (Houston Dynamo), George Gelnovatch (University of Virginia), Sam Lawson (U.S. Women’s National Team) & Ewan Sharp (New York Red Bulls) gave us their thoughts on incorporating video and data into their coaching methods. Throughout this clip, they frequently reference certain video and data analysis tools, which you will be introduced to throughout this module.
Before we start looking at specific companies and products, take some time to read information below regarding filming matches for analysis.
Filming Soccer For Analysis
Knowing our budget and the difficulties we may face with such things as an elevated filming position can help us to make better decisions regarding cameras, software or services featured in this module.
If we do not have a natural and safe elevated position to film from at your club, we may want to consider an elevated camera solution. With the rise of interest and value placed on analysis in coaching, the need to offer an elevated solution at affordable prices has grown in recent years.
Vantage Point
The Vantage Point camera offers a reasonably cheap and lightweight solution for coaches and clubs with no elevated filming position. Controlled via an iPad or iPhone, the telescopic mast reaches 18 feet in the air to give coaches a suitable raised position to record their games. What makes Vantage Point stand out is it’s quick set-up, ease of use and no need for an external battery.
Hi-Pod
Hi-Pod offers a range of solutions similar to the Vantage point. Advantages of the Hi-Pod are it’s sturdiness and extra height, should you choose a larger, more expensive model. However, the Hi-Pod is less portable than the Vantage Point and requires an external battery with a longer set-up time.
Both solutions offer different advantages, so it’s important to consider your resources and what’s really important to you individually.
These two solutions were chosen for their popularity reputation for their reliability of use in the industry. A simple Google search will produce other solutions of varying quality. CoachTech’s advice on this matter is to make sure you do your homework, and ensure the solution you settle with fits all of your needs. It will be vital to the success of your video and data analysis.
Once you have a solution for filming games, it’s time to explore what will you do with this footage to help you get the most from your coaching plan. The following is a short introduction to video analysis software and services recommended by our team of analysts.
Hudl Assist
Hudl is a video-sharing platform used by coaches to upload game films and share clips with their players. Their Assist program allows you to upload your film to Hudl, who will break it down and return it to you with stats and metrics on your team and its players.
Team XStream
Team Xstream enables coaches to upload game film and share it with players. Coaches can ‘tag’ events to highlight learning opportunities and push them out for players to view in their own time.
Longo Match
LongoMatch is a free (for the basic package) or very cheap video analysis solution. It can be used to cut game film and produce statistics on certain events during games by coaches ‘tagging’ them. Ideal for a coach on a smaller budget who is willing to cut film themselves.
SportsCode
SportsCode is towards the top end of our video analysis solutions. Owned by Hudl, it is commonly used by professional analysts in top clubs. Many of the features of the Elite packages may not be used by most coaches, and it is available for Mac only. However, if used properly it can be an extremely powerful analysis tool with brilliant features.
Nacsport
Nacsport offers many features similar to Sportscode and Longo Match. It offers event tagging, statistical output reports and a host of other features coaches can use to take their analysis to the next level.
Choosing the right video analysis software can be time consuming and tricky. Generally speaking, you will get what you pay for. Cheaper packages will have fewer features, and may be more difficult to use. CoachTech’s advice is to trial any product before you purchase, and get a practical insight into how you will use it on a week-to-week basis. If a company will not let you trial a solution, then you have every right to be suspicious and move on. Almost all solutions now come with some form of video streaming service, which is built into or can be added to the price of the product. If in doubt, start small and simple and then move to a more advanced product when you’re ready.
As with the camera solutions, the products above have been recommended by our team of analysts who use these software’s on a daily basis. If you do not feel comfortable with what is listed above, there are other solutions out there.
The bottom end of our toolset focuses on apps and techniques for coaches who cannot afford a camera or video analysis software. Although the impact on your players and teams will be more limited, we can still use simple smartphone apps or even hand notation to gain actionable insights. One example of this may be having an intern, parent or even substitute players help you record dribble attempts, shots, shot locations and other events by hand.
Another way to capture this information may be via a smartphone application, designed to help coaches log events during games. You may want to check out:
- Dartfish Easy-Tag
- PocketCoder
- Video Tagger Pro
- Tagit
- Focus X2
- Replay Analysis
Once you have viewed the information above please record in your document some thoughts on the use of technology in your coaching process. You may wish to consider:
What is the budget you currently have and expect to have in the future?
Will you have the time to use any technology or service you purchase?
Does the technology you currently use or are considering match your ambition or your teams level of play?
Record in your plan what you would like to do ideally as well as what you think is realistic at this moment in time, before moving on to Module 10.
Responses