Working as a rugby coach for Cardiff Met RFC (formerly UWIC) we have the opportunity to use SportsCode as well as other analysis systems to develop video feedback for teams and individuals. We have been trying to engage with players and analysts to improve our workflow processes to offer them the most comprehensive level of feedback available within the time constraints of a elite level university rugby team. To give this context, Cardiff Met are one of the top British rugby universities who also play in the Championship (as of next year the 2nd tier of club competition within the WRU national league structures). We are producing players year on year who go on to professional club environments and in conjunction with our Performance Analysis department, make use of students to deliver our analysis programme. An area we are continually looking to develop is our ability to effectively feedback to players to improve performance. A recent intervention study within the club came up with the following:-
Literature suggests that feedback appears to have received substantial research attention as a process that can help athletes to learn and progress in both training and competition. However, the effectiveness and structure of feedback have not been extensively researched to date particularly in the form of post-performance feedback tools.
The research undertaken for this study outlined clearly that the feedback structure could be improved and that individual analysis and feedback needed to be introduced on a more regular basis. The findings from the intervention can be seen in the table below:
| 1 | For effective feedback to take place there needs to be a clear structure and programme outlining where players and coaches can access it; |
| 2 | The development of a post performance analysis feedback tool is an effective way of allowing players to view their own footage; |
| 3 | Players who engaged in the tool felt they had an enhanced level of feedback generated by themselves which was then discussed with the coach; |
| 4 | For these tools to become more effective interactive workshops where players, coaches and analysts can develop their self-reflection and analysis skills need to be implemented. |
Additionally, this study touched on the need for a positive working climate within where players feel that coaches are approachable and consistent in order to create a player driven empowered environment. The level of engagement and the relationship between player/coach, player/analyst and coach/analyst is vital to creating a successful work flow.
As a result of this research a number of recommendations were considered for future research. First, the structure of feedback within a rugby setting should be developed to make it specific to its context. Second, the development of post performance analysis feedback tools in rugby and sport generally would enhance the quality of the tool used. The use of the feedback form needs to be looked at in detail, how best to gain the quality of information from players would be of huge benefit to improving performance. Finally how best to create a successful workflow between coaches, analysts and players.
In the last season we trialled the Team Performance Exchange website to develop some of the areas of improvement highlighted in the study above. This is a fantastic tool which if engaged with properly can significantly improve the workflow between players, coaches and analysts. If I am honest this season the level of engagement from coaches meant that TPE as a tool was not maximised. I leave you with this thought – Who drives the analysis – the players, the coaches or the analysts!!!!
I will look to chart our progress over the next season in monthly reviews and would welcome any feedback or ideas which can enhance the process.
Daniel Milton
Cardiff Metropolitan University (Formerly UWIC)
May 28th, 2012 at 6:49 PM
Hi Daniel
Enjoyed reading your blog post.
“Who drives Analysis – the players, the coaches or the analysts”
This year we have tried to empower our players with their individual analysis, we’ve tried to promote a learning environment within the club, putting the ball in the players court so to speak. Ive learnt a great deal from this and I have to say although we as analysts would love the players to be knocking our door down for analysis material off their own backs my experience has shown this is rarely the case in football.
From my experience the majority of footballers I have worked with are quite passive within the analysis process and although Coaches and Managers shape the analysis process through their philosophy and methodology its the ANALYSTS that need to DRIVE the analysis processes forward and maximise the level of engagement with players and coaching staff to have a positive impact on player and team development.
I dont suppose you could let me know the article this post was based upon as i would love to read it in more detail.
Kind Regards
Lee Dunn
May 28th, 2012 at 10:43 PM
Thank you Lee
I share your sentiments with regards to a player a driven environment. I sometimes feel that analysts, coaches and players have a very different viewpoints and trying to get these relationships to be effective by creating the right environment is the key to success.
I am very interested by your comment that analysts need to drive there analysis processes forward. I suppose you could look on the analyst as part of back room team that all want their piece of the athlete – strength and conditioning coach, physio, skills coach, attack coach, defence coach, nutritionist etc etc. All of these are looking for as much time as possible. The lead/head coach then decides where to allocate this time dependant on where they feel they can get most value on the field.
If this is the case does the analyst have to fight for his fair share of time to create the level of engagement you mention?
The post was from my Msc dissertation, it is currently being written up as a journal article, I will look into what I can upload and what I can’t to the members lounge as soon as possible.
Thanks
May 28th, 2012 at 11:26 PM
Cheers Daniel,
as you have highlighted performance analysis is one aspect used to maximise a players potential within professional sports organisations, I’m guessing that at some clubs analysis is valued higher than at other clubs. The point I was trying to emphasise was the need for Analysts to take control of the analysis process and be proactive in their approach rather than reactive. I think its our role to push boundaries and innovative to enhance the coaching process, to endeavour to provide insightful analysis that shapes player/team development.
With regards to the fair share of the players time I believe as analysts we can be creative with the delivery of information (e.g the internet and mobile devices) which can help bridge the time deficit that may occur within the day to day schedule within a club environment. Therefore I don’t think the amount of time spent face to face with the players is the most important factor, but making the best use of that time is essential in engaging players in the Analysis process.
Regards
Lee
May 31st, 2012 at 3:46 PM
Hey Danny,
Hope you are well mate. Great question to end a blog with and one that I think is hugely relevant from grass roots level all the way up to the elite level of our game…
This past season, a lot of our unit specific preview content was coach led, player driven. senior players were expected to study game tape and devise varying strategies for specific areas of the game (e.g lineout attack/defence) then share their thoughts with the coaches of how they thought we should approach that area of the game and together come up with the key calls and plays etc which the player would then present back to the rest of their group. This was also the case for reviews, players were expected to have work on’s (not negatives) and positives after they had been through their individual moments from the weekends game… they would discuss these with the relevant coach and then go into their one to one video sessions. This process could be flipped for the university environment, players have to code individual moments (or specific elements of it as recommended by the coaching group) to receive the detailed feedback they need to develop???
I agree, in part, with what Lee says in terms of being innovative with regard to the delivery of their feedback HOWEVER, my opinion is that a face to face conversation between a player and a coach in front of their clips is priceless because the messages the player will receive will not be misinterpreted. Engaging players with performance analysis is crucial, but a battle that will usually be lost on some occasions despite any level of innovation!
I’ll be interested to know how you end up tackling the issue mate, it’s a tricky one because as well as coaching and playing, people within the university environment have other responsibilities, where as professional sportsmen and women get paid just about enough to spend 30 minutes looking through their video!
Darren