ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to provide an insight into how different sports can be broken down into a series of decisions represented by a limited number of actions and their possible outcomes. These logical progressions provide the inherent structure within each sport. The construction of flowcharts of different sports is examined, together with the definition of key events in these respective sports. The next step is to design a data collection and data processing system, so anyone interested in designing a notation system should read this chapter first.
Before discussing the work and research done in the field of notational analysis, including both manual and computerised systems, it is necessary to explore methods of applying analysis to sport in general. As stated in previous chapters, the very essence of coaching athletes is to instigate an observable change in behaviour. Methods of analysis used to measure these changes form the central focus of the remaining sections of this chapter.
