ABSTRACT
Match analysis is an area of sports science that has matured over recent decades and has taken advantage of technological advances. Match analysis is a term used to describe the analysis of actual sports competition. Match analysis activities range from detailed technical analysis to qualitative analysis of performance. The analysis of competitive performance in sport has been described as being at the centre of sports science rather than at the periphery (Lyons, 1998). There are a number of terms used to describe the analysis of sport and closely related areas. Notational analysis (Downey, 1992) and computerised notational analysis (Hughes, 1995) are methods of analysing dynamic and complex situations which include competition and training in sport as well as having wider applications outside sport. Performance analysis is a term used exclusively for the analysis of performance in sport embracing notational analysis as well as biomechanical analysis (Hughes and Bartlett, 2002). Indeed, Bartlett (2002) has stated that notational analysis and biomechanics should be used within a unified approach to performance analysis. Performance analysis is not restricted to actual competition as the performance of closed skills, such as the tennis service, can be analysed in laboratory situations. Match analysis, on the other hand, is the analysis of performance within sport competition and often involves the application of performance analysis techniques.
