ABSTRACT
Objective, accurate and pertinent data on performance are essential to aid coaches and practitioners in making informed judgements and decisions and to provide players with the feedback necessary for skill learning and performance enhancement (Franks, 2004). The dynamic nature of soccer can lead to incomplete or inaccurate recollection of various aspects of game-play, as observers are unable to view and assimilate all the actions taking place on the pitch. The primary function of match analysis (Figure 10.1) is to provide a factual and permanent record of events on individual and team playing performance during competition (James, 2006). Match analysis can be used to collect data on several areas of performance, including physical, technical and tactical factors. Match-related data provides an opportunity to critically appraise how players perform in competition, indicate areas in which performance can be improved, and are the foundation for providing feedback. However, before feedback can be provided, observation and analytic methods must be reliable, accurate and valid to create an objective account of match performance (Drust, Atkinson and Reilly, 2007). In addition, interpretation of information obtained on match performance must always take into account the numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect how players perform in competition. After assessment and interpretation of information, feedback on collective and individual performance can be provided during team-talks and/or on an individual basis. In coach-led feedback presentations, various techniques are frequently employed including edited video sequences, two-dimensional animated representation of match-plays and graphical information. Finally, decisions on the types of practice necessary for enhancing strategy, tactics, technique and physical condition can be subsequently made on the basis of the coach’s evaluation.
