ABSTRACT
This chapter critically discusses the subsequent steps of how to proceed with match analysis data once it has been collected. More specifically, literature is reviewed that highlights potential problems that might occur in drawing inferences from match analysis data and in communicating information derived from these analyses to athletes. The literature review shows that the Big Data movement in sports can be problematic in drawing conclusions and giving data-based recommendations to inform training and competition in sports. Therefore, the present chapter attempts to draw attention to these problems and provide broad guidelines on how to avoid potential pitfalls in data-based match analysis. In this respect, the chapter offers a basis for the coordinated cooperation of scientists, coaches and match analysts in advancing data handling in professional sports with the goal of informing training protocols and match preparation.
