ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the evolution of match analysis in American football and its practical applications. It observes the history of converting match data into actionable insights, from unorganized match analysis reports to reports aggregated on high-tech video analysis software. Review of the different analysis types includes the appropriate data collection method. Although technology has brought forth high-powered automated collection methods and analysis tools, pencil and paper collection and analysis remain relevant in certain contexts. Examples of the pencil and paper method for live analysis are included in the figures. Data for this chapter are gathered through academic literature review and supplemented with real-time industry updates from NFL scouts and college football coaches (the two highest levels of American football competition). Finally, the different data that are available for collection via manual or automated tracking are introduced and their analysis discussed.