Sports Analytics and Data Collection
Research is a systematic process of investigation carried out to advance knowledge, and sports analytics is the study of data from sports performances using analytical tools to improve results, e.g. Opta's statistical analysis in cricket and football, or GPS analysis showing distances and speeds covered by rugby/football players.
- Quantitative data is factual, numerical information gathered through formal, objective research, e.g. a VO2 max test; qualitative data deals in words and is subjective, concerning feelings and opinions, e.g. coaches judging a gymnastics routine – qualitative data can be less precise and more time-consuming to collect
- Objective data is fact-based, measurable and observable, e.g. performance analysis at the EIS; subjective data rests on personal opinion and is less measurable and meaningful, e.g. a parent's half-time comments
Validity and Reliability
- Validity is the degree to which data actually measures what it claims to measure, and whether conclusions drawn from it are appropriate
- Reliability means data is consistent, producing similar results when repeated – threats include researchers misusing equipment (e.g. skinfold calipers) or poorly maintained equipment
- Validity is a prerequisite for reliability – if data is not valid, its reliability is questionable
Video and Analysis Programmes
Video motion analysis obtains information about moving objects from video, typically using a high-speed camera and computer software for frame-by-frame playback, e.g. correcting technique or ball release angle.
- Notational match analysis records movement patterns, strategy and tactics; biomechanics (or kinematics) analyses the sporting impact of body movements through quantitative study of motion, displacement, velocity and speed
- Performance analysis (PA) provides objective feedback to a performer – an EIS report found athletes/coaches recall only around 30% of a performance correctly, so PA supplies the missing 70%
- Dartfish allows users to view, edit and analyse video of technique; Prozone tags player actions in football using high-definition cameras
Testing and Recording Equipment: Indirect Calorimetry and the Metabolic Cart
Calorimetry measures heat/energy eliminated or stored in a system. Indirect calorimetry measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, translating them into a heat equivalent – it is non-invasive and relatively accurate.
- The metabolic cart is the equipment used, producing resting energy expenditure (REE) – the energy required by the body over 24 hours at rest, which varies with weight, age, gender and body chemistry (e.g. smoking raises REE)
- It is used to determine energy requirements, calculate nutritional needs, and support obese individuals
- Sources of error can be remembered via LOSE: Leakage of air; Overfeeding/underfeeding based on results; Single snapshots being less reliable than longer studies; Errors in measurement or recording
GPS and Motion-Tracking Software and Hardware
GPS is a space-based navigation system providing location and time information, tracking speed, distance and direction – in contact sports it can measure impact in 'G' forces.
- GPS supports objective decisions on substitutions, gauges fatigue to reduce injury risk, and manages workload for players returning from injury
- Strava shows GPS technology benefiting athletes at all levels, connecting them worldwide to compare and compete
Maintaining Data Integrity
Data integrity means maintaining the accuracy and consistency of data across its lifetime.
- It can be compromised by human error, transmission errors, software bugs or viruses, and hardware malfunction
- Threats are minimised by regular backups, controlling access, designing interfaces that prevent invalid input, and using error detection/correction software
Functions of Sports Analytics
- Monitoring fitness for performance: at recreational level, monitoring heart rate or calories; at elite level, monitoring distance, pace, sleep and heart rate via smart wearable devices
- Aiding skill and technique development: video programmes like Dartfish; electrostimulation devices aid rehabilitation and prevent muscle atrophy, but must not be over-used due to a saturation effect
- Game analysis: real-time data on iPads, GPS receivers measuring distance and acceleration, helping coaches with tactics and substitutions – quality of information matters more than quantity
- Talent identification and scouting: qualitative scouting reports and pathway analytics benchmarking performance pathways, e.g. 'Tall and Talented' for sports requiring height, such as basketball and rowing
Development of Equipment: Adapted Equipment for the Elderly and People with Disabilities
Assistive/adapted technology is increasing, e.g. specially designed wheelchairs and throwing frames in athletics, and cross-country sit skis.
- Wheelchair design is sport-specific: lightweight frames for tennis/basketball; reinforced frames for contact sports like rugby; bucket seats and T-frames for racing chairs
- Adapted equipment for the elderly includes finger extension exercisers, low-impact pedal machines, and exercise balance beams; prosthetics such as the Springlite device assist running through improved gait efficiency
Development of Facilities: The Olympic Legacy
'Places People Play' is a Sport England initiative raising participation by providing community sports facilities, including its 'Iconic Facilities' strand funding strategic, high-quality, multi-sport projects.
- 3G surfaces are sand and rubber infilled synthetic pitches suited to hockey, football and rugby, supporting frequent use and consistent conditions, though criticised as too rigid for joints and ligaments – newer 3G/4G surfaces have improved this, e.g. Widnes Vikings and Saracens playing on artificial turf
- Multi-use games areas (MUGAs) provide multi-sport opportunities where dedicated single-sport surfaces are too expensive; the Lee Valley VeloPark is a specialist Olympic legacy facility
Impact of Technology on Sport, Performers, Coaches and the Audience
- Positive: technology delivers marginal gains (e.g. Sir Dave Brailsford's heated trousers for British Cycling), increases participation and inclusivity through adapted equipment, and improves playing surfaces and player development data
- Negative: data can mislead without context; cost creates inequality between wealthy and less well-funded teams (e.g. Team Sky's technology partnership with Jaguar); paralysis by analysis can reduce creative, instant reactions; and a placebo effect can occur with unproven equipment
- For performers: improved clothing (e.g. the Speedo LZR Racer), equipment, protective gear and recovery methods bring benefits, but risks include injury/over-aggression, cheating via masking agents, and expense creating inequality
- For coaches: video analysis (Dartfish, Prozone) enables detailed opponent and player analysis, but over-reliance on data and hacking risks are drawbacks
- For the audience: statistics and 'mic'd up' officials increase engagement and excitement (e.g. Hawkeye), but officiating technology can cause a loss of respect for officials, cost-driven inconsistency, and disruptive breaks in play