Using Video Analysis for Strategy

Video analysis can be used to evaluate sports performance and technique. We discuss many of the biomechanics aspects and tools used to do performance assessments right here on this website. Video analysis however can also be used to provide detailed game strategy and analysis of on field play.

We see these game strategy statistics all the time when we watch almost any sport on TV. How many shots did Kobe Bryant take and make. What percentage of first serves did Roger Federer get in and how many resulted in winning points. These statistics are fun for the viewer, but they are essential to the coach and player in refining their strategy.

Let's take an example from basketball, as we are currently watching the NBA playoffs. Any team coming up against the Orlando Magic this year will need to find a way to get past Dwight Howard, who was once again named defensive player of the year. The teams employ a coach or video analysts to watch every play that Howard makes. Every time he blocks a shot or an opponent manages to beat him and score. Using this information they can determine how best to play against him.

Below is video of some of Howard's best blocks of last season. Notice how often Dwight is alone and far away from an opposition player as he gets into position for the block. This may seem necessary in order to make the block, or as the Orlando Magic play a zone defense he may not have a specific man defensive assignment. Coaches or video analysts though would look at this video and may be able to create plays that take advantage of his position on the floor.

Of course a team also needs to play to its strength and similar video analysis of the coaches own team can be used to determine how they may take advantage of any opposition mistakes, close any gaps or change any patterns that may be obvious and strategies the best approach to take on an upcoming game or player.

To do Video Analysis of this sort properly you need to have some basic equipment.

• You will definitely need a video camera and to set that camera up so that you can see the whole game. This can be difficult in sports with large fields such as soccer or rugby.
• For larger fields you can use 2 video cameras, with each one focused on, one half of the field.
• A great advantage in well televised sports is that much of the video footage already exists. A recorded video of an NBA game will allow you to track most of the players on the court for most of the game.
• Some video analysis software is also recommended. This software can be the same as the software that you use for performance and technique analysis, but the software must allow you to tag events. Tagging events such as the first serve will allow you to go back and look at all the first serves in one place. This will enable some statistical analysis of the results of the serve and if you have software that allows it you can also analyze each serve for technique and performance.

The website http://www.thevideoanalyst.com/ has some great information on video analysis of this type and everything that you may need.

When working with a team or player combining this type of video analysis with biomechanics and technique analysis will provide excellent resources for performance improvements wherever they are needed.