Developing a framework for professional practice in applied performance analysis

Abstract

Applied performance analysts are increasingly seen as sports science professionals; however, there is no accepted framework for professional practice. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a framework for professional practice in applied performance analysis (PA) which identifies the components of practice and the expertise underpinning it.A six-step framework analysis was conducted: (1) An initial conceptual framework was devised based on well-accepted components of applied practice; (2) A systematic review identified 90 papers relating to applied PA practice; (3) Papers were coded to the initial framework and additional themes recorded; (4) Themes were analysed and synthesised to construct a draft framework; (5) This draft was validated by surveying 24 experienced applied performance analysts and academic experts; (6) A revised framework is reported based on stakeholder engagement feedback.Nine components of practice were identified; establishing relationships and defining roles, needs analysis and service planning, system design, data collection and reliability checking, data management, analysis, reporting to key stakeholders, facilitation of feedback to athletes and service review and evaluation. Our evidence suggests that applied PA practice is underpinned by five areas of expertise: contextual awareness, building relationships, performance analysis and sporting expertise, technical expertise and professional behaviours.

Visual exploratory activity and practice design: Perceptions of experienced coaches in professional football academies

“…There has been significant development of technologies within football over recent years and the advances in performance analysis have led to clubs employing professional analysts across all age groups. 45 As a result, coaches are increasingly using video to provide feedback to players, 46,47 as was the case for several coaches within this study with respect to VEA:I like to use more video clips …. They need to be able to recognise themselves.…”

Identifying the characteristics, constraints, and enablers to creating value in applied performance analysis

“…This study set out to understand how applied PAs perceived their role within the performance ecosystem as part of a larger study to understand the practical components of the role itself. 2 Inductive analysis of the findings identified that applied PAs provide a value co-creation Table 3. Lower order themes and quotes of applied PAs' perspectives on the 'how' of practice: embeddedness within the performers' organisation allows applied PAs build relationships, contextual intelligence, and the credibility of their service.…”

“…1,[39][40][41][42][43] It is increasingly acknowledged that the second phase of knowledge co-creation, translation, is a key function of applied PAs; 1,6,14,44 however, there has been limited exploration within academic literature of how knowledge translation occurs effectively in applied PA contexts. 2 Rothwell and colleagues 40 posit that knowledge translation and integration are so important that practitioners should consider themselves as 'learning designers' 40 (p.60), a perspective with which study participants strongly identified. It is clear from the current data that applied PAs invest significant time and consideration into designing and supporting learning opportunities for a range of stakeholders, through formal and informal meetings and the use of technology platforms to communicate video or data in particular If there was some mentor scheme, or some… contacts, that… have been there and done it and will help you out along the way.…”

Capture, analyse, visualise: An exemplar of performance analysis in practice in field hockey

“…Performance analysis is used to provide insight into tactics and strategy. The role of the performance analyst is defined as translating objective data into learning opportunities to help sport coaches understand how and why outcomes occurred to improve future performance [ 1 ]. Study of performance analysis was undertaken as long ago as 1936 with the pioneering work of Dr Anna Espenschade who detailed player demands and movements in field hockey [ 2 ].…”

“…The main processes in performance analysis are data capture, analysis, visualisation and communication [ 4 , 5 ]. Appropriate methods must be utilised in each step to ensure the effective communication and translation of practical insights into strategy [ 1 ]. To understand team strategy, an analyst and coach must understand what a team is trying to achieve, how they go about achieving it, and the technical-tactical elements that contribute to each step.…”