Observational Methodology in Sport: Performance Key Elements

Abstract

Observational methodology is an inventive approach for performance analysis in sport that has opened up a new panorama of useful and productive research in recent years (Preciado et al.). This Research Topic (RT) responds to the need for practitioners to understand athlete and team performance in individual, dual, and team sports. This RT presents a collection of scientific articles that use observational methods, enlightening the search for performance indicators in sports, particularly how the selection and combination of Performance Key Elements (PKE) positively impact the achievement of the best performances (Brito de Souza et al.; Pérez-Turpin et al.). Additionally, the analysis of contextual variables, such as opponent level, match location or match status, provides insights into how PKE perform and consequently, impact success in sport (Valldecabres et al.).Preciado et al. present a systematic review that provides evidence of several research lines and how they have used observational methodologies. As a rigorous and flexible scientific method, observational research allows for the analysis of spontaneous behavior in a natural context. Advances in technology and innovations in research methodology have facilitated the processes of observing, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, in loco and real-time during training sessions and competitions, as well as in post-hoc approaches. Strategies to measure the reliability and validity of observational instruments mean that we can perceive behaviors in different scales of performance (Lavega-Burgués et al.). We are now able to use innovative software that reduces errors and the time spent gathering data (e.g., the AMISCO system, in Fernandez-Navarro et al.), promoting novel techniques that increase possibilities of analysis (e.g., polar coordinate analysis, in Prudente et al.; or network analysis, in Praça et al.).This RT compiles high-quality research reports of situational sports made by experts in performance analysis using observational methods to describe and interpret the PKE, preferences for tactics, and the technical and strategical structure of behavior. It is intended that these compiled papers predict the functioning of PKE in each sport, permitting practitioners to plan and design more effective play models in the future.These papers provide readers with a greater understanding and appreciation of how PKE can be used and applied to improve athlete and team executions, with updates on current hot-topics such as performance analysis and teaching-education processes, that enable them to be better prepared to apply narrative strategies and software to analyze behaviors, improving our capacity to select and