Earlston High School

Higher Physical Education

Methods of Data Collection – Physical Factor (Skills)

Throughout the volleyball and football block you will learn how to collect data on your current skill level. You will also have the opportunity to learn about development strategies to improve areas of weakness in your performance. This will all take place as you move through the Cycle of Analysis.

Cycle of Analysis – Investigative Stage

There are a variety of methods which can be used to find out whether or not you perform your skills efficiently and consistently. This information sheet will outline the main aspects of each method.

Video Analysis

Coaches and athletes are using video analysis more and more to measure and correct technique and to analyse team and individual performances. There are a number of aspects of technique that video analysis can be used to collect data on, including:

Angle or release of object thrown/hit/kicked. The objects direction of travel from point of release to landing or interception. Head and body position during technique performance. Joint angles and limb speed during technique performance.

When video footage is looked at carefully, it can provide invaluable feedback to a performer. This can allow a performer to gain a competitive edge, correct faults in their performance and even maximise their strengths.

By using video analysis, you can identify weaknesses which may be preventing you to perform to your absolute best. Watching footage from a live, competitive performance or training scenario, can allow you to identify trends or patterns in your performance. For example, a football team may be vulnerable, defensively when their opposition attacks down the left wing or a setter in volleyball may have their feet in the incorrect position to play the ball accurately to their front row players. After identifying the area of development, you and your coach can then work hard to modify and improve this area of your performance.

Model the Best

One way that using video analysis can help improve your performance is to watch the best in your sport play the game. Studying hours of video of the best player at your position or in your sport will showcase habits the player uses on a regular basis that help him/her succeed. When you have pinpointed some of the techniques of the best players, you can work them into your own game.

According to a study conducted by the Social Science Research Network 65% of people are visual learners. What does this mean for coaches? It’s likely that most athletes are not maximising their learning simply by listening to the coach speak. The majority of athletes will prefer to see what they are doing in order to learn. Video analysis, when applied to sports, is key to building a competitive edge including instant video replay, more effective practices, scouting upcoming opponents, injury prevention, and breaking down game film.

Not too long ago, the equipment and technology required to use video analysis was only available to elite and professional level teams. But today, with the lower costs of cameras and the prevalence of smart phones and tablets, video can be captured easily anytime, anywhere. Coaches of all levels and sports can now take advantage of integrating video into their regular practice workflow.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit to using video analysis in practice is the ability to provide immediate feedback to players. Through video, coaches can show and correct mistakes instantly. Players are able to actually see what they are doing and ultimately retain the information better. Practice time is extremely valuable for a coaching staff and the ability to quickly and efficiently provide needed feedback to address mistakes and weaknesses is essential.

Using video also provides coaches the ability to track progress and individual skill development of their players. By recording video over a period of time and building a library of content, coaches can help to show players how and where they have made improvements. This type of feedback can serve to motivate players, as they are able to see for themselves the progress that has been made. Some coaches will also use videos of professionals to show the players what great form or technique looks like and how they compare. This is another way for players to see visually how they can improve.

Injury prevention is another important component to analysing video during practice. There were 1.35 million young athletes who suffered a serious injury in 2012 according to research from Safe Kids Worldwide. This equates to one trip to the emergency room every 25 seconds for a youth sports related injury. Practice is the perfect time for a coach to find and fix bad habits which players may have formed. Ensuring proper form and technique is one of the main injury prevention strategies that Safe Kids recommends.

Regularly including video analysis into practices can provide multiple benefits for a coaching staff and its athletes. The ability to provide instant visual feedback, track long-term progress and potentially prevent serious injuries is all possible by utilising video analysis programs.

The link below will provide a short video clip on the benefits of using video analysis in sport. It will also provide some information about how best to use video analysis in order to improve sporting performances.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdATmtEU25k

General Observation Schedule – Initial Data Collection

A general observation schedule is a table that is used to gather initial data on performance. It can be used to gather information on a range of skills/techniques in order to find out your strengths and area in need of development within that activity.

A GOS will give information on the consistency and accuracy with which you perform skills and will also how effective a skill repertoire you have.

To complete a GOS you could either video yourself performing and then watch the recording back and complete the GOS yourself or you could have somebody (coach/teammate) complete the GOS as you perform.

Example 1

This volleyball general observation schedule shows a simple way that data can be collected on performance in volleyball.

This schedule would be easy to fill in as the game is happening as the number of options is limited. This is important as the game is fast and it may be difficult to gather more detailed information accurately as the game is going.

More detailed data could have been collected by splitting the skills into techniques as well:

E.g. Pass could have been split into volley pass and dig pass.

Example 2

The basketball observation schedule will give more detailed information on performance as the schedule is more detailed. This will help when identifying exactly what the performer needs to work on in order to improve performance.

The trade off with this is that the schedule will be difficult to complete as the game is happening. To get accurate data you may have to watch a video of the performance so that you can use the pause, rewind and slow motion functions. A disadvantage of this is that this process is time consuming.

Data Type: Objective & Quantitative

Why a General Observation Schedule is an Appropriate Way to Gather Data

For more detailed information on the positive and negatives of using this method to gather data on performance click on the links below:

Using a GOS allows a performer to gather data across all of the skills that are involved in their activity. This ensures that when they identify their strengths and weaknesses they have considered all of the skills and therefore can be confident in their selection of what area to develop.

Recording the performance allows the performer to ensure the data collected is as accurate as possible. This is because action often happens very quickly and in real time information might be missed. Using the video however allows the performer to use the functions such as rewind, pause and slow motion to ensure that no data is missed and the data is accurately recorded.

A GOS is clearly set out with sections for very effective, fairly effective and ineffective. This makes it is as easy as possible to gather and interpret the data. This reduces the chance of errors in the recording process and also when analysing the results and ensures that the data collected is reliable.

Using tally marks to collect the data is quick and easy to understand. As the action happens quickly tally marks can be used to quickly mark the data on to the sheet at times without the performer even taking their eyes off the screen. This means that no data is missed. In addition it is very easy to analyse the data by counting the tally marks up.

By collecting the data when you are playing against opponents of similar ability the data is more likely to valid. This is because the opponents are not going to be too good for the performer. If this were the case then the performer’s skills would look worse than they actually are when they take part in games at their own level. (Example: even the best Higher basketball player would look very poor against NBA players)

As the performer themselves watches the video of their performance back this increases the likelihood of the data being collected being accurate and valid. This is because:

o The athlete is gathering information for them self and therefore they are likely to try very hard to ensure that it is accurate as they know they will use this data to try and help them self improve. A partner might not take as much care to get the data 100% correct.

o The athlete will have a clear idea of what the success criteria is for each skill as they will have a good knowledge of the activity and how the skills should be performed, this will increase the validity of the data as they will know exactly how to rate each skill that is performed.

By collecting lots of data the information collected in more likely to be reliable. This could be achieved through gathering the data over longer performance or preferably over a number of different games. The more data that is collect the more likely it is that the performer will get a true reflection of their performance and therefore will accurately be able to tell what their strengths and weaknesses are.

A GOS provides the performer with a permanent record of their performance. This is very useful as the sheet can be referred to so that information is not forgotten. Furthermore the performer can complete another GOS during their development programme and again at the end and compare these results to the original in order to check for improvements.

What are the disadvantages of using a General Observation Schedule?

Recording your performance and then watching it back in order to complete the GOS is a very time consuming process. Through rewinding the video and pausing it to ensure accurate data is collected the length of time that the collection process can take can be over double the length of the performance. This can end up being a lot of time depending on the activity. Often performers are not able or willing to spend this amount of time gathering data.

The data collected is only quantitative. This means that although you will end up with a percentage of successful and unsuccessful shots and through this be able to identify what skill is a weakness, you will not know exactly what is wrong with the skill. As a result of this you will not gather the data that is going to allow you to improve the skill you have identified as your weakness.

If not enough data is collect the result may be unreliable. This could be due to the performer having an unusually poor or good game. This could be due to a number of reasons such as illness, injury, quality of opponent. As a result of this the strengths and weaknesses identified might not be accurate for that performer. The more data that is collected the more reliable the information will be.

If relying on a recording of the game in order to complete the GOS there are a number of issues that might result in you not being able to gather the data or only gather partial data. These include:

o It may be difficult to get all of the playing area in to the shot. This might be due to the quality of the camera, where you can set the camera up or the size of the playing area. This may result in data being missed in certain parts of the playing area and as a result the data will be incomplete and therefore less reliable and valid.

o There may be technical issues with the equipment (battery running out or another fault). This will result in the match not being completely recorded and as a result you will not be able to collect all/any of the required data.

o During the performance the camera might be moved if it is hit by a ball. If nobody notices this and replaces the camera (it is unlikely this will be there main focus during the game) then again some/all of the data will be missed.

Having to record the performance requires equipment. Performer may not have easy access to this equipment. Also this equipment will have to be taken to matches and set up which might be problematic.

Depending on the location of the video camera it might be hard to see certain areas of the performance and as a result find it difficult to tell exactly what is happening. This will result in less reliable and valid data being collected and as a result the performer will not be able to tell as accurately what their strengths and weaknesses are.

As the performer is gathering the data they may be more "friendly" to themselves (compared to an impartial observer) when marking down what is an effective shot as they don’t want to make themselves look bad. This will decrease the validity of the data collected and as a result the performer will be less able to accurately identify the areas of their performance that they need to improve.

Skills Tests

What are the requirements of a test?In constructing tests it is important to make sure that they really measure the factors required to be tested, and are thus objective rather than subjective. In doing so all tests should therefore be specific (designed to assess an athlete's skills for the activity in question), valid (the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure), reliable (capable of consistent repetition) and objective (produce a consistent result irrespective of the tester).In conducting tests the following points should be considered:

Each test should measure ONE factor only The test should not require any technical competence on the part of the athlete (unless it is

being used to assess technique) Care should be taken to make sure that the athlete understands exactly what is required of

him/her, what is being measured and why The test procedure should be strictly standardised in terms of administration, organisation

and environmental conditions

What are the benefits of testing?The results from tests can be used to:

predict future performance indicate weaknesses measure improvement enable the coach to assess the success of his training program place the athlete in appropriate training group motivate the athlete

Tests additionally break up and add variety to the personal development program. They can be used to satisfy the athlete's competitive urge out of season. Maximal tests demand maximum effort of the athlete so they are useful at times as a training unit in their own right.

What factors may influence test results?The following factors may have an impact on the results of a test (test reliability):

The ambient temperature, noise level and humidity The amount of sleep the athlete had prior to testing The athlete's emotional state Medication the athlete may be taking The time of day The time since the athlete's last meal The test environment - surface (track, grass, road, gym) The athlete's prior test knowledge/experience Accuracy of measurements (times, distances etc.) Is the athlete actually applying maximum effort in maximal tests Inappropriate warm up People present The personality, knowledge and skill of the tester Athlete's clothing/shoes Surface on which the test is conducted Environmental conditions - wind, rain, etc.

Why record information?For the coach and athlete it is important to monitor the program of work, to maintain progression in terms of the volume of work and its intensity. Both coach and athlete must keep their own training records. A training diary can give an enormous amount of information about what has happened in the past and how training has gone in the past. When planning future training cycles, information of this kind is invaluable.

How can we make tests more reliable and valid?

Use competent and well trained testers Equipment should be standardised and checked regularly Each test should measure only one factor Care should be taken to make sure the athlete understands exactly what is required of them The test procedure should be standardised in terms of administration, organisation and

environmental conditions The test should be designed so that it can easily be repeated by another trained tester The test should be fully documented so that it can be administered in exactly the same way

the next time it is conducted

Disadvantages of maximal tests are:

difficulty in ensuring the subject is exerting maximum effort possible dangers of over exertion and injury dependent on the athlete's level of arousal

Scatter Graphs: For Movement Analysis

A scatter graph is a type of observation schedule that is used to 'plot' and measure the effectiveness of each attempt of a particular skill. For example, you could mark down where the ball lands on a Volleyball court.

Using both the video and an initial match analysis sheet I have been able to identify serving as my main weakness. Information from the Scatter Graph, along with my completed observation schedule will be used to gather information on my specific weaknesses within my chosen shot.

A cross will be placed on the diagram below to record where each of the shots lands on the court.(Note: If you have a target zone, please highlight this on the court diagram)

Number of shots - 15

What are the benefits of using a Scatter Graph when analysing skills and techniques?

• Gives a clear picture of end product• Can be easily compared to a model performer• Can be used as part of a retest at a later date• Targets can be easily set as a result of this test.

What are the disadvantages of using a Scatter Graph when analysing skills and techniques?

Only provides data on where on the court/pitch the shuttle/ball is played. Does not provide data on other relevant aspects of the skill itself, such as height, speed,

power, technique, body position etc. Can often be difficult to complete accurately as they are filled in approximately in relation to

where the ball/shuttle lands (technical precision is needed by the person completing the Scatter Graph).

Movement Analysis Sheet (Preparation/Action/Recovery)

An observation schedule compares performance to criteria copied from a model performer. The observation schedule is broken down into 3 parts – Preparation, Action and Recovery. Observation schedules allow more focussed analysis of skills and compares your performance to that of a model performer. Faults in performance are easily identified by this method. Observation schedules are valid as they provide more focussed data on skill, allows comparison to a model performer, breaks skill down to preparation/action/recovery, and are easy to interpret.

Advantages of using a Movement Analysis Sheet:

Gives a clear picture of which part(s) of the skill/technique require improvement Is easily compared to a model performer due to criteria already on the sheet Can be used as part of a retest at a later date Targets can be easily set as a result of this test. Minimal equipment is required so can be used on a regular basis

Limitations of using a Movement Analysis Sheet:

Expertise and knowledge of the skills and techniques are required by the observer in order for accurate data to be collected.

Sufficient time must be allowed for the observer to collect enough data for strengths and areas of development to then be worked out.

Performer needs to be given an opportunity to perform the specific skill or technique to the best of their ability which means they must have someone of a similar ability feeding/playing against them.

Feedback

Feedback

Feedback is information you receive about your performance. It is best to be given feedback immediately while it is still fresh in your mind, so that you can alter your performance of the skill and make it better. For feedback to be effective it should only involve one or two pieces of specific information, so that the performer does not get confused and can focus on one particular point. Feedback should be precise, accurate and positive.

Internal and external feedback

Feedback can have a big effect on practice situations. There are two types:

Internal (or kinaesthetic) feedback is what you feel during or after you have performed or practised the skill. Your feelings provide you with information about your performance and can be very valuable in helping you to analyse it. For example you might say "I felt that I sliced across the ball in my golf swing and the ball veered off the left."

External

There are many different examples of external feedback

Verbal - given by a teacher/observer after watching your performance. Telling you points to improve and points you have done well. An example of this would be, "My coach told me I had to straighten my legs during my cartwheel."

Written - given by your teacher/observer and is available for you to look at, normally an observation sheet. An example of this would be, "my partner had ticked a box to identify that I was not standing side on when performing an overhead clear."

Visual - watch model performance or video and watch your own performance to see strengths and weaknesses. An example of this would be, "I was videoed when performing my gymnastics routine so I could watch it back to identify weaknesses."

Knowledge of results - scores and results or where the ball/shuttle goes. An example of this would be, "I saw that my badminton long serve was landing in the middle of my opponent’s court enabling my opponent to play an attacking shot."

The athletes first receive feedback from various parts of the body, such as the senses, muscles and tendons, as well as directly to the spinal cord through muscles and joints.

Positive feedback is information provided to the athlete about the correctness of a specific movement. It can remind the performer later on, on how to execute the movement correctly, and it can easily motivate an athlete. The goal of constructive feedback is to inform the athlete about what was incorrect about the movement. It should also contain information about how to correctly execute the movement.

When giving athletes extrinsic feedback about their technical skills, a coach can give them either descriptive feedback or prescriptive feedback. Descriptive feedback is basically what the coach observed about the athletes movements, while prescriptive feedback is about what they need to do based on what was observed. Prescriptive feedback is preferred because it alerts athletes to the corrections necessary to improve their performance.

Advantages of Feedback:

Knowledge can be easily passed on from coach to player/performer Allows performers to make the necessary changes to their performance Coaches may see something in the athlete’s performance that the athlete

themselves have not identified Can provide incentives/motivation Can provide support and challenge to the athlete Specific, short and positive feedback can often boost performance quality Builds and improves the relationship between coach and performer

Limitations of Feedback:

Time; there may not be sufficient time given for the feedback to be presented to the athlete, limiting the amount of feedback given.

Feedback can be very subjective so may differ between one coach and the next

The coach/observer must understand the importance of the feedback and collect it in an honest and accurate way. The feedback will become less valid if the coach/observer fails to apply their knowledge and effort into the feedback.

Initial & Focussed Data – What’s the Difference?

Before working out exactly which area of your performance needs to be improved, you must collect information on your whole performance. This is commonly known as “Initial Data”. For example, you could use a General Observation Schedule to collect data on all the skills and techniques throughout a competitive game. From this, you could then identify your weakest or least effective skill or technique.

You then need to work out the specific areas which need improvement. This is commonly known as “Focussed Data”. For example, you could then use a Movement Analysis Sheet to assess the preparation, action and recovery phases of your particular skill or technique. This will then allow you to identify which part of the skill or technique you need to be focussing most of your energies on developing.

Questions

1. Describe two methods that could be used to collect information about the potential impact of physical skills on performance. (4 Marks)

2. Select one of the methods described in Question 1. Evaluate one benefit and one limitation of using this method to collect information about the potential impact of physical skills on performance. (4 Marks)

3. Describe the information you gathered about your physical skills using one of the following approaches:

• Video Analysis• Movement Analysis• Skills Tests (4 Marks)

4. Choose an activity. Describe how you compared your whole performance to that of a model performance in this activity. (4 marks)

5. Choose an activity. Give specific details of how your performance in this activity compares to a model performance. (4 Marks)

6. Explain the importance of using different types of feedback when developing performance.(6 marks)

7. Choose a method of data collection. Describe the strengths you identified in your whole performance from this method of data collection. (4 marks)

8. Describe the specific weakness(es) you identified from this method of data collection. Describe how these weakness(es) impact on your performance in an activity. (6 marks)