Notational Analysis In Soccer

Performance analysis is defined as the process of recording, processing and interpreting events that take place in the training or competitive environment. Performance analysis plays a vital role in the sporting industry, and is continually growing and improving. It is a widely used method of studying technical, tactical and physical aspects of player and team performance in sports such as soccer. Performance analysis as a whole allows key performance indicators (KPI’s) to highlight good or bad techniques within a team’s performance. A performance indicator is described as a selection, or combination, of action variables that aims to define some or all aspects of a performance (Hughes and Bartlett, 2002). It allows the coaches to identify

Therefore, notational analysis is a technique for analysing different aspects of performance through a process which involves producing a permanent record of events. This is similar to a soccer coach’s main tasks (i.e.) to analyse sports performance so that feedback may be given to players and future training sessions planned. Therefore, it seems that notational analysis would be a useful technique for soccer coaches. Franks and Miller (1986) demonstrated that international level soccer coaches could only recollect 30% of incidents that determined successful performance with significantly better recall of set piece play than any other situation. This evidence has been widely used to promote the need for an objective and reliable mechanism for recording sports performance with some form of notational analysis being

In a more recent study, Blaze et al. (2004) reported that of the 10 English Premier League managers who responded to a questionnaire, 9 used hand or computerised notational analysis proving that notational analysis is widespread. See also Groom and Cushion (2005). In the English Leagues, all matches are video recorded with a copy given to the managers of each team immediately at the end of a match. However, the extent to which these recordings are being used is unknown as any subsequent analysis remains unpublished as the data and analysis remains a secret to all but the personnel of the club. The current UEFA Pro Licence which is the mandatory higher qualification in all the major football countries includes an element of sports science in its curriculum including match