Video Analysis

An interesting point was made last week about the way we use video to analyse sport.
It is not uncommon for teams to use video analysis to assess their performance to improve their future performance.
It is a strange feeling when you watch yourself performing a skill or playing sport. We all have this picture in our head about how we look. But this seems very different when you actually see yourself.
Ultimately, the way we usually see ourselves is as a reflection. In a mirror for example. But when we watch video footage of ourselves we see ourselves as everyone else does. And that is strange.
Using video analysis is a great way to help athletes understand what they are doing and how they can improve their performance.
Allowing them to see what they are doing, whether right or wrong, will give them a better understanding of the reasoning behind concepts in sport.
Simply watching the performance will not allow the athlete to fully understand the positives and negatives in their game. This needs to be highlighted. It needs to be discussed. And, if possible, watched again.
Explanation, pausing and dwelling on certain ideas and concepts will depend on the age and experience of the athletes. For inexperienced athletes it is important that they are given time to understand the reasoning behind video analysis and have time to comprehend what is happening in the performance they are viewing.
More experienced athletes will be able to pick up on both positives and negatives in their game and learn from the video analysis. They will probably have one or two key aspects that they are trying to work on and seeing their performance will allow them to have a greater understanding.
Video analysis is a great tool for athletes to learn with. When used correctly and at the right time it can be a very effective tool for learning.