Evaluation of a goalkeeping performance analysis support system as utilised in senior professional and elite youth level football:

An applied perspective

Andy Elleray and Gareth JonesUniversity of Worcester, Worcester, UK

Me…FootballAnalysis: Cheltenham Town, Liverpool, ChelseaCoach: Cheltenham Town, Worcester City, Worcestershire FAPlaying: Amateur/Semi Pro, 8 different Sports at University, Great Britain & England Blind Football (sighted goalkeeper)

AcademicMsc Sports Coaching, BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching Science, Diploma in Sports ManagementUEFA B + UEFA B Goalkeeping LicenceISPAS Accredited Level 6 analyst

Introduction

• Performance analysis in football – focus on specific positional feedback • (No specific GK analysts!)• Youth development (Elleray, 2011)

Previous Research

• Dive technique analysis (Spratford et al., 2009);• Performance characteristics (Bachi et al., 2007)• Distribution tracking (Clemence et al., 2000)

• Lack of knowledge regarding the implementation of goalkeeping performance analysis systems – Youth level• Aim - To evaluate applied goalkeeping specific performance analysis systems

Method 1• Performance analysis support strategies for goalkeepers that have been implemented at 3 professional clubs at both senior and youth levels (2 English Premiership Clubs ; 1 English League Two Club ). • Trial and error of systems• Interaction with experienced coaches• Identification of three key areas for analysis comprehensive review where the final goalkeeper specific analysis system was determined.

Method 2

The final system focus:Data

recording system

Filming training sessions

Stacking camera angles

Observation

KPI monitoring

Specific Code

windows

Different feedback methods

Method – Evaluation - Results

• Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted at three professional clubs with the following personnel: • Eight senior coaches along with four academy coaches• Three elite youth goalkeepers

• Thematic content analysis highlighted the success of the system

Results

• Distribution: ‘Distribution analysis was great as it helped to highlight areas in which balls were being played in and our success rates. Being able to see how the goalkeeper used different distributions and where possession was retained was crucial’ (Senior GK coach, Club C)

Distribution

ResultsDistribution

ResultsDistribution

ResultsDistribution

Results

Time on the ball - % for each area – distribution action success, examples not shown

• Simplistic version – coaches appreciate both• one sheet floating around• See me at some point for how to calculate the raw data and for more statistics on different distribution actions and pitch areas.

Distribution

Results

• Movement & Technique: 'Being able to look in detail at goalkeeping techniques was extremely beneficial. Allowing the goalkeepers to review their own sessions to see how they were moving etc gave us a new perspective' (Youth & Intl player, Club A)

Movement &

Technique

Results

Movement &

Technique

Basic Handling

Results

Movement &

Technique

Set Position

Results

Movement &

Technique

Jumping (Crossing)

Results

Movement &

Technique

Dive

Results

Movement &

Technique

Dive

Results

Movement &

Technique

Dive

Results

Movement &

Technique

Dive

Variability of Practice

• Watched hundreds of training sessions, matches, gym sessions!!!• Goalkeeping is a 360 degree reaction position, not just reaction saves but responding to crosses, through balls, shots, defensive situations, starting attacks etc…• Very rarely are 2 actions ever the same – obviously similarities but due to the nature of the game movements are always varied• Need to practice ‘unorthodox’ actions – examples?

Movement &

Technique

Variability of Practice

• Use/advocate quick powerful movements:Plyometrics• Futsal, Basketball, Handball, Tennis, Badminton, Water Polo, Volleyball and Gaelic Football movements – similarities from all sports – Youth Level• Powerful – Quick – Dynamic – Reaction – Agility• Train in isolation/build into technical practices• Based upon research and observations + Use in my own coaching

Movement &

Technique

Results

• Match Views & Feedback: 'Performance and video analysis for goalkeepers isn’t usually available so building this into a development plan was important. The match views opened up a new way to review matches' (Head Academy GK coach, Club B).

Match Views & Feedback

Results

• Traditional ‘TV’ view gives limited feedback opportunities i.e. usually when the GK is directly involved in play• Previous research dictated that GKs aren’t involved in play 85% of the match (based upon 1 season – don’t need statistics to realise this)• Wanted to investigate ‘off the ball’ involvement• Have tried filming from behind the goal for GK’s view• Came up with this…….

Match Views & Feedback

ResultsMatch

Views & Feedback

Results

• Opens up previously neglected areas:• Positioning without the ball• Support play• Communication• Starting positions• ‘Coding’ specific to GKs – when matches are reviewed the individual clips are broken down into the above areas along with shots, crosses, set plays, counter attacks and distribution

Match Views & Feedback

Results

• GK would look back at their coded match areas with the coach on a 1 to 1 basis• My role as analyst is to prepare selected clips and whatever information the coach wants• Coach would feedback their points from the game. A very interactive process that gets the GK thinking about their whole performance• Feedback feeds into their development plans

Match Views & Feedback

Results

• The GKs work mostly on their own performance, but also the below model can be applied:• Self – own performances• Peers – others in their club/age group to start discussion and questions• Ideal – Pro GKs – Match of the Day Saves of the week, YouTube Videos, Question sheets and performance profiles

Match Views & Feedback

Conclusion

• It is evident that methods are continually being developed to further enhance GK performance at the elite level although the gap between research and practice still needs further bridging. • The GK specific performance analysis system developed has been well received by players and coaches and been demonstrated to be an extremely useful tool in monitoring specific GK performance.

The Future!

• Further evaluation of techniques• Biomechanical analysis of former England elite goalkeeper• Decision Making analysis• Varied training practices• Consolidation of existing practice• Further research projects – International perspectives….• ‘Scientific Approaches to Goalkeeping in Football’ – out this Autumn

ReferencesBachi, N., Baron, R., Calderon, M.F.J., Di Salvo, V & Pigozzi, F. (2007). Performance Characteristics According to Playing Position in Elite Soccer. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 28, (3), p222-227.Clemence, R, Thomas, M, Grant & A, Williams, A. (2000). Goalkeeper Distribution Patterns in the Premier League. FA Insight. 3, (2), p23-25. Elleray, A. (2011). A case study comparing current goalkeeper coaching structures within professional youth football systems in England , Unpublished MSc manuscript. University of WorcesterSpratford, A, Mellifont, R & Burkett, B. (2009).The influence of dive direction on the movement characteristics for elite football goalkeepers. Sports Biomechanics, 8, (3), p235–244

www.mygamestatsapp.com

Thank you very much for your attention!

Please take a card

Any questions?