Five reasons for video analytics in sports

Technology is fantastic. In recent years, many developments have come on the market to let players play better, trainers train better and coaches coach better.

Whether it's advanced statistics, GPS, apps, or video analytics. We now have so many tools to help with player development. But the last tool in particular, video analytics, is the most tangible way to assess and develop players. After all, seeing is learning!

Therefore, here are five reasons to use video analytics in sports.

#1 Video makes everything visible

Many apps and wearables have been developed from the perspective of the individual. Video puts the athlete in his environment. How does the athlete move relative to the opponent? How relative to the ball? And perhaps more importantly: how without a ball? Moments are retrievable and the player can see his own choices. When video analysis is linked to data from the individual, there is even more to get out of the analysis. What was the heart rate after that impressive 60-meter sprint? What was the top speed? Video analytics puts the player in the spotlight completely. It adds context to a situation. In addition, players and coaches often have very different perspectives in a certain situation. Video analysis software makes it possible to share moments with each other and discuss them with each other.

#2 Creating Benchmarking and Comparison Points

Video allows us to identify and tag certain habits, skills, and changes. By using these characteristics, a certain player can follow his own development. It is no longer just about experience in the competition, but also about development after the competition. The player's assessment will take place throughout the week and will become more deeply rooted in his choices in certain situations.

#3 Visual learning

Many people learn visually and prefer to learn through visual methods and tools. Using video analytics makes it easier for teams and players so they can absorb the information faster. In addition, video leaves less room for discussion. The moments themselves will be discussed rather than the individual perception of the player, trainer, or coach.

#4 Technical development of cameras

Due to the emergence of products that film from a high point of view (drones, SPORTSVIEW, etc.), the tactical aspect is added to this. There is no possibility to film from the stands around most sports facilities. In addition, there is often no cabling available or an increase of which can be filmed. A minimum height of 6 meters is required for a good overview.

#5 Breaking habits and patterns

Video analysis helps a player through insight to be able to change ingrained patterns. For example, in hockey it is much easier to play a ball to the left because of the forehand. However, because of that same forehand, it's harder to attack over the left. By showing players how much more effective an attack on the right is, it is easy for the coach to break patterns. Another good example is the football goalkeeper who has a strong preference with his right leg to play the ball to the left back more than average. When the keeper subsequently sees on video images that he is missing a large part of the game as a result, he will strive for a more balanced game image in the future.

And that concludes the list, five reasons to take video analytics very seriously. An important tip before you get started: keep it simple, but above all, have fun!