Translating novel collective behaviour measures to concepts and principles of play as understood by football coaches.

Corsie, Martin; Malone, Michael; Swinton, Paul A.

Abstract

A range of innovative performance analysis metrics have been applied in recent years to investigate aspects of football using tempo-spatial and network analyses. These approaches have gained traction within some professional teams to quantify and assess features of collective behaviour. However, metrics employed are rarely created from, or clearly link to, domain expertise and as a result coaches may be hesitant of their value. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify coach perceptions of spatial temporal and network metrics and identify the feasibility of an iterative and collaborative process to developing metrics. Two rounds of semi-structured interviews were conducted with three Scottish youth international UEFA Pro License coaches (age: 47.0 ± 2.7 years) with a focus on aligning metrics with concepts and principles of play. An iterative approach was used centring around spatial-temporal and network metrics and their adaptation. Reflexive thematic analyses were conducted with final metrics categorized as resonant (accurately describing concept or principles of play), relevant (appropriate but with limitations that need improvement), or hesitant (skeptical of usefulness). Across the ten recognized principles of play, nine metrics were identified and adapted to varying degrees. Resonant metrics included: network intensity (mobility), distance between defenders (discipline), triangles (support), team length and distance between deepest defender and goal line (depth). Coaches recognize principles of play within complex collective behaviour metrics and should be encouraged to collaborate with analysts to develop support systems that may prove to be more valuable and usable.

Citation

CORSIE, M., MALONE, M. and SWINTON, P.A. 2024. Translating novel collective behaviour measures to concepts and principles of play as understood by football coaches. International journal of sports science and coaching [online], 19(4), pages 1443-1458. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241238991

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 21, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 21, 2024
• Publication Date: Aug 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Mar 28, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 28, 2024
• Journal: International journal of sports science and coaching
• Print ISSN: 1747-9541
• Electronic ISSN: 2048-397X
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1443-1458
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241238991
• Keywords: Network intensity; Performance analysis; Soccer; Spatial-temporal metrics; Collaboration; Data analysis; Decision making
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2279575