Student blog from the interns at AFC Bournemouth

Written by Jay Lefevre, year 2 Sports Coaching.

At the start of this academic year we started a unit called Applied Principles of Performance Analysis. This would allow us to gain an insight into analysing performance across a range of sports. Throughout this process we used a piece of specialist software called SportsCode. This software can be used in conjunction with a wide range of sports to allow the coaches to identify incidents which affect performance in positive and negative ways. Throughout the unit and during taught sessions we were able to work regularly with the software which enabled us to become very familiar with its use and therefore use it in an effective way in relation to pinpointing key incidents within performance.

A screenshot of SportsCode in action.

In November 2010, student internships were offered to three students from Southampton Solent University’s Health, Exercise and Sport Science department with the aim of operating the performance analysis department within AFC Bournemouth. This was initiated under the guidance of Associate Lecturer and AFC Bournemouth coach Louis Langdown. The journey began under Eddie Howe where basic requirements were put in place so that the management team could gather in depth information on match performance. Since Eddie left the club for Burnley in the Championship, former player Lee Bradbury has taken charge and things have changed in relation to our involvement within the team. This involves the importance of the data we provide and also the social aspect with the coaches and playing staff.

The process throughout the day consists of arriving at the football club 2 hours before kick-off so that a suitable area within the gantry can be used to set up the equipment. This involves setting up the tripod and camera as well as preparing a suitable area for the person who has been chosen to code the match. This then allows us time to collect a team sheet from the staff and test out the equipment to see whether everything is working effectively and to the correct standards. Throughout the game we select 3 different roles which involve capturing the game through the video camera, coding the match using SportsCode and noting down the amount of passes that are produced from both teams and relate them to success and unsuccessful patterns.

Once the game has finished and following the coding process we are presented with numerous clips from the game showing key components of the performance. This also enables us to export statistical information to excel so that a statistics sheet can be formulated to produce a quantitative document for the coaching staff and players. Once this is done we make our way down to the changing room where we liaise with the management and players with regards to their performance. This consists of us showing them the key clips of the game which normally consist of the oppositions goals or attempts on goal. We then eat with the staff and players whilst discussing the game before making our way back home.