Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis in Sport

The main components of performance analysis include tactical and technical evaluation, analysis of movement, and statistical compilation. These components are often facilitated by the use of technology including computer software and video technology, wearable sensors, and other smart technologies. ^{1, 2, 3}

Integration into the daily training environment is sport-dependent and individualised for the needs of coaches and athletes. The implementation of a performance analysis system is seen in the daily training environment through ^{1, 2, 3, 5}

• Data collection: Identifying, gathering, storing, and optimising relevant data for analysis from various sources, such as video feedback systems, wearables, and smart technologies.
• Communication and training: Expanding the skills and understanding of coaches and athletes to better use analysis tools and data.
• Being on the ground: Working directly with athletes, coaches, and performance teams to develop insights for improved training and competition outcomes.

Groups, societies and professional bodies

Vocational education and training

The path to becoming a sport performance analyst can be varied. Most performance analysts come from a background of coaching and/or sport science and technology, such as completing an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, Movement Science or Sports Science, Data Science/Analytics. It is typical that experience is first gained with community sports clubs, building skills and exploring the ways in which performance analysis may impact performance.

Several Australian universities offer individual subjects introducing the concepts and techniques of performance analysis for the sport sector.

Presently the number of performance analysis positions within the NIN is quite small, however the role is quite prominent within professional codes. Australian professional football clubs – Australian Football League (AFL), Rugby Super 15, A-League, and National Rugby League (NRL) – generally have a staff member responsible for performance analysis and many have more than one.

Standards

The Australian Performance Support Practitioner Minimum Standards represent the minimum standards for Performance Support staff and contractors engaged to deliver professional services in identified practice disciplines by National Sporting Organisations (NSOs), National Institute Network (NIN) partners, the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, and Commonwealth Games Australia. These standards, along with the AIS Sport Science Sport Medicine Best Practice Principles are a recommendation within the National Integrity Framework, opens in a new tab.

The AIS develops evidence-based position statements on new and complex topics in sports science and sports medicine to provide guidance and leadership for the Australian high-performance sports system.

Research and Resources

• National Institute Network Research. Published sports science/sports medicine research from NIN researchers. This list is updated on a monthly basis.
• Best Practice Principles on Athlete-Centric Governance of Technology and Athlete Information, J. Powles and J. Alderson, University of Western Australia for the Australian Institute of Sport, (April 2023). This best practice document has been developed to provide advice to the Australian national high performance sport system in delivering best practice governance of technology and athlete information.