Applied performance analysis practices in women's football
A summary of the research:
he article "Applied Performance Analysis Practices in Women’s Football" by Harkness-Armstrong et al. explores the use of performance analysis (PA) in women’s football across various competitive levels. The study, based on a survey of 39 practitioners, reveals that PA is primarily used for team performance analysis, individual player assessments, opposition analysis, and training evaluation. Technology like HUDL and Veo is widely employed for data collection, storage, and feedback delivery, though practices vary by competition level. Challenges such as limited resources, data availability, and infrastructural inequalities affect the implementation of PA, particularly in lower-tier leagues. The study emphasizes the need for tailored education and training opportunities for analysts to address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of PA practices.
The research underscores the importance of integrating PA into coaching strategies to inform player development, match preparation, and recruitment. While PA is widely acknowledged as essential for modern football, the study identifies gaps in its application, including limited use for talent identification, best practice analysis, and coach behavior analysis. The findings highlight the need for more investment and research to refine PA tools and methods, ensuring they meet the specific needs of women’s football.
Key Takeaways
Performance analysis is widely used in women’s football, with team performance and opposition analysis being the most common applications.
Challenges such as resource limitations and data availability disproportionately affect lower-tier leagues, highlighting the need for equitable investment in women’s football.
Tailored education and interdisciplinary collaboration can improve PA practices and address gaps, such as talent identification and coach behavior analysis.
Authors: Alice Harkness-Armstrong., Laura Seth, Ruth Lowry, and Naomi Datson
You can read the entire article here.
