What are the Benefits of Video Analysis in Sports?

Video analysis is the process by which coaches and players review video footage of practices and games to improve the players' performance or to prepare them for future opponents. Reviewing video footage is a staple for sports like football, in which the team needs to adjust its strategy against a new opponent before every game. Video analysis may also be helpful in improving the mechanics of an individual player as well.

  1. Correct Form

    • There are many different coaching methods for getting a player to perform a movement correctly. Some coaches tell players all the things they are doing wrong and how to correct them. W. Timothy Gallwey, author of "The Inner Game of Tennis," suggests repeatedly showing players how to do a movement correctly. If a player is shown a video of how to throw a ball or hit a forehand correctly over and over again, it may help him to correct his form. Using a video for this purpose can save a from coach having to do the motion perfectly many times in order to show a player.

    Room for Improvement

    • By watching a video recording of her athletic performance, a player can see how she could improve. In contrast, a player might not be able to heed the advice of his coach if he cannot visualize what he is doing wrong, and may persist in performing an athletic skill incorrectly. Seeing video footage of a mistake gives a player an opportunity to internalize the need to improve his movement.

    Strengths and Weaknesses

    • Football coaches can often be seen watching hours worth of game footage showing upcoming opponents. This helps coaches to determine the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents and form a game plan. For example, if a coach notice that one side of an opponent's defense tends to be stronger than another, the coach may run offensive plays that target the weak side. Coaches can use this information to decide on both offensive and defensive schemes.

    Injury Progression

    • Video analysis in sports does not just have to pertain to what happens on the field. Injuries happen in sports, and it is important for athletes to recover as quickly and as fully as possible before returning to playing with the rest of the team. By analyzing video of the training and rehabilitation of a player, a coaching staff can determine the stage of recovery the player has reached. If a player is still favoring an injured leg or ankle, he may need to be kept from jogging and running drills for additional time to make sure there is no chance for re-injury.