Computerized notation analysis in field games

Abstract

Notation analysis can enhance the coaching process, and can provide information for virtually all decisions made with respect to long term and short term strategies, training, selection and scouting for talent. This applies to analysis of movement, actions and skills of individuals and teams. Notation systems in sport developed rapidly from racket games to team sports. Initially all systems were manual. The development and growth in power and sophistication, together with a decrease in cost, of the micro-computer in the early 1980s has enabled sports analysts to use this tool to simplify data handling. Far greater amounts of data can now be handled, processed and analysed in a fraction of the time taken previously. Computerized systems, for analysing team games, from Canada and Britain are described. Applications to association football, hockey, Rugby Union and American football have provided insights into successful patterns of play in these games. Recent work, in both these countries, gives a clear indication of likely trends in sport notation systems, given the pace of developments within the microelectronics industry. These may be extended to include applications to areas outside sport.