Exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics.

Professional coaches commonly rely on performance analysis and metrics to help make decisions regarding their practices, selection and tactics. However, few studies to date have explored coaches' perspectives of performance analysts successful integration into the high-performance environment....

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Main Authors: Mikaela J Callinan, Jonathan D Connor, Wade H Sinclair, Anthony S Leicht
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2023-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280799
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author Mikaela J Callinan
Jonathan D Connor
Wade H Sinclair
Anthony S Leicht
author_facet Mikaela J Callinan
Jonathan D Connor
Wade H Sinclair
Anthony S Leicht
author_sort Mikaela J Callinan
collection DOAJ
description Professional coaches commonly rely on performance analysis and metrics to help make decisions regarding their practices, selection and tactics. However, few studies to date have explored coaches' perspectives of performance analysts successful integration into the high-performance environment. The aim of this study was to investigate coaches' philosophies surrounding performance analysis and how they perceived analysts could support and implement these approaches into coaching practices and match preparation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five professional elite level Rugby Union coaches to investigate their perceptions of performance analysis, and the contribution of performance analysts to the high-performance environment. Results revealed three main dimensions, including the role, purpose, and desired attributes of a performance analyst. Firstly, the role of the analyst was described in terms of being an information specialist, who collects, filters, and delivers information to stakeholders, and a generalist, who helps coaches utilise technology. Secondly, the purpose of the analyst was described in terms of providing both accountability and support for coaches and players. Finally, the attributes needed of an analyst included the ability to form a close relationship with coaches, communicate complex information in meaningful ways, and who was proactive, innovative, and creative when tasked with delivering information. The findings highlighted the crucial roles, purposes, and attributes of a performance analyst within high-performance Rugby Union identified by coaches and the importance of the coach-analyst relationship to support these dimensions.
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spelling doaj.art-85b3aa878ac840839e2e7789eadba7012023-01-28T05:30:46ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032023-01-01181e028079910.1371/journal.pone.0280799Exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics.Mikaela J CallinanJonathan D ConnorWade H SinclairAnthony S LeichtProfessional coaches commonly rely on performance analysis and metrics to help make decisions regarding their practices, selection and tactics. However, few studies to date have explored coaches' perspectives of performance analysts successful integration into the high-performance environment. The aim of this study was to investigate coaches' philosophies surrounding performance analysis and how they perceived analysts could support and implement these approaches into coaching practices and match preparation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five professional elite level Rugby Union coaches to investigate their perceptions of performance analysis, and the contribution of performance analysts to the high-performance environment. Results revealed three main dimensions, including the role, purpose, and desired attributes of a performance analyst. Firstly, the role of the analyst was described in terms of being an information specialist, who collects, filters, and delivers information to stakeholders, and a generalist, who helps coaches utilise technology. Secondly, the purpose of the analyst was described in terms of providing both accountability and support for coaches and players. Finally, the attributes needed of an analyst included the ability to form a close relationship with coaches, communicate complex information in meaningful ways, and who was proactive, innovative, and creative when tasked with delivering information. The findings highlighted the crucial roles, purposes, and attributes of a performance analyst within high-performance Rugby Union identified by coaches and the importance of the coach-analyst relationship to support these dimensions.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280799
spellingShingle Mikaela J Callinan
Jonathan D Connor
Wade H Sinclair
Anthony S Leicht
Exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics.
PLoS ONE
title Exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics.
title_full Exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics.
title_fullStr Exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics.
title_full_unstemmed Exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics.
title_short Exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics.
title_sort exploring rugby coaches perception and implementation of performance analytics
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280799
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