How Video Analysis Improves Youth Sports Coaching

Picture this: Tryouts end, and you are reviewing player data to make team placement decisions. After looking over scores, you are left with uncertainty and confusion: a dozen players show significant score gaps within the same skill over the two tryout days. No supporting feedback is provided to help you understand why there is such a big discrepancy. Therefore, you are left making drafting decisions based on gut feeling, not accuracy.

That’s where video analysis comes in. With an athlete evaluation tool like SkillShark, evaluators can film an athlete performing a skill and have the video auto-linked to that score. When it comes time to draft teams, coaches can use videos to support the “why” behind any score discrepancies.

This blog explores how one simple feature transforms the entire evaluation process: removing evaluator bias, improving decision-making, and enhancing athlete feedback. 

1. Objective Decision Making

Video analysis adds a layer of unbiased & neutral insight to athlete evaluations, beyond what comments and scores can provide. Using SkillShark, let’s discuss how video analysis works:

• Score athletes on any mobile device and add supporting comments.

• Take a video- Under any metric, evaluators can film an athlete performing that skill. Each video will be safely stored in SkillShark for later review.

• I.e., An athlete is scored a 5 on bunting mechanics and the evaluator comments that they can improve their grip & bat position. A video is included to illustrate this feedback and provide added clarity.

• When making drafting (or positional adjustments), coaches can review attached videos to ensure scores were assigned fairly and reflect a player’s ability.
  

 Improved athlete feedback

1. Self-correction- Oftentimes, there is a gap between an athlete’s perception and their actual performance I.e., An athlete might think they are dribbling well, but video analysis shows that they are struggling to control the ball & change directions quickly. While a coach could provide constructive feedback in the form of a comment, video analysis significantly improves the learning process. Athletes can easily spot their mistakes and replay the clip anytime to refine their technique.

2. Slow motion analysis- Video breaks down & analyzes each movement of a skill second-by-second. If we look at dribbling in soccer, a video shows an athlete:

• How their foot contacts the ball: are they using the inside/outside of their foot properly?

• How the ball reacts to each touch: does it remain close or roll far away?

• How an athlete’s body is positioned while dribbling- is their body low & balanced, or are they leaning too far forward/backward?

When an athlete asks, “Why did I score so low in dribbling?” video analysis aligns feedback with a score. Athletes (and parents) will often be able to see the exact play that impacted their score.

3. Reduced Bias

Let's say an athlete is being scored on their edgework at hockey tryouts. On Day #1 of tryouts, an evaluator gives that athlete a 7. On Day #2 of tryouts, that same evaluator gives that athlete a 4. When it comes time to make drafting decisions, the head coach and assistant coach are puzzled by the stark drop in score. As no comments or video evidence were provided, they are left questioning, “Was this decision influenced by bias or time pressure, or are these scores really accurate?”

With video analysis, coaches can look back to see why that athlete was assigned that specific score. Was it due to choppy strides? Trouble with transitions? Inefficient weight transfer? Whatever the reason(s) may be, video analysis connects the score to clear, objective evidence.

Wrapping Up

Upcoming tryouts, camps, or clinics? While scores and comments are a solid foundation for assessing players, adding video analysis ensures each evaluation is thorough and accurate. When it comes time to draft teams, make mid-season tactical decisions, or provide athlete feedback, video helps to answer the “why” behind almost every question.

SkillShark's video analysis feature is just one of the software's many capabilities. Score athletes (with added video), review auto-generated player reports, and draft teams all in one day!