Collecting data for physical skills

General Observation Schedules

These are ‘general’ in that they broadly look at all aspects of a performance. They allow strengths and areas of development to be identified from the whole performance. The criteria can be tailored to the individual and sport but is generally based on a model performer.

By filling out a schedule the performer can see which areas may require work.

Example of a General Observation Schedule:

Criteria from model performer - Recover to base, Accurate service, Move opponent around court, Arrive early to hit my preferred shot, Use a variety of strokes. Boxes with Always Sometimes Never

Focused Observation Schedule

This type of observation schedules analyses one skill or part of a skill. They are normally based on model performer criteria and are split into Preparation, Action and Recovery. A performer would perform the skill several times either in a practice or competitive situation, whilst being videoed or observed.

Example of Focused Observation Schedule

Focused observation schedule - Phase of Action (Prep, Action, Recovery), Model Performance, 1st Performance, 2nd Performance

Scatter diagram

This involves a ‘floor plan’ of, for example, a football pitch. An observer can then plot on the plan where a performer has had touches of the ball. Using this, they can analyse movement around the pitch.

Investigating performanceCollecting data for physical skills