Analytics, Technology and High Performance Sport

This chapter considers how technological developments have impacted on the use of data to manage performance in sport. In particular the move from paper-and-pencil methods of data collection to video recording and then, more recently, to the use of digital technology has both increased the range and detail of the data collected. This has resulted in the emergence of expert data systems specific to individual teams based on their own tactical game plans with coaches providing systematic evaluations of the decision making and technique of their players. The greater availability of performance data has seen teams start to use statistical analysis to support decision making. The two principal functions of statistical analysis are distinguished – the reporting function and the analytical function – and it is argued that the reporting function is dependent on the analytical function to identify which metrics should be reported and tracked. The increasing use of sports analytics is illustrated by the examples of the Oakland A’s in baseball, Bolton Wanderers in association football, and Saracens in rugby union.