Technology, Speed Skating

Welcome and thanks for visiting...
Join Now!

Video Analysis While Training?

Published: 2022-03-18
Video Analysis While Training?
5/5 Average rating
Please sign in in order to rate the blog.

Are you sure you should do videos analysis during training?

A little disclaimer, I'm a video analysis expert in figure skating.  This article may very well apply to other sports too. I’m often asked if coaches should be doing video analysis during training.

In my opinion, coaches cannot do video analysis during ice training. First, the session must be dynamic not to get the skater freezing. Second, to do video analysis, you must have a reference point. A model.

Because, typically, when you do an analysis, you must collect information/data. With this global picture, you can understand why it is not working. The next step is to define which data is essential to improve or change.

Only then can you think about what and the how. What to change or improve and how to achieve this—the how requests coaching skills and experience.

That's why I think there is confusion in people's minds between doing video analysis and using video during the training.

What most coaches do is a skating course with video support. They film and do instant video feedback with a smartphone or a tablet, using apps dedicated to this with slow motion and drawing features.

You give information more effectively to your skater with video. Remember that 65% of people are visual learners, according to the Social Science Research Network. 

I think of this as support rather than analysis.

When I finish the video capture, I sit in my office to study and analyze the skater's jump. I always use the Golden circle rule (Why / What / How).

Depending on the complexity of the problem, I can create a Stromotion or make a side-by-side comparison with key positions.

Using data to explain the problem is a good way but also good to refer to his jump-specific technique. Having a database where each technique is categorized is a real plus.