Video-based coaching of running technique : a case study in elite level rugby league

Wyatt, Joel

Abstract

Background: The use of video-based performance analysis has become an integral part of the coaching process in elite sport (James, 2006). However, despite the wide-spread use of video-based analysis by coaches, especially in elite level sport, there remains a dearth of research investigating how coaches utilise video-based technology in an attempt to facilitate the learning, development, and performance of their athletes (Groom, Cushion & Nelson, 2012). In addition, scholarly activity in this area has tended to employ experimental designs, conforming to the positivist research paradigm, in an attempt to discover whether or not video can aid the development of motor learning and what factors impact on the effectiveness of video-based interventions (e.g., Guadagnoli, Holcomb, & Davis, 2002; Bertram, Marteniuk, & Guadagnoli, 2007; amongst others). As such, there has been a call for further research to develop a more sophisticated grasp of the complexities of coaching and the use of video-based performance analysis within this process (Nelson, Potrac & Groom, 2012).

Methodology: A 6 week sprint intervention was designed and delivered by a consultant sprint coach to a pre-selected group of academy rugby league players during a suitable period of their periodised training plan. The coach utilised video-based performance analysis to provide feedback to players. Observations were made of the coaching and feedback processes and captured on film. From these observations semi-structured interviews were carried out in order to attain not only an understanding of the rationales underpinning the coach’s practices, but also the players thoughts, reactions and feelings about the intervention.

Results and Discussion: Findings from the coach interviews identified the rationales underpinning the coaches (i.e., Steve) methodology for the intervention in attempting to develop correct sprint technique. Also outlined was the introduction of model running technique, the use of questioning, why particular methods of feedback were utilised at specific times during the intervention and where these methods have been developed from. The results also detail the practical realities faced by Steve, the players’ experiences and responses during an intervention of this type supporting previous works that demonstrate video-based coaching is far from being a straightforward and unproblematic activity (Groom et al., 2011; Nelson et al., 2011). Included within this section is a discussion of the targeted outcomes of Steve’s intervention, outlining considerations toward the session design, presentation format and delivery approach. Following this, the difficulties that Steve encountered when attempting to deliver these targeted outcomes and the complex realties associated with coaching practice and how certain factors came to influence the actions of both Steve and the players. Throughout, the findings are principally made sense of in relation to Groom et al.’s (2011) grounded theory of video-based coaching and Bandura’s (1977, 1986) social learning theory.

Conclusion: The present study sought to contribute towards an evolving knowledge-for-understanding research project into video-based coaching (Groom & Nelson, 2013) by documenting the experiences of a coach and group of elite junior rugby players involved in a video-based training intervention. In doing so, this responds to recent calls for polyvocal research that is grounded in the socio-pedagogical realities of coaching practice (Nelson et al., 2011). The findings of this study demonstrated that Steve, chose to ‘prime’ his field-based coaching with group-based video sessions that purposely sought to help the players to develop visual and verbal understanding of high speed running and acceleration technique and the ability to analyse and correct their own performance. In addition, the application of these findings could enhance the process of coach education, the identification of rationales and perceptions outlined in this study can aid to the future prescription of the use of video-based analysis. Future research in this subject area is needed across sports to consider whether this is apparent in other academy settings. In addition, research focussed around tracking coaches and player interactions over a significantly longer period of time to see if the relationship and video-based practices remain similar.

Citation

Wyatt, J. (2013). Video-based coaching of running technique : a case study in elite level rugby league. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4214992

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 29, 2014
• Keywords: Sports sciences
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4214992
• Additional Information: Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Mar 1, 2013