Methods of Data Collection
Physical and Social Factors
Analyse
Descriptions
Compare
Contrast
Examine
Validity and reliability
Explain
Identify
Categorise
Restrictions and Limitations
Investigate
Contents page
Page 1
Contents
Page 2
Physical and social sub factors being covered.
Page 3
Importance of collecting data before applying a structure or strategy
Page 4-5
Strengths and weaknesses of 1-2-1 structure and three touch attack strategy.
Page 6
Role Related demands to implement the three touch attack strategy.
Page 7-8
Description, advantages and disadvantages of Video analysis
Page 8-10
Description, advantages and disadvantages of observation schedules
Page 11
Description, advantages and disadvantages of coach feedback for both
physical and social factor.
Page 12-13 Description, advantages and disadvantages of team dynamics and
teammates questionnaires.
Page14-15 Description, advantages and disadvantages of Focus group Questions.
Factors Impacting Performance
Data Collection
Physical - Tactics
 Video Analysis
 Observation
Schedules
 Coach Feedback
Social
 Team Dynamics
Questionnaire
 Coach Feedback
 Focus Group
Questions
 Team mates
Questionnaire
Gathering Data in Sports
In order to establish if learning has taken place we need to gather data. As learning itself cannot be
observed, the results of learning can. Data gathering about changes to our performance can indicate that
learning and developments in the implementation of strategies and team cohesion has taken place.
In order for data to be useful it must be
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Accurate (True Reflection)
Relevant (to performer and activity)
Valid (Measures what it should)
Reliable (Consistent)
Objective (Non bias)
Comparative (Enables comparison)
Why is it important to gather data on your performance when
applying a structure or strategy?
 Subjective data collection is based on own thoughts and feelings and encourage a team to
be more reflective.
Objective data collection allows for accurate judgements to be made from a person with
extensive activity knowledge and programmes can then be created specific to needs
following these findings.
 By using focussed data collection and video analysis you are able to ascertain where the
structure or strategy is falling down. Visual picture of fault. Is one player unable to
fulfil role due to physical, technical, tactical or social limitations.
 Collecting data prevents you practicing to improve the wrong aspect of the game firmly
focussing on weaknesses and solutions to these problems.
 Did all players understand their roles and responsibilities? Did all players communicate effectively to
work as a cohesive unit? Did players make fast effective decisions regarding strategic options based on
the opposition?
 When pressurised situations occur this is when most players skills, strategies, social skills
break down therefore it is important to assess and collect data in this environment
 Monitoring methods
STRUCTURE
1-2-1 Structure
4
1
3
2
Advantages of 1-2-1 Structure
Strengths
Strengths
Strengths
• Good court coverage due to diamond formation, especially in service reception.
Therefore, it is hard to break the structure (heart of the court is well protected).
• Good lines of communication, less of a turn required to support each other, “On
Help” at all times.
• Clearly defined roles and responsibilities (less confusion).
• Lots of width in attack with a 3 player attacking unit with choice of hitters for
variety in attack.
• 3 man defensive unit at the net and back of the court in service reception. Even
if an error does occur players should be easily available to support (strength in
numbers).
• Identified setter (clear passage of play).
Limitations of 1-2-1 structure
A good opposing server
could penetrate whole
structure and serve down
the lines. This could open up
gaps on the court to attack
or reduce the strength of
team attacks.
Players may be unsure of
what their roles are in both
attacking and defensive
units, resulting in insufficient
cover and attacking options.
Players may be unable to
fulfil set roles for a number
of reasons (physical
characteristics, such as lack
of height, power, speed etc.
Technical weaknesses ,
tactical weaknesses or social
issues within the team.
Opposition could identify a
weak receiver in service
reception and exploit this.
Issues
Unit fluidity and limitations
in attack If units do not
communicate. Play can
become predictable and
erratic.
Main Attacking Strategy: 3 Touch Attack
Strategy Strengths
This enabled my team to mount stronger attacks with the swing hitters having more time to prepare and
make appropriate decisions and makes best use of Left and right handed players.
Also we could add more variety to our play giving us more scoring potential.
Allows for a smoother and more co-ordinated attack as players have set roles.
As players have set roles within the strategy they can focus on their role, tactics, and skills increasing success
rate of the attacking unit.
Less confusion and allows players to play to their strengths on the court (preferred positions).
Strategy weaknesses
A lack of communication and understanding of roles can cause confusion and lack of court coverage.
Limitations in the execution of skills will reduce the quality of passes and the strength and variety of the
attack.
Delayed responses to cues in the game will impact a team’s ability to apply the principles of play and
concentrate on applying effective tactics.
Role Related demands to implement the three touch attack
1st Touches
Physical Requirements
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Skill Related Requirements
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Tactical Requirements

2nd touch
Mobility to cover the court
effectively.
Anticipation to respond to the flight
path of the ball to give time to get
under it.

Speed and agility to get into the
correct setting position and to
defend the attacks to cast a shadow
over the court with their blocks.
Endurance to sustain sets for an
entire match.

Combination height and
power in the arms and legs to
generate steep downwards
angle.
Be competent in both digging and
volleying.
Height and accuracy in placement to
the setter.

Excellent volleyer of the ball to
accurately control the flight path,
direction and pace of the set.
Reverse and straight volleys to
providing attacking team mates with
more option and time to produce a
strong attack.

Timing, rhythm and dynamic
balance when spiking the ball.
Being able to adjust the angle
of attack through adapting the
run up.
A variety of attacking options;
spike, tip and shoot volley.
Setter dictates the attack, who
attacks, where they attack and when
the attack takes place.
Must have good court vision and be
one step ahead of the game to
initiate attacks.
Decisions must be made swiftly to
limit the time for defensive set up.

Excellent leadership skills (Play
makers) to link all 3 touches
together.
Communication both verbal and
through hand signals to direct plays
and link up with the hitters.

Good court vision and judgements
with regards to the opposition
service to select the correct passing
option.
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Social Requirements

3rd Touch
Communication and cooperation
between players to cover the court
effectively and support a poor touch.
Team cohesion to prevent collisions
and be on help.
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Disguise is vital to put
pressure on the most skilful
volleyball player.
Confidence to go up against a
strong blocking unit.
Cooperation between the
hitters and setter to prepare
early and to time an effective
unit motion to the net with
one player hitting and the
other faking.
PHYSICAL FACTOR
Sub Factors: Team Strengths and Weaknesses + Principles of Play
Method 1: Video Analysis
Video analysis, a commonly used tool in modern sports, can provide a training boost for individual and team
competitions. Coaches and trainers analyse video from live competitive action and training exercises, and the
results of their careful analysis provide helpful feedback for the athletes. Thanks to video analysis, athletes can gain
a competitive edge, correct faults and maximize their strengths when applying structures and strategies through
more effective decision making and application.
Why appropriate?
Advantages
Footage can be slowed down or paused to highlight team strengths and weaknesses in performance.
When recorded in an open, competitive environment you can find trends and patterns you can change. A
volleyball team may be vulnerable defensively at the back of the court on service reception, a netball team
might lose the ball frequently at centre pass or a basketball fast break may breakdown frequently. Once the
weak link is discovered, it can be modified and improved upon.
Footage recorded during open play will help to pin point areas of attacking and defensive play which are
limiting the creativity, court coverage and success of strategies. Often players get caught up in the moment
and are unaware of any limitations or unable to properly assess these limitations until they look back at the
footage.
It is a permanent record which allows you to compare at a later date to monitor progress.
A vital source of visual feedback that identifies how successful players function as units to execute strategies
and provides motivation to enhance these further.
Using video footage of a model. One way that using video analysis can help improve your performance is to
watch the best in your sport play the game. Studying hours of video of the best player applying strategies in
your sport will showcase patterns the player uses on a regular basis that help them achieve success. When
you have pinpointed some of the tactics of the best players, you can work them into your own game.
One of the most common ways video analysis is used is to prepare for upcoming opponents. Watching
footage of next week’s opponent teaches you their strengths and weaknesses, and enables you to formulate
a game plan to deal with them. Mental preparation is an important factor in volleyball, so knowing what
you’re up against beforehand can give you an extra advantage.
Volleyball is such a fast paced, rebound sport and almost impossible for an observer to record all relevant
information on a schedule. Through utilizing video analysis at the same time it can increase the validity of
results and ensure information is not omitted to provide a clear picture on performance.
For you as the individual, you will be able to find out the exact number of successful or unsuccessful passes
you made when in the setters role, and similarly when you are playing as a hitter / blocker. You will then be
able to work out the percentage success rate you have in each position – this will confirm whether you are
better at one of the positions than the other, thus providing that of you were able to play at this position all
the time, then your teams overall performance would improve.
Limitations of Video Analysis
Can you always
guarantee that the i
pad will be available.
Lighting might be poor
which impacts the
quality of your results.
The space and angle of
the Camera can be an
issue to get all the action
in.
It can take time to
collate results.
Collating the results
and analysing what is
in front of a
performer can be
difficult. Can they
recognise and accept
issues in their
performance? This
might be impacted
by activity
experience and
knowledge.
Method 2: Observation Schedules
Observation schedules can be used to identify faults and following
adaptations and a period of practice to monitor progress.
Observation schedules can be completed during open play and in a
practice setting in a more controlled environment.
In Volleyball a Game Analysis Observation Schedule, is completed to collect initial data on where the
team is winning points. This involves playing 2 sets against opponents of equal ability in a 4 v4 game whilst
an observer records where a point is won under the following headings;
First attack
Transition to attack
Blocking
Service
Opponent serve
Opponent error.
Focussed observation schedules on units and individuals in volleyball
SERVICE RECEPTION
OBSERVATION SCHEDULE
SETTING OBSERVATION
SCHEDULE
ATTACKING SHOT OBSERVATION
SCHEDULE
PRINCIPLES OF PLAY
OBSERVATION SCHEDULE
2 Sets against opponents of equal
ability whilst an observer records the
effectiveness of each players 1st
touch in service reception under4
categories
2 Sets against opponents of equal
ability whilst an observer records the
effectiveness of players in the
identified setting role.
2 sets against opponents of equal
ability whilst each player was
observed in a hitting position.
An observer recordedwhether a spike,
tip or shoot volley resulted in;
2 sets against opponents of equal
ability whilst a group of observers
recorded the attacking play of a team
and their application of principles of
play.
* A point
* Width in attack
* Rally continuing
* Depth in attack
* Point being lost
* Penetration in attack
3 = perfect, high, accurate first touch
to the setter
2 = pass was inaccurate, but rally
continued but limited options
1 = Setter forced to play the ball over
on second touch
0= direct error, where no pick up was
possible.
At the same time the flight of the
pass, technique and height of the
pass was recorded on a scattergraph.
Each time a set was played, it was
recorded, in the following categories:
+ = perfect set (high and accurate)
0 = Rally continues (set lacks height,
hitter forced out of position and
limited options but attack still
possible.)
- = Direct error (played into the net,
over the net, or impossible for the
hitter to receive)
At the same a scattter graph was used
to record where the set was played to,
whether it was a dig, volley or reverse
volley and high or low.
* Tempo Change
Why appropriate?
1. The written format provides a permanent record that allows for comparison at a later date.
2. Having an observer it provides objective feedback which is non-bias providing more accurate
results.
3. By playing in a competitive match against a team of equal ability you are forced to play your full
range of shots and apply more advanced strategies adding to the validity of the findings as the
pressurised situation can highlight consistency and breakdowns of play.
4. By completing the schedule over a sustained period of time patterns of play can be observed. It is
also possible to see dips in form. The more information the more vivid the picture on performance.
Occasionally, a player takes longer to get into the match. This duration provides them the
opportunity to do this.
5. All tally marks can be converted into match stats on various elements of play which are hard to
argue with.
6. Strengths and weaknesses can be identified from the schedule which future performance
development programmes and goal setting can be based upon.
7. Focussed observation schedules allow you to target key units and roles in the play to address issues
with the productivity and success and find out the best positions for players to be in.
8. Objective feedback by a person with activity knowledge ensures validity and reliability of the
results to create a detailed analysis of performance.
Limitations with Observation Schedules
1. When you have someone else recording information on performance the validity of the results are
dependent on the observers focus and attention during the match and the importance they place
on the process. Also, if they are lacking activity knowledge their perception of what equals an
effective shot/play might be different from the reality.
2. Volleyball is a very fast paced sport and there is likely to be a number of shots in every rally with
players constantly adapting their movements on the court. This can make it impossible for one
observer to record all shots played. When they take their eye of the match to complete the
schedule periods of play can be missed questioning the reliability of the findings.
3. If the opposition is not of a similar ability this will provide false results and a performer might not
be forced to play to their maximum as insufficient pressure is applied.
4. The content of the observation schedule has to be correct in the first place to focus on key
elements of performance and allow for detailed observations.
5. The mental, emotional and social cohesiveness of the performer and team is crucial if accurate
results are to be collected. Lack of motivation, communication, resilience, and anxiety, etc will
impact the quality of shots, decisions, concentration, tactics and technique. If a performer is over
tired, hungry etc this will impact their play and ultimately the results.
Method 3: Coaching Feedback (Both Social and Physical Factor)
Information offered at various points in a
performance or in practice.
Appropriate/ advantages
This allows a performer to adapt their
performance immediately to bring about
performance improvements and can prevent
bad habits surfacing.
Limitations
Often noise can impact the coaches ability to
provide quality verbal feedback
making the information less accurate as
performers struggle to hear what is being said.
Focusses the performer and can be a source of
positivity and motivation.
Sometimes the coach is restricted by when
they can get information to the performer
which can be too late and have impacted
performance dramatically before this
information can be relayed. Also the time has
passed and it is not as relevant to a performer
as it would have been at the time.
If feedback is provided consistently during
practice it will allow for brisk progress and
result in a performer going into a competitive
environment with confidence and better
listening skills. Coaches can give clearer
information away from the pressurised
environment giving the performer a better
understanding of how to develop performance.
Several point of information only
Positive and negative balance
This directs a performer’s attention to key points of
technique or performance and lets them make
corrections quickly.
A balance of positive and negative feedback keeps
the performer motivated and encourages them to
practice.
Unfortunately, when a team is under pressure this
feedback is less effective and their brain can be
overloaded and they are unable to take this
information in and listen to make appropriate
tactical decisions.
When breaks are brief it can be difficult for coaches
to focus on only several points when there is a lot
that they can talk about and they want to make this
time count.
It is difficult to balance the feedback when a team
or performer is having a dip in performance and
form. They themselves will be aware of their
failings and if you focus only on the issues you risk
losing the performer and motivation to train and
compete will be impossible to achieve. Always
being positive could make a performer arrogant
and they need targets etc to keep on track.
SOCIAL FACTOR
Sub Factors: Team dynamics, communication, Co-operation and rules and responsibilities
Method 1: Team Dynamics Questionnaire (1) and Teammates Questionnaire (2)
Questionnaires are the main source of monitoring and recording thoughts and feelings on social factors impacting on
a performance. This involves team members indicating how much they like playing for the team and indicates how
well they feel the team performs as a unit. The Team Dynamics Questionnaire has been the tool of choice for years.
In the questionnaire the performer must read 10 statements related to the different features of team dynamics.
They then have to circle a number between 1 and 9 to show how strongly they agree with each statement. In order
to identify strengths and weaknesses the performer must reflect on their results and summarise the most significant
statements. The questionnaire can be completed at the start of training, pre-season or post match etc.
Example
Statement
“Everyone makes
a positive
contribution to the
team”.
How like my
Teammates am I?
This questionnaire
can be used to find
out how similar you
are to your
teammates. The
maximum score is 80
and the higher you
score the more like
your team mates you
are. High scores
could suggest that
your group has a high
level of team
cohesion.
Benefits of a Questionnaires
*
Easy to set up
*
You can measure
improvements through
completion of a questionnaire
due to the written format.
*
*
*
*
Large quantities of valid
information regarding scoial
sub factors for coach/teacher
and performer.
Opportunity to voice thoughts
and feelings (Subjective)which
could impact performance.
Encourages reflection.
Everyone in the class answers
the same Q's reducing bias and
increases validity and reliability
of results as the performers
are not influenced by an
interviewer.
Focusses a performers attention
on the social factor impacting
performance.
Limitations with Questionnaires
*
Very much based on performers
perception which could be
different from reality. (bias
results)
*
Depends on the importance a
performer places on the
process and could impact the
validity of the results.
*
Misinterpretation of the
questions can occur resulting in
inconsistencies.
*
Application and focus is very
dependant on the circumstances of
the performer (Injury, sub) etc and
environment data is collected in.
*
Questionnaires do NOT show how
particular individuals relate to each
other, whether cliques are forming,
or whether some members are
feeling isolated.
*
Time consuming to collate results on
a large group.
*
Closed questions . Lack of
explanation.
Method 2: Focus Group Questions with the use of video recording
Focus group refers to a group of usually 10 or fewer individuals. The group consisted of all players in the volleyball
team gathered to discuss information on the social factor. They are asked a series of questions or are given
statements to which they freely share their opinions, ideas and reactions. The coach acts as the interviewer in this
situation. Players are asked to answer honestly and all members are given the opportunity to voice their opinion.
This information is then used to identify areas of strength and weakness. The group sessions are video recorded.
Advantages of Focus Group Questions
The face-to-face involvement of a qualified moderator (teacher) can ensure that the conversation is always
on track, and encourage participants’ engagement without one individual dominating the meeting. This
results in a range of views, rather than the teachers.
When participants are stimulated to discuss, the group dynamics can generate new thinking about social
factors which will result in a much more in-depth discussion and increased understanding of its importance.
Useful to obtain detailed information about personal and group feelings, perceptions and opinions.
Also, the fact that groups are small gives each performer more time to speak. In addition, because
participants know they are being video recorded and contribution evaluated they are more likely to engage.
The video recording alongside the questions is a great way to record interactions, and communication.
Non verbal responses can give a lot of clues to thoughts through observations in body language
during peer responses.
Following a period of training could highlight changes in behavior towards each other.
Through open discussion players may come up with solutions to problems.
Disadvantages of Focus Group Questions
•This does not suit all players
personalities. They may feel
intimidated and say what
others want to hear rather than
their true thoughts, especailly if
they are the opposite from
more dominant individuals.
• This can make the
discussion very bias
• This person may also direct
the discussion and
comprimise the results if
their questions to extend
the discussion are leading
and bias impacting the
views of the participants.
Relies very much on
players being open,
honest and confident
enough to give their
opinion in a group
setting
If the person
managing the group
is not experienced
the dicussion could
go off on a tangent
and players lose
focus.
Focus groups can
become influenced
by one or two
dominant people
who hijack the
discussion.
Is is a subjective
method of data
collection
• That means that
responses are soley
based on opinion. This
means results are not
always accurate.