I admit that I am a data and video enthusiast! I will disclose that my watch provides numerous data points, including altitude and heart rate. Plus, I use a ring that connects to my phone and provides a wealth of data, from activity to sleep. Meanwhile, I use video applications and platforms for fitness workouts and instructional purposes. One could argue that I am saturated with data daily, and I appreciate having it, as it provides me with information. It is my choice and responsibility to use the information to modify my daily activity and lifestyle— hopefully for the better. However, I also believe that data without context has limited useful application. I am a proponent of mixed-methods research and I value qualitative data and information that provides me with the bigger picture. I believe player data, when used in conjunction with coaching through video review, can be a powerful tool for player development.
Video can be used as a learning tool to provide the user with objective information. For example, in my role as a physical therapist, I can use video to capture movement during a squat and identify atypical movement patterns while guiding corrective movements. As an educator, I can review video of my teaching sessions and count how many times I say“ Um.” In both instances, the intent is to gather objective information to improve performance. Soccer coaches record coaching sessions to develop their coaching ability. An opportunity exists for soccer coaches to incorporate video review into their player development as well. Whether the session is 10 minutes or 45 minutes, in-person or virtual, the proposed framework below provides a structure for a video review session.
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Essential to maximizing player learning through video review is planning and preparation for an effective coaching session. At the beginning of the season, I recommend being transparent with players and parents by communicating the exact video platform you will use, whether players have access, and how you intend to use video in your coaching. Providing a rationale for the review and its objectives is important for player and parent understanding. For example, you can say“ We use the video platform‘ X’ to capture match video and data. You can access the video to watch independently. Still, I plan to meet with each player individually to review specific aspects of play in order for the player to develop based on the video review.” In addition, I recommend providing specific information about the session and how players can prepare. I outline key elements to provide as a roadmap for the coaching session.
• Video Segment Determination: Coach or Player
• Specific Segment to Review: » Provide the time stamps
» Example: Start time: 0:23:16 – End time: 0:23:30
» Indicate an aspect of the game( e. g., technical, tactical, etc.)
• Connect to the player’ s individual development plan
• Player Reflection on Action( s) in Video Segment
• Duration of Meeting Session
• Outline Structure of Session » State the objective of the session
» Review clip » Player perspective » Coaching points » Action development items
SESSION STRUCTURE
Establish Psychological Safety
Coaches need to establish an environment conducive to player learning, and that begins with psychological safety. The intent is for players to learn and not be criticized or humiliated. Coaches need to be explicit in establishing psychological safety with their players by stating up front that this is an opportunity for development. Psychological safety should be established from the beginning of the season and modeled consistently.
Reiterate Coaching Session Parameters
Consistent with planning and preparation, it is important to outline the parameters of the session. Reiterating the session duration, format and objectives will facilitate the session’ s productivity. For example,“ In this 10-minute coaching session, I will provide you with coaching based on the video clip we both watched. You selected a segment beginning at 0:23:16 and ending at 0:23:30. You indicated you wanted to focus on turning into space when you receive the ball. By the end of the session, we will determine aspects of individual development based on our observations. Do I have your permission to provide you with coaching tips during this session?” It is important to remind players of the session structure to ensure the meeting runs efficiently.
Objectives and Goals
Ideally, the goals and objectives should align with the player’ s individual development plan. When players select video clips for review, they should be instructed to refer to their individual development plan( IDP) to align with their season goals. Similarly, coaches should use players’ IDPs to select videos to facilitate player growth throughout the season. However, if there is a coaching opportunity that does not“ fit” the IDP, then the coach should use their best judgment, especially when players feel they made a mistake and want more immediate guidance for improvement. I recommend two or three objectives for the session, as more than that may result in cognitive overload for the player.
Player Reflection
Fundamental to player development is the ability to reflect on their respective performance. In the video segment, what did the player do well? What could the player have done better? Were there barriers or facilitators leading up to the action observed in the video segment process?
The goal of player reflection is for the player to figure out how to develop their own solutions. Initially, it may not be as quick as needed on the pitch, but it allows for eventual self-solution. As coaches, we should facilitate that process. In general, I have found that if I remain silent, it allows a player the space to reflect and arrive at a fairly accurate solution.
Action Development
At the conclusion of the meeting, the player should have a specific plan of action to help them develop, based on the review of their video. Action items should align with the aspect of the game discussed. The plan may include specific training activities or in-game considerations. At this step, the coach provides expertise to facilitate player development.
It is important to note that, even if all other elements of the video review are done perfectly, if this action step is subpar, it limits the value of the session. The intent is for players to have continuous development, and providing guidance that challenges them to reach their potential is important.
Imagine if players spent 10 % of their daily screen time reviewing videos of their matches to develop knowledge and skills in soccer. Imagine maximizing your coaching effectiveness by using video to facilitate player development. The use of technology in youth soccer is widespread. I believe player data, when used in conjunction with coaching through video review, can be a powerful tool for player growth. Declaring how you plan to incorporate video review into player development signals a dedication to enhancing soccer players’ development by embracing innovative technologies. I appreciate watching soccer video highlights as much as the next person, but let’ s balance the entertainment with some elements of education and player coaching. n
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