Nowadays, it is hard to imagine professional soccer without match observation. However, the importance of match observation in handball is also increasing more and more. For several years now, game observations with the help of software have been a central component of modern handball training. This is because they support the trainer in the multitude of observations.
With this article we want to give you an overview of the systematic and the qualitative game observation.
How is the categorization done?
In handball, a distinction is made between systematic match observation and qualitative match observation. The first step is systematic match observation with the help of the observation of quantitative characteristics. This is followed by qualitative match observation.
Systematic match observation in handball
The systematic game observation collects purely quantitative characteristics that have been precisely defined in advance. These quantitative data can, for example
- Body height,
- effective game time,
- average number of hits or
- Effectiveness of the player's offensive actions.
Based on these characteristics, either the trainer himself or, alternatively, a program creates statistics. However, these alone have only a moderate informative value. Therefore, the systematic game observation serves the subsequent qualitative game observation only as a pre-structuring.
Qualitative game observation in handball
The second step is the qualitative game observation. Here, coaches and players work out and analyze together individual hints on
- Strategy and tactics (e.g., general trends in offensive and defensive play); and
- Strengths and weaknesses of the opponent.
Subsequently, these indications are to be interpreted: In addition to data from qualitative match observation, the results of systematic match observation and video analysis come into play. An important prerequisite for mastering this theory-practice transfer is specific know-how about the sport.
The last step works as follows:In a joint meeting, observers, players and coaches interpret the analyses based on the available data.In order to convey tactical information to the handball players, team video sessions or video training sessions in smaller groups are often used.
The trainer can use the videos to clearly explain various facts. The players not only listen, but can also visually perceive what is being said. Later - in the actual competition situation - the player can then recall images of the individual video training from memory.
Four good reasons to conduct game observations!
The reasons for conducting match observations are manifold. In particular, however, match observation pursues the goal of obtaining data on the effectiveness of match actions - during a match or competition.
- The coach carries out match observations with the following "ulterior motives": He can first determine the performance level of the player and/or the team (condition, technique, tactics). The match observation also provides information about the development and consistency of the players as well as possible improvement potential.
- But the match observation also provides information about the opposing team: The coach can analyze strategies, strengths and weaknesses as well as tactics of the opponent already in advance. With this knowledge, he can better prepare his team for the opponent.
- For the player himself, match observation - especially if it is done by video analysis - can be an aid in critical self-assessment of his own performance. In the best case, it represents a motivation for further improvements.
- Team meetings during match observations can also strengthen self-awareness and team cohesion.
The seven most important advantages of video-based game observation!
Now, when match monitoring is done in conjunction with video recording, there are numerous advantages:
1. the video can be watched any number of times. Also, it is more efficient and imaginable to watch a video instead of just listening to a description/viewing a picture.
2. with the help of video analysis software in handball, the preparation for competitions can be perfected.
3. the software makes it possible for the coach to gain information for the follow-up of own games as well as for the preparation for the opponent. Already in the half-time or after the end of the game statistical data can be displayed.
4. the capture screen is simply designed and marking important scenes (tagging) as well as creating important features is not a challenge even during the game.
5. The software is linked to a database. This makes it possible to quickly retrieve the required information. Even beyond individual matches, the system can document team and personal characteristics.
6. content can be discussed objectively and recordings can be played back in Slow Motion. Thus, no detail escapes the observer.
7. a small special tool: The software helps to create and order teams. Relevant characteristics - e.g. name, jersey number - can be assigned to the individual athletes.
An example of a suitable match analysis software is utilius vs Handball. The video-based software is intuitive to use and has been specially adapted to the analysis of handball matches. The software is already being used by national teams and in teaching.
Mehr zum Thema Spielbeobachtung und interessante Praxisbeispiele zum Thema Handball finden Sie in unserem Praxisguide. Einfach auf’s Bild klicken!
What's next?
In the coming years, match observation in handball will continue to change. When data is evaluated in a more targeted manner and theory and practice are linked, there will soon be nothing standing in the way of using video analysis software for match observation in the lower leagues.
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