AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
The role of technology in physical activity and sport: Game analysis.
Game analysis in this section means using technology to record, measure and interpret performance during competition so that tactics and individual contributions can be evaluated.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 12 of 15
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Game analysis in this section means using technology to record, measure and interpret performance during competition so that tactics and individual contributions can be evaluated. You should be able to name systems such as video analysis, performance-analysis software, GPS and notational analysis, and explain what each records. For example, notational analysis can count passes, tackles and turnovers, while GPS can record distance covered and top speed in metres per second (m s⁻¹). The key skill is linking a named system to the type of data it produces and to a coaching or tactical decision, such as changing formation or targeting an opponent's weakness.
What earns the marks
- Identifies a named game-analysis technology, such as video analysis, notational analysis, performance-analysis software or GPS.
- States the type of data the system records, for example pass completion, tackle count, distance covered or top speed in metres per second (m s⁻¹).
- Explains how the data is used to evaluate individual or team performance, such as identifying a player's strengths and weaknesses.
- Explains how the data informs a tactical or coaching decision, such as altering formation, marking or substitution strategy.
- Recognises that game analysis supports both live in-game decisions and post-match review.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Misunderstanding: game analysis is the same as injury prevention.
Put it right: Game analysis evaluates performance and tactics, while injury prevention focuses on reducing injury risk, even though both may use similar technologies.
Misunderstanding: game analysis only means watching a replay.
Put it right: It involves systematic recording and interpretation of data, such as counts, percentages or distances, to support decisions.
Misunderstanding: the technology makes the decision.
Put it right: The coach or analyst interprets the data and decides what action to take.
Misunderstanding: game analysis applies only to elite professional sport.
Put it right: It can be used at any level where recording and reviewing performance is practical and useful.
Exam tips
- Check whether the question asks about the technology, the data or the decision, and select the option that matches that focus.
- Reject options that describe a technology with no clear link to analysing game performance.
- Use accurate terms such as notational analysis, performance profile and tactical decision rather than general words like 'watching' or 'looking'.
Try the lesson
The start of the The role of technology in physical activity and sport: Game analysis. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What is a primary purpose of using game analysis software, such as Prozone or Dartfish, in elite team sports?
Listen
Game analysis in this section means using technology to record, measure and interpret performance during competition so that tactics and individual contributions can be evaluated. You should be able to name systems such as video analysis, performance-analysis software, GPS and notational analysis, and explain what each records. For example, notational analysis can count passes, tackles and turnovers, while GPS can record distance covered and top speed in metres per second (m s⁻¹). The key skill is linking a named system to the type of data it produces and to a coaching or tactical decision, such as changing formation or targeting an opponent's weakness. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identifies a named game-analysis technology, such as video analysis, notational analysis, performance-analysis software or GPS. States the type of data the system records, for example pass completion, tackle count, distance covered or top speed in metres per second (m s⁻¹). Explains how the data is used to evaluate individual or team performance, such as identifying a player's strengths and weaknesses. Explains how the data informs a tactical or coaching decision, such as altering formation, marking or substitution strategy. A common slip: Misunderstanding: game analysis is the same as injury prevention. Instead, game analysis evaluates performance and tactics, while injury prevention focuses on reducing injury risk, even though both may use similar technologies. Exam tip: Check whether the question asks about the technology, the data or the decision, and select the option that matches that focus.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Notational analysis
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
GPS
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Tactical decision
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Individual and team performance evaluation
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Notational analysis
- A game-analysis system that can count passes, tackles and turnovers.
- GPS
- A game-analysis system that can record distance covered and top speed in metres per second (m s⁻¹).
- Tactical decision
- A coaching or tactical decision informed by data, such as changing formation or targeting an opponent's weakness.
- Individual and team performance evaluation
- Using data to evaluate individual or team performance, such as identifying a player's strengths and weaknesses.
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