Comprehensive Analysis Practice Exercise

TLDR

This section provides a comprehensive 45-minute video analysis workflow that integrates all previously learned skills including the 6W framework, pattern recognition, and individual player tracking into one professional-level practice session.

The exercise is structured into three phases: Initial Viewing (10 minutes) for orientation and focus selection, Systematic Analysis (25 minutes) using the triple pass approach for deep dive analysis, and Pattern Integration (10 minutes) for connecting observations into actionable training insights.

Includes complete templates for match information recording, 6W analysis documentation, pattern identification, training application planning, and individual player development recommendations with follow-up analysis scheduling.

Establishes professional standards including systematic application of the 6W framework, identification of 2-3 clear recurring patterns, direct training connections, data-to-wisdom progression, and objective documentation that other coaches could understand and apply.

Identifies common analysis mistakes to avoid: incident collection instead of pattern recognition, vague observations without structure, analysis without training application, and emotional analysis instead of systematic observation, culminating in an analytical confidence assessment validating mastery of professional video analysis skills adapted for grassroots application.

Your Video Analysis Skills Integration Challenge

You’ve learned the systematic approach. You’ve mastered the 6W framework. You understand pattern recognition. You can track individual players and identify defensive patterns.

Now it’s time to prove your analytical transformation.

This exercise combines everything you’ve learned into one comprehensive video analysis session. By the end, you’ll have:

This isn’t theory anymore. This is professional-level match analysis.

The Complete 45-Minute Video Analysis Workflow

Your systematic video analysis session structure:

Phase Duration Focus
Phase 1: Initial Viewing 10 minutes Getting oriented and planning your analysis focus
Phase 2: Systematic Analysis 25 minutes Applying your 6W framework across multiple focus areas
Phase 3: Pattern Integration 10 minutes Connecting observations into actionable insights

Professional Standard: This 45-minute session should generate specific training focus for your next 3 coaching sessions.

Phase 1: Initial Viewing and Analysis Planning (10 minutes)

Step 1: Match Overview (3 minutes)

Watch 15 minutes of match footage without taking notes. Just observe and get a general feel for:

Step 2: Analysis Focus Selection (2 minutes)

Based on your initial viewing, select 3 focus areas from this list:

Step 3: 6W Framework Preparation (5 minutes)

Set up your note-taking system with 6W templates ready for each focus area:

Focus Area 1: ________________
WHAT:
WHO:
WHERE:
WHEN:
HOW:
OUTCOME:

Focus Area 2: ________________
[Same template structure]

Focus Area 3: ________________
[Same template structure]

Phase 2: Systematic Video Analysis (25 minutes)

Systematic Analysis Method: Triple Pass Approach

Pass 1: Focus Area Deep Dive (10 minutes each)

Select your most important focus area and analyze it thoroughly:

Example: Attacking Pattern Analysis

Minutes 1-10 of footage analysis:

Apply 6W framework to every significant attacking action:

Minute 4:23

Minute 8:15

Minute 12:30

Pattern Recognition from 6W Analysis:

Pass 2: Secondary Focus Analysis (8 minutes)

Apply same systematic approach to second focus area

Pass 3: Individual Player Tracking (7 minutes)

Focus on 1-2 key players using systematic tracking methods

Phase 3: Pattern Integration and Training Applications (10 minutes)

Step 1: Data to Wisdom Application (5 minutes)

Transform your 6W observations using the pyramid method:

Example Transformation:

Level Content
DATA: Left-back overlapped 4 times, created 3 crossing opportunities
INFORMATION: Left-back overlaps when left-midfielder drifts central to create space
KNOWLEDGE: Left-sided combination play consistently creates crossing opportunities when timing is coordinated
WISDOM: Practice left-back/left-midfielder combination patterns in training

Training Application:

Step 2: Pattern Priority Ranking (3 minutes)

Rank your identified patterns by training priority:

Step 3: Next Training Session Planning (2 minutes)

Design one specific training exercise based on your highest priority pattern:

Element Details
Pattern: Left-sided attacking combinations create chances
Setup: 8v6 with attacking overload on left side
Focus: Left-back timing, left-midfielder movement, striker dropping deep
Progression: Add opposition pressure, require 2+ combinations before attacking
Success: 70% of attacks create shooting/crossing opportunities

Professional Analysis Session Template

Complete your systematic analysis using this structure:

Match Information:
- Date: ___________  Opposition: ___________  Score: _______
- Weather/Pitch Conditions: ___________________________
- Key Match Events: ___________________________________

Focus Area 1: _________________________
6W Analysis (3-5 significant examples):
Pattern Identified: ________________________________
Training Application: _____________________________

Focus Area 2: _________________________
6W Analysis (3-5 significant examples):
Pattern Identified: ________________________________
Training Application: _____________________________

Individual Player Focus: ___________________
Strengths Observed: _______________________________
Development Areas: ________________________________
Training Recommendation: ___________________________

Priority Training Focus for Next Session:
1. _____________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________

Follow-up Analysis Required:
- Date for next analysis session: _________________
- Specific focus areas to track: ___________________

Analysis Quality Check: Professional Standards

Your analysis meets professional standards when:

Standard Description
Amateur Standard: List of things that happened during the match
Professional Standard: Systematic analysis that directly improves training focus

Common Analysis Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Incident Collection Instead of Pattern Recognition

❌ “Striker missed chance in 34th minute, defender made poor tackle in 56th minute”

✅ “Striker consistently receives passes in isolated positions, leading to poor shooting angles”

Mistake 2: Vague Observations Without 6W Structure

❌ “Team needs to defend better”

✅ “Team consistently struggles with defensive transitions when left-back is caught high - need covering patterns”

Mistake 3: Analysis Without Training Application

❌ “Team creates chances from left side build-up”

✅ “Team creates chances from left-back overlaps - practice left-back/midfielder combinations in training”

Mistake 4: Emotional Analysis Instead of Systematic Observation

❌ “Frustrating performance, players looked tired”

✅ “Performance declined after 60 minutes - track physical output patterns and rotation strategies”

Your Analytical Confidence Assessment

Complete this practice exercise successfully, and you have:

This is the analytical foundation that separates systematic coaches from those who hope random training will solve match problems.

You now have the systematic video analysis skills used by professional match analysts, adapted specifically for grassroots application.

Part of the Learn How To Analyse A Match Course - Core Analysis Skill