Post-Match Deep Dive Analysis
STATUS: DRAFT
Here’s where the magic happens. Post-match analysis allows you to see what you missed, understand what you suspected, and discover patterns you never noticed during the live game.
The UEFA B licence materials are clear: this process typically involves 20+ hours of reviewing games, identifying key coaching points, and selecting the best examples to feedback to players. But the outcome should be distilled down to less than 15 minutes of focused feedback.
The 20+ Hours Distilled to 15 Minutes Principle
Professional clubs spend an enormous time on analysis because they understand this principle: the more thoroughly you analyse, the more precisely you can focus your feedback.
Most grassroots coaches do the opposite. They spend 2 hours on analysis and give 45 minutes of unfocused feedback. Professional coaches spend 20+ hours on analysis and give 15 minutes of laser-focused feedback.
The Three-Phase Process
Phase 1: Reviewing Games
Watch the match systematically, applying your 6W framework. Don’t try to analyse everything in one viewing. Use multiple viewings with specific focus areas.
Phase 2: Identifying Key Coaching Points
From all your observations, identify the 2-3 most important patterns. These should be:
- Recurring (happened multiple times)
- Impactful (significantly affected performance)
- Coachable (can be improved through training)
Phase 3: Selecting the Best Examples to Feedback to Your Players
Find the clearest examples that illustrate your key coaching points. You need both positive and negative examples to show the difference between good and poor execution.
Video Analysis Best Practices
The Multiple Viewing Method
| Viewing | Focus |
|---|---|
| Viewing 1: | General impressions, no note-taking |
| Viewing 2: | Systematic observation using templates |
| Viewing 3: | Focus on specific patterns identified in viewing 2 |
| Viewing 4: | Select clips for player feedback |
| Viewing 5: | Prepare coaching points for each clip |
Clip Selection Criteria
Each clip you select should have a clear coaching message. Ask yourself:
- What specific point does this clip illustrate?
- Can players see the difference between good and poor execution?
- Does this connect to our training focus?
- Will players remember this example?
Never show clips just because something happened. Show clips because they teach something.
Creating Your Post-Match Routine
Immediate Post-Match (Within 2 hours)
- Record initial impressions whilst fresh
- Note 3-5 key patterns observed
- Identify priority areas for detailed analysis
24-48 Hours Post-Match
- Complete systematic video analysis
- Apply templates and frameworks
- Identify clips for player feedback
Pre-Next Training Session
- Prepare 15-minute feedback presentation
- Connect analysis insights to training plan
- Share key findings with assistant coaches
Advantages of Post-Game Analysis
Facilitates In-Depth Analysis to Be Carried Out
Multiple viewings reveal patterns invisible during live viewing. You can pause, rewind, and examine sequences from different angles.
Individual Player Analysis is Possible
Track one player throughout the match to understand their decision-making patterns, positioning consistency, and technical execution under different pressures.
Enables Comparison with Past Performance
Build a database of player performance over time. Is their passing accuracy improving? Are they making better decisions in the final third? Trends become visible across multiple matches.
Facilitates a Player-Driven Approach to Analysis
Players can review their own performance, ask specific questions, and take ownership of their development. This creates more engaged learners.
When Post-Match Analysis is Essential
- After important matches that reveal significant tactical issues
- When preparing for opponents you’ll face again
- For individual player development plans
- When testing new tactical approaches
- Following poor performances that need systematic diagnosis
Part of the Learn How To Analyse A Match Course - Real-Time vs Post Match Analysis (Draft)