A computer-video aided time motion analysis technique for match analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out suitable methods for obtaining objective data on the time spent by players of different positions during walking, jogging, cruising, sprinting and standing still during match play activities. Computer programs and filming analyses with a simple notation system based upon symbolic representations of movements have been devised for analysis of individual players' behaviour. A technique was devised and employed with a small group of university players, aged 19-21 years of age. The subjects were filmed in several matches, and the video recordings were analysed using a microcomputer. The ratio of the time spent for the players were 56% walking, 30% jogging, 4% cruising, 3% sprinting and 7% standing still. ANOVA revealed that there are significant differences among the players for different positions on the field, for example the time spent on walking, jogging and standing still differed (P less than 0.05) among attackers, defenders and midfielders. A new method has been developed to obtain reliable information about the players' movement and performance in the game. The Authors believe that there should be further studies carried out involving more teams at different levels of performance to substantiate these preliminary findings.