Methods of collecting data for physical skills

A number of methods can be used to collect data on physical skills, including:

General observation schedules
Scatter diagrams

General Observation Schedules

These are ‘general’ in that they broadly look at all aspects of a performance. They allow strengths and areas of development to be identified from the whole performance. Generally you compare some specifics of your performance with a model performer.

By filling out a schedule the performer can see which areas may require work.

Example General Observation Schedule:

Criteria from model performer - Recover to base, Accurate service, Move opponent around court, Arrive early to hit my preferred shot, Use a variety of strokes. Boxes with Always Sometimes Never

Scatter diagram

This involves a ‘floor plan’ of, for example, a football pitch. An observer can then plot on the plan where a performer has had touches of the ball. Using this, they can analyse movement around the pitch.