Coaches’ Perceptions of Video Analysis in College Hockey

Recent scholarly research has identified performance analysis as a significant part of the coaching process. With technology advancing every day, it has never been easier for coaches to analyze performance anytime or anywhere, no matter the skill level. While the what of performance analysis has been researched in-depth, the how and the why of the use of video-based performance analysis within this coaching process has been ignored. Therefore, with recent scholarly writing in mind, most notably Groom (2012), this study looks to further develop his empirically-based understanding of some of the realities of the use of video-based performance analysis feedback within the coaching process. The grounded theory methodology, utilized by Groom (2012), examined the what and the why of the delivery of video-based performance analysis in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey. The data was collected from interviews with three NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey head coaches. The categories explored were Contextual Factors, Delivery Approach, and Targeted Outcomes. The findings of the present study have highlighted some of the what, why, and how of the use of video-based performance analysis within the coaching process. These findings build upon the existing coaching process model and add rich empirical data describing this complex process. In addition, the evidence-based research provides value to coaching practitioners, helping them become more reflective in their own video-based performance analysis within the coaching process