Perceptions of elite volleyball players on the importance of match analysis during the training process

Abstract

In the present study, athletes from an elite female volleyball team (N = 12) experienced an intervention programme, based on the provision of information from match analyses, throughout a single season. The information provided related to individual and team competitive performances, as well as the performances of opposition teams. Our aim was to assess the study athletes’ perceptions of this intervention once the season had ended. We used a semi-structured interview method and a thematic analysis of interview content using the categorisation and coding procedures. Regarding the match analysis related to the study team, 95.65% of the comments made by the players were positive and only 4.34% was negative. Players indicated it was useful to understand the negative aspects of their game in order to correct them, and positive aspects in order to motivate weekly training. All of the comments regarding match analyses of opposition teams were positive, with one highlight being that this helped players to be informed about the oppositions’ gameandtobemoreprepared for upcoming matches.