Analysis can take various forms including video, notation statistics, fitness testing and performance profiling

Video analysis of training sessions and matches provides an opportunity to analyse the folllowing aspects of performance:

• Tackle count (successful, step up, turnover and unsuccessful)
• Player work rate i.e. identify players who strive to make far side of rucks while defending
• Measure down and up time
• Penalty culprits
• Foul play
• Handling errors
• Number of set piece plays - scrums, lineouts and kick-offs
• Coach communication style
• Player communication
• Lazy players!
• Profile of work and rest ratio
  

From a team or player performance perspective, all issues can be measured or gauged. Psychometric tests are not necessarily required for analysing mental skills as experienced coaches and players can help gauge levels of commitment and confidence while team cohesion, for example, may be gauged upon levels of discipline, motivation and punctuality.

Fitness Testing

A coach should consider several principles of testing before deciding upon a battery of tests:

• Specificity
• Validity and reliability
• Standardisation
• Application

The measurement of aerobic fitness via a 3km run is an example of a non-specific fitness test for rugby although a high level of aerobic fitness is useful, a steady state test is not specific to the stop start nature of the game.

A 3km time of 10 minutes does not guarantee a high level of fuel mix conditioning

An ideal scenario is a functional fitness test that measures agility, speed, skill, strength and fuel mix conditioning - and is competitive. Our researchers have designed such a test and it may be applied to all levels of players and used to measure progress.

Standardisation is sometimes impossible but don't neglect a test just because it wouldn't pass strong scientific scrutiny

Every fitness training session should be viewed as a fitness test as a coach surveys the performance of individuals within the group, particularly with the help of video analysis.

The work rate of a player during a game should be included in a truly specific and comprehensive fitness testing battery

Your testing plan should be yearly and involve 2-3 full battery measurements plus regular monitoring of recovery status, bodyweight, body-fat and perceived levels of fitness.

Your analysis should take account a player's performance profile