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NIALL MALONE
Q1 How did you and the other coaches utilise
video analysis during pre-season training?
All the rugby sessions are captured using two
cameras on high tripods, so we can get the
best view of training from two different angles.
The footage is then coded and transferred onto
computers for all the coaches and players.
Each coach reviews the video footage and
presents selected clips to the players to highlight
strengths and weaknesses of our play. The
coaches and players also have “one to one”
meetings where the video footage is reviewed,
analysed and talked through.
The players also have access to an app that lets
them view training from the comfort of their own
homes.
Last season we played 29 matches. We scored
84 tries and conceded 44. We won 18 matches
and lost 11. In its simplest terms all the analysis
we do is intended to help us to win more matches
and score more tries.
We collate lots of data of individual stats such
as passes, kicks, rucks, tackles, possession,
territory etc. but ultimately as long as we score
more points than the opposition we have been
successful.
During preseason the video analysis work helps
individual players and units within the team to
assess how they are improving and how effective
new tactics are working before the important
matches start.
Q2. What key areas do you look at during
training? How do the guys use this footage
to develop?
The analysis is divided into team play and
individual skills. The team play analysis focuses
on aspects like lineouts, scrums, backline attack,
team defence and restarts. The individual analysis
looks very closely at things like body angles, foot
placement, balance, tackle technique, kicking
etc. At the end of each season the coaches meet
to reflect on all aspects of our training play.
Pre-season is the only time of the year that we
can address certain areas without the pressure of
an important game at the weekend.
This pre-season we have highlighted the handling
skills of all of our squad and also the need to have
powerful carries through contact among many
other skills.
Q3. What is the process of video analysing
a game and how is footage broken down for
coaching and off-pitch sessions?
During our matches all the coaches receive a
live feed of the TV pictures which allows them
to watch replays of any part of the game. These
replays can help the coaches make decisions on
how the match is developing. This information
can be passed on to the players at half time or
via radio link to the staff on the touchline at other
appropriate times during the match.
After the match the broadcasters give us three
different camera angles and at Kingspan Stadium
we film a fourth view from the back of the Hughes
Insurance Family Stand.
The four different cameras give a comprehensive
view of everything that happens during the match.
On Monday morning the coaches present a
review of the match using statistics and video
evidence. Following the team meeting the players
go to separate unit meetings (forwards & backs)
where Allen Clarke and Neil Doak show more
clips relating to their specific unit skills.
By lunch time on Monday we hope to have
fininshed reviewing our previous match and then
begin previewing the next opposition.
Q4. How has analysis and technology
developed since you started coaching?
This is my fifth year as an analyst at Ulster Rugby.
During that time the technology has improved
and is unrecognisable from five years ago.
Unfortunately, the hardware and software that
we need can be very expensive but we feel that it
is important to make these investments in order
NIALL MALONE Q&A
VIDEO ANAYLAST