One of our game video analysis components is the use of player-specific analytics. For us, traditional methods such as corsi/fenwick measurements, do not tell anywhere close to the entire story of a single players underlying possession numbers. These do not take numerous areas into account, such as zone starts, different game scenarios, linemate plays, momentum, and so on. Analytics in general, we feel do not show the whole picture, hence why they are just a fraction of our analysis. However, certain metrics can really be of help to narrow down on technical, and tactical skill deficiencies.
I feel it is important to dissect one of our more sophisticated statistical areas, for players’ sake. This being graded scoring chances (PISC- player involved scoring chances). Which Grade A and B scoring chances, for and against, did the player have an effect on, and what could they have had an effect on changing, given different technical or tactical skill execution, inside of a team structure. In other words, how could a player have converted an offensive Grade ‘B’ scoring chance, to a Grade ‘A’. On the flip side, how could a player have converted a Grade ‘A’ chance against, to a Grade ‘B’? To go further, why are players not creating more scoring chances in general? Often times we see patterns of skill deficiencies.
Let’s talk about criteria. What separates a Grade ‘A’ from a Grade ‘B’? Despite having a grading system that takes a lot into account, we will talk about some important elements. Shot location is often seen as the differentiator in grading a scoring chance. There are so many other factors that affect the probability of the puck going in the net. What was the players release time like? It is well known that one timers or ‘catch and releases’, are far more likely to beat the goaltender versus ‘dusting’ the puck off before shooting. Off of possession, was the shot taken mid stride? Did the goaltender have to move laterally in the blue paint to face the shot? Were there bodies in the goalies line of sight? Was it an odd man attack that impacted the goaltenders judgement/awareness? Just to name a few.
Furthermore, what game scenario led to these scoring opportunities, offensively and defensively? Was it off of the initial play from a forecheck? Zone entry? Special teams? This allows us to see areas to improve tactically, and to go a step further, potentially magnifies technical skill drawbacks. Maybe it’s pass reception, checking angles, or separation speed. Maybe we need to add deception in to the players game.
Graded scoring chances allows us to have a relatively clear insight as to what puck possession and zone time ratios look like, while you are on the ice. While somewhat subjective, only ones the player was involved in, or could have been involved in changing, are counted. Each throughly walked through- while at the same time highlighting a few primary areas in need of improvement, technically and tactically. Majority of the time, our data backs our analysis up. Listing 10 things to work on from a game is not effective, and will lead to little or no improvement, and potentially confusion.
Puck touches, and ways you are getting the puck in a game, is another phenomenal tool. How can you have more influence on the game? Are you getting most of your touches off of passes, and lacking in neutral possession touches? How can we address that from a skill standpoint?
Analysis by the naked eye is great, but data further backs up and supports the message. It also elevates trust our clients have, in what it is we are seeing. With all of this information, it is vital to have input from the athlete, to create a customized development plan which will make an immediate impact in their game. The process is never ending, and it is important that we also make note of strengths and praise good performance, and not only what we need to change!
Contact us to learn more, and to set up your game video analysis today!