Matchanalys

Matchanalys, or match analysis, is the systematic examination of a single competitive sports match with the aim of understanding performance, tactics, and outcomes. Analysts, coaches, players, and clubs use matchanalys to identify strengths and weaknesses, scout opponents, and inform training and tactical decisions. While the term is widely used in football, it is applied across many team and individual sports, including basketball, rugby, hockey, and handball.

Analytical work combines qualitative assessment of playing patterns with quantitative data gathered from video, event data, and tracking systems. Data sources include event logs of passes, shots, and duels; tracking of player and ball positions; and, in some cases, physiological or effort data. Analysts may perform in-depth coding of formations, pressing patterns, and space usage, and may also monitor real-time indicators during a match to guide in-game tactics.

Outputs typically include tactical reports, player performance profiles, and scouting briefs. Common metrics cover possession and passing efficiency, shooting quality and conversion, duels won, pressing intensity, and transition speed. In football, analysts might describe team shape, defensive organization, and patterns of play that led to goals or conceded chances; in other sports, analyses focus on offense-defense balance, spacing, and execution of planned plays.

Limitations include data quality and consistency, observer bias, and the challenge of attributing outcomes to specific actions amid dynamic game contexts. Matchanalys complements broader sports analytics by providing contextual, sport-specific insights that inform training design, player development, recruitment, and strategy.