Performance analytic processes in elite sport practice: an exploratory investigation of the perspectives of a sport scientist, coach and athlete

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of studies exploring the benefits of performance analysis both for sports and the sport sciences. Comparatively little empirical research exists, however, pertaining directly to the application and use of performance analysis. The aim of this paper is to explore the in-practice application of performance analysis. A sport scientist, an international coach and a former professional athlete, all having used performance analysis and unrelated to each other, were interviewed on their extensive experience in the use of performance analysis. The results indicated that, although the object and receiver of performance analysis process, the athlete is not included in the process itself, with the coach acting as the gatekeeper. An extrapolative argument is made with regards to the potential impacts of this practice, not least those on the motivation of the athlete.