Flow Chart Systems for Match Analysis in Team Invasion Games
Understanding Flow Chart Analysis
Flow chart systems are powerful tools for analyzing matches in team invasion games like basketball, football, or hockey. They provide a visual representation of how play develops and help coaches and analysts track patterns and make strategic decisions.
TipThink of a flow chart system as telling the story of each possession or play sequence, showing how it moves from start to finish with all the key events in between.
Components of a Match Analysis Flow Chart
1. Starting Points
- Possession gained
- Set pieces (corners, free kicks, throw-ins)
- Restarts of play
- Turnovers
2. Action Sequences
- Passing patterns
- Player movements
- Attacking plays
- Defensive responses
3. Outcomes
- Successful attempts (goals, points)
- Unsuccessful attempts
- Loss of possession
- Set piece awarded
How to Use Flow Charts for Match Analysis
Step-by-Step Process
- Initial Recording
- Document how possession is gained
- Note the starting position on the field/court
- Record the first action taken
- Sequence Tracking
- Follow the ball movement
- Record each significant action
- Note player positions and movements
- Outcome Documentation
- Record how the sequence ends
- Document success or failure
- Note any resulting situation
In a basketball game: Start → Defensive Rebound → Fast Break → Pass to Wing → Drive to Basket → Successful Shot
Benefits of Flow Chart Analysis
Tactical Insights
- Identifies successful play patterns
- Reveals weaknesses in team strategy
- Shows where breakdowns occur
Performance Evaluation
- Tracks individual player contributions
- Measures team effectiveness
- Highlights areas for improvement
Flow charts are particularly valuable because they show not just what happened, but how it happened, allowing coaches to understand the complete context of play development.
Practical Application
Recording Methods
- Manual notation using prepared templates
- Digital software systems
- Real-time recording during matches
- Post-match analysis from video
Don't try to record every minor detail - focus on significant actions that influence play outcomes. Too much detail can make the flow chart confusing and less useful.
Analysis Points
- Look for recurring patterns
- Identify successful combinations
- Spot defensive vulnerabilities
- Track transition effectiveness
When creating flow charts, use consistent symbols and notation to make patterns easier to identify. For example, use circles for players, arrows for movement, and squares for outcomes.
Interpreting Flow Chart Data
Pattern Recognition
- Successful attacking routes
- Common turnover situations
- Effective defensive setups
- Transition play effectiveness
Decision Making
- Tactical adjustments
- Player positioning
- Set-piece strategies
- Team formation changes
Color coding different types of actions or outcomes can make flow charts easier to read and analyze at a glance.
This systematic approach to match analysis provides coaches and teams with valuable insights that can be used to improve performance and develop winning strategies.
