A series on the use of Sports Performance Analyzer.
Analyzing Face offs
Face offs are a key area when we are looking at using Sports Performance Analyzer for yourself, your team and your players. Using SPA to measure face offs during games and practices helps to re-inforce goals you've set for your centre's as well as your team. Face offs are tracked not only the center's win-loss percentage, as well it tracks the entire teams possession percentage off of that face off. This is an important stat that coaches can use to show their players where they are winning or losing the battles off of a draw. A few years back the Detroit Red Wings made people realize the importance of face offs on their Stanley Cup run. Any time you can win face offs or get possession of the puck it cuts down scoring attempts against your team and increases the chance that you have to score.
Sports Performance Analyzer allows you to track each player who takes a draw, who they took it against and where on the ice it occurred. It allows you to see each player's results against each opponent and then if the team gained possession or lost possession. SPA also summarizes the numbers for you when you generate reports.
Easily record faceoff locations.
Track both win % and possession %.
It's extremely valuable for a coach to be able to quickly determine, after each period, which of their centers is having the best success that night. This is especially true when heading into the late stages of the game. If a coach has the numbers to back their decision, they are far better informed on who should take draws late in the game in both the defensive and offensive zones.
Like most coaches I set goals for my centres individually, as well as the team. To be able to hold the team and players accountable it is nice to have the data to back it up. After each period we check to see how the centres and team are doing on draws and let them know if they need to pick it up or if we are performing well. I also keep track of any matches that we may be winning a lot and make notes to use that center in that situation late in the game.
Track both win % and possession %.
Being able to show each individual player how they are doing on face offs also make the player more aware of situations that he may be doing in the game. It can also let the player or coach know which opponent they need to expose or stay away from.
To recap the SPA program allows me to:
track each centre and their face off percentage
track who they are having success/trouble against
track where in each zone or on the ice they are having success/trouble
keep them accountable by setting goals for them and accurately tracking their progress
From a team perspective I want our players to reach the team goal for possession, so even if we lose the draw we can get the puck back, it tells me which lines are working to get the pucks back and which lines are getting out worked and losing the battle for the puck. I try to set the goals off face off possession at 61% to 65% and the possession rate at 60%-70%.
Don't let them off the hook! The more battles you win at the stoppages the better chance you have to score more goals, and the less chances your opponents have.
If you have any questions about SPA or my articles please don't hesitate to contact me at mike@spa-hockey.com.
