In the contemporary era of digitization, video technology has profoundly transformed numerous facets of our existence. From leisure to learning, videos have seamlessly woven into our quotidian activities. Interestingly, video analysis can also be a pivotal tool in enhancing one's figure skating prowess.
In this article, we will delve into the mechanisms through which the integration of videos into your athletic endeavors can provide you with a competitive advantage.
We are visual learners.
Research conducted by the Social Science Research Network reveals that approximately 65% of individuals are visual learners. Consequently, these individuals absorb information more effectively when presented through visual aids such as photographs, videos, graphs, diagrams, and the like.
Although auditory guidance, such as constructive criticism from a coach, can be beneficial, integrating visual feedback like video analysis might significantly enhance comprehension and facilitate superior learning outcomes.
Instant feedback.
Incorporating video analysis into sports training offers the notable benefit of facilitating immediate feedback. Through the process of recording and subsequently reviewing individual performance, athletes can glean crucial insights into their technique, form, and execution.
This immediate feedback serves as a tool for identifying areas that require improvement and making instantaneous modifications. Moreover, it provides coaches with an effective mechanism for delivering precise, personalized feedback, assisting in refining the athletes' techniques.
By visually witnessing their performance, athletes gain a better understanding of their body movement and the impact of their posture on their performance. It also enables them to connect their subjective feelings and their objective performance.
Details matter; they are better in slow motion.
Diving deeper into the video feedback analysis, a great tool to utilize is slow-motion video. In figure skating, a lot can happen in a split second. A double axel only has a flight time of around 0.523 seconds ( average data). That's pretty fast!
By utilizing the slow motion feature of a video or taking the video frame by frame, you can analyze each portion of the skill with immense precision.
Injury Prevention
Sports injuries represent an unfortunate but genuine occurrence, and mitigating such risks is paramount for athletes. Herein lies the significant utility of slow-motion video technology.
This form of media is critical in preventing injuries by enabling athletes and their coaches to scrutinize movement patterns, identify potential stress points, and dissect each motion involved in a given skill.
Identifying a budding injury or an unfavorable habit can be challenging when observed in real-time, mainly if the outcome is successful. However, by employing an in-depth analysis to reveal improper techniques or motions that could culminate in injury, coaches and athletes can introduce rectifying measures preemptively to avoid complications.
Additionally, athletes can leverage video technology to ensure proper form during exercises, minimizing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and unnecessary tension on muscles and joints.
What you cannot do with video analysis?
You can not track your progress with simple video analysis software. It would help if you organized an advanced performance follow-up. It means that you will collect data and monitor them. This data must be easily collectible and precise.
I use data grids with simple instructions to collect the same data and maintain the margin of error. Yes, there is a margin for error. There is no point in knowing the height of a jump to the nearest millimeter.