By Jamie Kyte
As part of the Applied Professional Practice module at Birmingham University, I’ve had the pleasure of helping students develop their skills through various placements. These placements offer students a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, with a focus on disciplines like Sport Science, GPS, and Performance Analysis. One of the most exciting aspects of this process is watching students navigate the challenges of working in a sport they might have no prior experience in.
I recently had a conversation with a student who had worked in football previously but was now placed in a field hockey program. This situation sparked an interesting discussion about adapting to a completely new sport. In my career, I’ve worked across multiple sports, and I can attest to how enriching it can be to take what you know from one sport and apply it to another, sometimes in ways you didn’t expect.
A simple way I always like to frame this idea is by considering the basic principles of team invasion games. These are sports where the primary objective is to invade an opponent’s territory to score while preventing them from doing the same. Football (soccer), rugby, and hockey are all classic examples of team invasion games. While each of these sports has its own set of unique rules and skills, the fundamental dynamics are often quite similar. Recognizing this connection helps bridge the gap between different sports and simplifies the process of adaptation.
If you’re ever placed in a completely new or niche sport, here are some steps I recommend to help you get up to speed quickly and effectively:
Image 1 Photo by Abigail Keenan on Unsplash
1. Perform a Needs Analysis of the Sport
Start by conducting a thorough needs analysis of the sport you’re working in. This will allow you to get a sense of what’s important and what drives performance. A good place to start is with research on the sport. Many sports have key performance indicators (KPIs) that are widely accepted by practitioners, and these can help guide your understanding of what to focus on.
You can also tap into national governing bodies or sport-specific resources that provide key rules, performance metrics, and trends within the sport. Having this foundational knowledge will give you a clearer picture of the objectives and standards you should be aiming for in your role.
2. Speak to the Coaches
Coaches are the experts when it comes to understanding the intricacies of their sport, so it’s vital to build a strong relationship with them. Take the time to speak with coaches to deepen your knowledge of their specific needs and priorities.
Understanding the language they use to describe performance will also help you connect with their approach and culture. Every sport has its own jargon, and by learning the key terms, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and support the team in a way that’s aligned with their expectations.
Image 2: Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash
3. Study Game Footage
Once you’ve gained a basic understanding of the sport, it’s time to dive into game footage. This is where the real learning happens. By watching how players execute specific actions in live situations, you can begin to identify patterns and movements that are critical to success.
As you study the footage, create a list of key actions that stand out—things like passing sequences, defensive structures, or set-piece routines. This exercise will help you develop a list of KPIs that will guide your work as you analyse the game. As you get more comfortable with these elements, you’ll start to see how they align with the broader objectives of the sport.
4. Ask Questions and Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Clarification
Finally, remember that you don’t need to know everything right away. In fact, one of the most valuable things you can do in any new sport is to keep asking questions. If you’re unsure about a certain aspect, whether it’s a rule, a tactic, or a specific action in the game, don’t be afraid to seek clarification from the coach or players.
The key here is open communication. The more questions you ask, the more you’ll learn. By staying humble and being proactive in seeking answers, you’ll not only improve your understanding but also build trust and rapport with the people around you.
J.L.Kyte@bham.ac.uk