2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS1520 Introduction to Sports Analytics

10 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Prof Bill Gerrard
Email: wjg@lubs.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisite qualifications

GCSE Mathematics Grade B

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module provides an introduction to the use of analytics in elite sports. A key theme is the difference between analytics in invasion team sports (e.g. the various codes of football) and striking-and-fielding team sports (e.g. baseball and cricket) arising from the greater tactical interdependence of players in invasion team sports. The lower degree of separate individual player contributions creates several analytical challenges in invasion team sports. The initial focus is the development of analytics in the North American major leagues followed by developments in soccer and rugby and then individual sports such as golf and tennis. Students who wish to pursue the subject further will be able to study a new Level 2 module Football Analytics which focuses on the statistical methods employed in American football, soccer, rugby union and rugby league to support decisions on training, team selection, game tactics, player recruitment and player remuneration.

Objectives

This module aims to give students an introduction to the development of performance analysis and sports analytics in elite team and individual sports; the principal analytical methods used in sports analytics; the decision-making process in elite sports; and the requirements for effective evidence-based practice.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate accurate, in-depth and thorough knowledge of:
1. the development of performance analysis and sports analytics in elite team and individual sports
2. the principal analytical methods used in sports analytics
3. the decision-making process in elite sports
4. the requirements for effective evidence-based practice

Skills outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:

Subject specific
1. research performance problems in elite sports independently with the ability to identify and analyse the critical factors involved, and critically review existing evidence
2. apply appropriate analytical tools in a methodologically correct, accurate and rigorous manner to analyse sports performance data
3. critically evaluate and interpret the results of data analysis and derive implications for coaches and other decision makers in sports organisations
4. prepare reports to support decision making by coaches

Transferable
1. write and communicate effectively

Syllabus

Indicative content:
1. Analytics as evidence-based practice
2. Notational analysis and data collection
3. Statistical analysis of performance data.
4. Invasion vs striking-and-fielding team sports
5. The Moneyball story
6. The development of analytics in American football
7. Basketball analytics
8. Soccer analytics
9. Rugby analytics
10. Analytics in individual sports: tennis; golf.
11. The future of sports analytics.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Tutorial	6	1.50	9.00
Private study hours			80.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Private study
2 hours reading per lecture = 22 hours
3 hours preparation per tutorial = 18 hours
Assessed coursework = 40 hours
Total private study = 80 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored principally by tutorial performance. All tutorials will require the completion of a practical assignment in advance. One of these assignments will be submitted and marked to provide feedback on student progress. In addition there will be two VLE progress tests.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	3,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The resit for this module will be 100% by 3,000 word coursework.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2019

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