2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS1520 Introduction to Sports Analytics

10 creditsClass Size: 140

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

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

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-territorial 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-territorial 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 baseball (i.e. The Moneyball Story) followed by developments in soccer and rugby. The analytical methods covered include exploratory data analysis, win-loss analysis, correlation and regression analysis, and win-contribution analysis.

Objectives

This module aims to give students an introduction to the development of sports analytics in elite team 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. What is Sports Analytics?
2. Moneyball and sabermetrics
3. Analysing performance in invasion-territorial team sports
4. Winning and losing in rugby league
5. Financial determinism: the win-wage relationship
6. Possession football: the winning formula?
7. Modelling match outcomes in football
8. Player rating systems
9. Recent developments in sports analytics
10. Valuing playing talent
11. Module review

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	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

This could include a variety of activities, such as reading, watching videos, question practice and exam preparation.

Online Learning will be Online Practicals (Computer-Based)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Opportunity for feedback during seminars. In addition, the module discussion board will provide the main forum for students to ask questions and comment on the teaching materials. Module announcements and a weekly "news" group email will provide more general feedback.

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: 29/04/2024 16:16:20

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