The Roar
The Roar

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3D Rugby analysis - a new way to look at the game

11th June, 2014
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Expert
11th June, 2014
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I first started analysing and writing about rugby in 2009 to improve my abilities as a coach. My reasoning was that if I could find ways to explain the game in articles, this would help me get my message across to players.

I started with words but quickly decided that I could better explain key points using video.

Initially I just cut up clips and wrote about them – then I progressed to adding voice overs, pausing the footage at key points and adding in arrows, crosses, circles etc. 

I also started dabbling with animation to explain how moves worked.

I’ve used still images of key moments and added in arrows, crosses, circles, running lines etc. to help better explain points in my articles.

There are limitations with all of these methods and I’ve been working on a better way to explain my points.

After many months of trial and error I’m pleased to publish my first rugby analysis using a combination of these methods.

When I coach I find it’s best to stand at the end of the field because you can see so much more of how plays are developing. While we see end on footage of many events in rugby games, there are many more where we don’t see that footage.

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To overcome that I’ve used animation to take what we see on our television screens from a side on camera in an attempt to bring the play to life. This involves a 3D animation so you can see the play from end on and blending that with a view from above.

There’s still work to be done refining some rough edges and some other features to add in but I decided Nick Cummins’ try against France last weekend was a great way to launch this new way of looking at the game.

I hope you enjoy and I look forward to your feedback.

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