Tactical strategy descriptors in squash based on notational analysis
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Date
2017-05
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Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Abstract
Malaysia squash players have improved their rankings in world for past few years. However, there is still no evidence as proof of their excellent performance and achievement. It is crucial to record evidence of the performance as reference for future improvements. The objective of this study was to analyse the playing strategy and develop tactical strategy descriptors for two different groups which were professional elite (PE) and national back-up (NB) squash players. Quantitative observational method and comparative design were implemented for data collection. 10 Malaysian squash players were selected based on their world rankings and 5 video matches of each player from several international championships were obtained for analysis. Observation of video recordings recorded for the analysis were based on 30 types of strokes, 7 types of rally outcomes and 16 playing areas. Tactical strategy descriptors were developed using SMART PLS modelling software. Findings of the observation showed that the most preferred strokes performed were drive (42%) followed by cross-court (19%), drop (15%), volley (14%), boast (6%) and lob (4%). Meanwhile, for rally outcomes, winners produced were 50% compared to errors (21%). For playing area, the highest number of ball landed were at the back area and backhand side (Area 9 and Area 13). Based on the model, tactical strategy descriptors developed found that for winning performances, both groups recorded Area 1 as the highest area produced winners using drop stroke. On the contrary, for losing performances, both groups had obtained different results. PE group had recorded errors at Area 6 using drive, drop, cross-court and boast strokes and Area 10 using volley and lob strokes while NB group errors were at Area 1 using crosscourt stroke, Area 5 using boast, Area 8 using drop and volley strokes and Area 12 using drive stroke. Based on the findings, the model could serve as a guide to help coaches and players understand key aspects to be emphasized for winning and losing performances, and enhance tactical strategy and performance to achieve higher levels of performance in competitions
Description
Thesis (Ph.D (Physics Education))
Keywords
Squash (Game) - Malaysia