sports analytics

Dan answers questions from listeners, followers on social media, and smarterscout.com users on a wide variety of topics: top-down versus bottom-up metrics, spotting potential in young players, hard-to-measure skills in defending, adjusting metrics for differences between leagues, how to get into football/soccer analytics, and more.

Contributions to winning aren't the only things that football/soccer clubs might want to measure. Playing style has an important role in recruitment, and specific skills like finishing and winning aerial duels can be the crucial raw materials for tactical success – and for the careers of young players. Dan explains various approaches for gauging style and comparing players within and across positions, then moves on to the breakthroughs that pushed skill ratings forward.

Each action during a match changes the probability of scoring, and these changes can become part of a model of ball progression. Dan explains how expected goals from ball progression can complement expected goal from shot creation, both in evaluating players and in predicting results. He also shows how both kinds of expected goals can form the basis for tactical tools, sometimes most effectively when they work in combination.

Breaking down goal difference into its component parts shows how expected goals from shot creation – the chance of scoring for each shot, estimated from historical data – can be the foundation for a model of the game. Dan explains how this model can be used to rate both attacking and defending, then considers the judgment calls implicit in using this kind of model to evaluate players.

Intro: "Crackle & Pop" by Digital Primitives 
Outro: "No Holiday" by Digital Primitives

There's an infinite number of mathematical models that might explain the game of football/soccer, but how can we strike a balance between usefulness and simplicity? Dan considers the advantages and drawbacks of models using goals, and shots, then begins to explain how expected goals – a measure of shots' chances of scoring – might capture information for rating teams and players.

Intro: "Crackle & Pop" by Digital Primitives 
Outro: "No Holiday" by Digital Primitives

The first step in constructing a metric is deciding – and clearly specifying – the question to be answered by the data. Dan talks about formulating this question and dealing with the complex issues generated by even the simplest metrics. As part of the discussion, Dan asks, "Who is the best tackler in the Premier League?" To answer this question... well, how long do you have?

Intro: "Crackle & Pop" by Digital Primitives 
Outro: "No Holiday" by Digital Primitives

Using analytics effectively depends on trust and rationality. Dan discusses how to introduce analytics at football/soccer clubs in ways that build trust, then moves on to decision-making structures that use analytics – and other inputs to the process – in a rational way, taking financial considerations into account.

Intro: "Crackle & Pop" by Digital Primitives 
Outro: "No Holiday" by Digital Primitives

¿Te parece que tu deporte favorito ha cambiado en los últimos 10 años? Puede que no seas la única persona que lo piensa y que en realidad la analítica deportiva haya entendido tanto del juego que haya recomendado cambiarlo para lograr más triunfos. En este episodio hablamos de "Sports Analytics" de la mano de nuestro invitado Alejandro Dávila, quien tiene una formación especializada en estrategia deportiva y ha participado en estrategias de inteligencia deportiva para el Club de Fútbol Monterrey*.

En este episodio hablaremos sobre el uso de analítica para medir performance de jugadores, sus niveles de salud y también para mantener a los fanáticos felices con su experiencia en los partidos.

Por otro lado hablaremos de cómo se está estandarizando la información de la liga mexicana de fútbol y, similar a lo que ocurre en los negocios, depende de cada club el nivel de aprovechamiento de datos de estos sistemas de datos, ahora interoperables.

Finalmente destacamos la asistencia de Alejandro al evento más importante de Sports Analytics, el "MIT Boston Sports Analytics", y narramos las 3 tendencias más importantes de las que se hablaron en marzo del 2020

Estamos seguros que cualquier fanátic@ de deportes disfrutará de este podcast al igual que nosotros lo hicimos. Recuerda suscribirte a "Café de Datos" desde la plataforma que estés escuchando, conocer más de analítica en nuestro blog y website www.datlas.mx

*Disclaimer: Las opiniones y comentarios en este podcast son personales y no reflejan la manera de pensar o laboral de ninguna organización.

¿Te gusto este episodio? ¿Quieres aprender más de analítica de datos? Te invitamos a formar parte de la 1era generación de "Retos Academy" donde podrás aprender 15 técnicas introductorias para análisis de datos. ¡Aprovecha el 30% de descuento en tu inscripción antes del 20 de Diciembre! Arrancamos en Enero 2024, así que inscríbete ya en: www.datlas.mx/marketplace

Join us as we look into 'What it is the Source of the Youth Movement in Hockey?' This is part 1 of a multi episode series, and is the first transition episode into the new 'Black OPS Blackboard' our new education platform extending advanced versions of the original formats The Syndicate and PowerInsights that make up the Business of Hockey and the Goal || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 4 formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for 'hockey players' and their representatives who are interested in Entrepreneurship; 'Black OPS Blackboard' is the new education platform provided by the Business of Hockey and the Goal . (credit: outro music provided by @deadmanrat twitter)

The follow up episode to February 6, 2020 'The Syndicate' episode. Join us as we look into John Chayka, Hockey's Future GM Template, further discussions on the 'Digital Athlete' and introducing the 'Digital Defenceman' || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for 'hockey players' and those 'hockey fans' who are interested in Entrepreneurship.

Introducing Part 4 of 4 in this episode series 'The War of the Competitive Edge in Hockey'. We discuss initiatives for Hockey players beyond Hockey, and Hockey's template for the future || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those 'hockey fans' and 'hockey players' who are interested in Entrepreneurship. New Episodes each Thursday.

Introducing Part 3 of 4 in this episode series 'The War of the Competitive Edge in Hockey'. We discuss Meghan Chayka, Digital Scouting in Hockey, and University Hockey MBA program || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those 'hockey fans' and 'hockey players' who are interested in Entrepreneurship. New Episodes each Thursday.

Introducing Part 2 of 4 in this episode series. We discuss the Hockey Digital Scouting, MLB Analytics and the MIT Sports Analytics Conference || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those 'hockey fans' and 'hockey players' who are or want to be Entrepreneurs. New Episodes each Thursday.

Introducing Part 1 of 4 in this episode series. Do fans like analytics or is it a flash in the pan? Listen to our take on the direction the hockey league is taking. We discuss Chris Snow, Chayka, Burke, Treliving, the Digital Athlete and how analytics in Baseball is transitioning to Hockey. We look at the Calgary franchise and how its GM defines their Black Ops Analytics division || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those 'hockey fans' and 'hockey players' who are or want to be Entrepreneurs. New Episodes each Thursday.

This 'PowerInsights' episode focuses on introducing methods to help you develop a KEY for yourself to open doors in business. This is Part 2 of a multi part series under the 'PowerInsights' episode format on how to 'Accelerate Achieving your Unachievable Goal', as well as providing insights and knowledge on business. ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focusing on insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those hockey fans who want to be Entrepreneurs, or Entrepreneurs who are hockey fans || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those 'hockey fans' and 'hockey players' who are or want to be Entrepreneurs

The follow up episode to last weeks Part 1 'The Syndicate' episode. Join us as we look into not only Kyle Dubas but John Chayka as well, and see how their history leads them to charge into the future. Also a follow up on the 'Digital Athlete' platform and it's revenue potential. Is tradition player scouting becoming obsolete? (Credit: music at the end of this episode provided by @DeadRatMan Twitter) || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those 'hockey fans' and 'hockey players' who are or want to be Entrepreneurs. New Episodes each Thursday.

Introducing Part 1 of 3 episodes. Come join us as we scratch the surface on analytics and how they can be applied in a business and hockey world. Also the introduction of footballs 'Digital Athlete' and how Artificial Intelligence is used in other sports software. Plus we continue our deep dive into Kyle Dubas and why many consider him a Hockey Management trend setter - we get into the initiatives Kyle Dubas is implementing and those of John Chayka, that are being watched by other franchises in the hockey league || ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management Tactics and Culture; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics as well as the future of hockey; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on translating business by providing insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those 'hockey fans' and 'hockey players' who are or want to be Entrepreneurs. New Episodes each Thursday.

Introducing the inaugural 'PowerInsights' episode from the 'Business of Hockey and Goal' podcast for hockey fans and players. This episode begins to discuss the methods required to achieve the unachievable goal, and how this relates to day-to-day life, hockey and business. This is Part 1 of a multi part series under the 'PowerInsights' episode format on how to 'Accelerate Achieving your Unachievable Goal', as well as providing insights and knowledge on business. ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focusing on insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those hockey fans and hockey players who are or want to be Entrepreneurs - ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management and the On-Ice Product; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics; ‘PowerInsights’ that compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focusing on business.

What is the real reason why Ken Holland came to Edmonton? Welcome to 'The Syndicate' from the Business of Hockey and the Goal. Enjoy some music from local independent musicians, and let's talk some Hockey and Business. 'The Syndicate' talks about the hockey ownership groups, organizational initiatives focused on by hockey ownership such as analytics, and how this relates to other businesses. 'Between the Hash Marks' and 'The Syndicate' make up the 'Business of Hockey and the Goal' series defined as 'Where the Past, Present, and Future of Hockey intersect'. (Credit: music at the end of the episode provided by (@DeadRatMan Twitter) | ‘Business of Hockey and the Goal’ is made up of 3 episode formats: ‘Between the Hash Marks’ focuses on Hockey Management and the On-Ice Product; ‘The Syndicate’ focuses on decisions and initiatives by the Hockey Ownership Groups, and discusses the new generation of hockey that is becoming technically advanced for example hockey analytics; ‘PowerInsights’ compliments ‘The Syndicate’ focusing on insights, knowledge and methods in advanced business, for those hockey fans who are or want to be Entrepreneurs. New Episodes every Thursday