Coaching George Loxdale 12PLObservation analysis observation analysis is a crucial part of a coach’s role, since coaching plans should be informed by analysis. Observational analysis should be used to identify an athletes needs, with the coach completing a full analysis of their overall performance and then developing a training programme around it, aiming to improve the most significant weaknesses observed. There are two ways of observational analysis: subjective and objective analysis. subjective analysis is based on observational judgements, personal interpretations and opinions. Objective analysis involves the measurement and comparison of performance data, for example the ability to perform a basketball free throw could be assessed objectively by counting how many free throws a player scores out of ten. Jose Mourinho uses these methods.Goal setting Goal-setting should be used by coaches to increase athletes’ motivation and confidence. It should be the first stage of the planning process for any coach, as goals should provide both direction and motivation for athletes. Short term goals could extend from one day to one month, for example a target that an athlete wishes to achieve after the next training session, or a specific technique they would like to develop by the end of the next month. Medium-term goals should progressively support the progress of the athlete and their coach towards achieving the long-term goals. These goals can be measured at specific points in an athletes season. Long-term goals are set for and with athletes to help determine what their aims are and the best way of achieving them. A coach should use these to shape their coaching schedule for a season or longer if appropriate. The goals are often set over a season for example if a footballer had a goal target of 20 in a season. Many football and rugby coach would set goal targets to their players.