| With the advances of digital video and computer technology, video systems have become the primary decision support systems used by coaches today. This study looks at the use of digital video system technology by Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) football coaches as a tool to support decision making, specifically looking at the impact of the Landro Play Analyzer. The Landro Play Analyzer is a digital playback analysis system originally marketed towards high school football programs. Qualitative research was conducted using a collective case study method. The subjects of this study were chosen from the head football coaches in the WPIAL which used the Landro Play Analyzer in their programs. Participants were interviewed, and documentation and physical artifacts were collected, to identify the effects of the digital play on coach's decision making in the areas of season preparation, weekly game preparation, and adaptations during the game. During data analysis I developed five themes: (a) Recognition of Tendencies, (b) Competitive Balance, (c) Personal Analysis, (d) Opponent Analysis, and e)Plan of Attack. Analysis revealed that coaches use the system for season preparation by analyzing past decisions and to decide which plays to use in the future. |
