Exploratory analysis of goalball: A regression based approach

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify whether there was a relative quality effect for key performance indicators (KPI) in goalball. The study was completed from a performance analysis perspective and analysis was completed on two major international goalball tournaments (Paralympics 2012, European A 2013) and three IBSA qualifying events (Hungary 2013, Venice 2014, Malmo 2014). A regression-based analysis described by O’Donoghue & Cullinane (2011) was used to identify whether there was a relative quality (RQ) effect between KPI in goalball. Results showed that there was a low correlation between RQ and KPI in goalball. Although weak positive correlation was observed, a repeated measures anova showed trends for shots to pockets (F=3.280, p=0.053) and speed of shot (F=4.048, p<0.05), with a weak negative correlation for smooth shots (F=5.598, p<0.05). Thus, suggesting that teams of higher RQ score more goals, through faster more accurate shots. The regression was used to present a case study from one match between Russia and GB (RQ of +1.12, -1.12 respectively). The team with higher RQ performed well in desirable aspects of performance, exceeding the performance of 81.30% for speed of shot, 94.36% shots to pockets and 70.63% bounce shots of performances with that RQ. Despite the low correlation between RQ effect and KPI in goalball the regression-based analysis was shown to have an applied application, although caution would be expressed due to the variation experienced in the upper and lower estimates of the prediction equation.