Here's how you can excel in sports analytics and performance analysis as a statistician.

Every sport main goal is to put two sides (teams or individuals) to compete against each other aiming to win by achieving better results accordingly to the rules set. Depending on the mode, results will follow a standard that can be fitted into an already known distribution. For that, the hypothesis must be tested so the best fit can be reached and the fiesta analysis can be performed. Observing data acquired from the match facts might give insights of how Team or player A or B performs in general situations and eventually, all these can be modeled into a predictive analysis curve, that can generate strategy analysis and foresee outcomes.

In general, sports are based on a single evaluation method for determining winners. By points. These points can be achieved by different types of rules and modalities. The rules differ from a modality to another, and strategies are built over those rules and goals to win the game. I.e. a few years back, goalkeepers started using data provided to them trying to guess where the player could shoot the ball in a penalty kick. Scouts started to analyze players stats on different formations and positions so they could build better teams with more effective players. All that by treating and analyze your data.

Softwares as R and Python have libraries that provide data for sports in general. The possibilities there tend to infinite, matches and player analysis, teams expectation for score, predictions. One could start using worldfootballR, where many information about matches, transfers and stats can be acquired to be used in a statistic model. Combining computational skills with prediction analysis and statistics can be a powerful tool to set a new standard in sports analysis and even betting. Articles can become more precise and describe better the real situation of the oncoming match. The reader would be really entertained by what could be described and even foresee the most probably match outcome.

The thing that many do not understand is that the average consumer of sports is not familiar with technical terms and definitions of the science behind. Using too much information and details might be boring and not very convincing to the average users. Same can be said by professionals of this area. Coaches and players don’t understand much of mathematics and statistical analysis to keep track of studies and simulations . For those, what matters is strategy, strength and results. If one understands how to reach and interact with specific public’s, one might be successful.

Sports change, knowledge changes. In the informational era it is really important to keep up with updates and new developments. Internet forums are a good ways to discuss and exchange information and events, congresses and conferences can reunite several people with plural knowledge. Build a network is the best way to access information faster and more secure.