Shows
Expected ValueDean Oliver - Assistant Coach for Analytics, Washington WizardsCurrently an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards, Dean Oliver is one of the godfathers of basketball analytics. In 2003, he wrote Basketball on Paper, one of the first and best books published in the field. Since then, he’s worked for four NBA teams plus ESPN and TruMedia. In this episode, he talks about…What he learned in his first season on the bench with the WizardsHis role during a gameImportance of using video with dataHow NBA analytics have changed over two decadesHow basketball analytics is l...2020-08-2646 min
Expected ValueBen Mackriell - Stats PerformBen Mackriell is the Head of Team Performance Product Strategy at Stats Perform, which owns the data-tracking company Opta. In our conversation, Ben discusses…- What teams are doing with data while leagues are shut down- How he got into sports analytics- His first club job with Everton- Working at Everton, Fulham, Reading, Norwich City & Burnley- The best advice he received as an analyst- Keys to communicating data at clubs- How he works with clubs in his Stats Perform role- AI, computer vision, an...2020-06-0359 min
Expected ValueOpta Pro Forum - Conversations with Four PresentersThis episode features conversations with four presenters from last week’s Opta Pro Forum, a soccer analytics conference held in London. - Karun Singh, a software engineer who used tracking data to identify recurring match situations- David Perdomo Meza, a data scientist at Twenty3 who looked at how different playing styles worked against each other- Will Gurpinar-Morgan, a Stats Perform data scientist who identified player roles using unsupervised learning- Vignesh Jayanth, who is working on a master’s in data science and analyzed how to break down a low-block defenseS...2020-02-1247 min
Expected ValueMike Goodman - StatsBomb Managing EditorMike Goodman is a soccer writer and managing editor of StatsBomb.com, and last week he wrote a good piece entitled, “A case study on using data to prepare to administer the eye test,” reacting to an MLS playoff game in which data and the eye test seemed to differ. Mike is one of the better writers at bringing together data and a tactical eye, and then producing easy-to-understand articles that appeal to a broad audience. Among the topics covered…- Why and how he wrote that piece- Bridging the proverbial gap between analytics and the ey...2019-10-3037 min
Three At The Back26 - Launching the 2020 OptaPro Analytics Forum. Proposal.OptaPro Forum judge (and previous presenter at the event) Will Gürpinar--Morgan and OptaPro data analyst Tom Worville are the two guests who join host Ryan Bahia to discuss the upcoming OptaPro Analytics Forum, sharing highlights from previous presentations, advice for future presenters and key areas of interest within this industry.
Further information on the OptaPro Forum can be found here: https://www.optasportspro.com/news-analysis/news-optapro-launches-call-for-proposals-for-2020-optapro-analytics-forum/2019-09-1800 min
Three At The Back25 - An introduction to artificial intelligence. Buzzword.Host Ryan Bahia is joined by AI scientist Paul Power (@counterattack9), and Bradford Griffiths, who leads innovation and product development at OptaPro, having initially been part of the staff at Scout7.
In this episode, Paul and Bradford provide a clear insight into what AI actually is, and crucially, how it can impact and be applied within the world of professional football.2019-09-0400 min
Three At The Back24 - Interview with Brentford head of performance analysis Luke Stopforth. Bees.Luke Stopforth (head of performance analysis, Brentford FC) joins host Ryan Bahia for an in-depth chat on his role at Brentford and the wider culture that has been developed at the Championship club, along with further insight on the evolution and progression of the analysis industry.2019-07-1200 min
Three At The Back23 - Scouting, talent identification and football intelligence. Structure.Miguel Rios, newly appointed Head of Football Intelligence at OptaPro, joins Ben Mackriell (Head of OptaPro) and host Ryan Bahia to share insight on his scouting career, identifying talent in different cultures and developing young players.2019-04-1800 min
Three At The Back22 – Interview with SL Benfica youth technical director Pedro Marques. Águias.Recorded at the 2019 OptaPro Analytics Forum, SL Benfica youth technical director Pedro Marques shares detailed insight on his role as well as his previous position at City Football Group, the evolution of the football analytics industry and the impact of data on a football club.2019-03-1900 min
Planet Fútbol with Grant WahlJP Dellacamera on Women’s World Cup and Ben Mackriell on Soccer AnalyticsGrant speaks to JP Dellacamera of Fox Sports about his preparations for this summer’s women’s World Cup and to Ben Mackriell of OptaPro about what U.S. Soccer and MLS are doing these days in soccer data analytics.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy2019-03-0753 min
Three At The Back21 - Interview with New England Revolution analyst Tim Crawford. Evolution.This Q&A discussion with Tim Crawford took place in January 2019, when OptaPro hosted its second #OptaProSoccer analytics conference in North America.
In this episode, Tim discusses his seven years at the club, their processes along with the role of data and analytics in informing on-field decision-making.2019-02-1400 min
足球狗|专业足球战术分析足球狗|球员分析：武磊，中超射手王能否在西甲复制自己的进攻火力？足球狗|球员分析：武磊，中超射手王能否在西甲复制自己的进攻火力？
作为一名万众瞩目的中国球员，武磊来到西班牙人之后已经踢了两场比赛，这恐怕让所有人都喜出望外，包括武磊本人。
第一场对阵比利亚雷亚尔短暂的十几分钟出场之后，武磊在第二场对阵巴列卡诺的比赛中意外的获得了将近一个小时的上场机会，当然这要得益于队友皮亚蒂的意外受伤下场。
不过武磊在这次意外的上场之后表现非常出色，不仅激活了西班牙人的进攻线，也充分发挥了自己跑位和抢点的优势，制造了一个点球，帮助西班牙人扳平比分，直至最后逆转对手。
每当一名攻击型球员从二级联赛转到顶级联赛时，他的数据都会受到密切关注。西班牙人在武磊身上看到了什么?这些数据能告诉我们他在西班牙人的潜力吗?
在这里，我们借助OptaPro的数据，来分析一下武磊的的相关特点，看看这位中超联赛的射手王能否在西甲复制自己的进攻火力。2019-02-1100 min
TBS RADIO ???????TSUTAYA??????????Shape damageJimbo has Emma Saunders, Duncan Alexander and James Horncastle on board to discuss the jitters and jiggling at the top of the Premier League. Plus, Marco Silva returns to Vicarage Road; the DryWorld Cup; and tales from the French 6th division
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: City back on top - and who’ll be third in the two horse race? (01m 00s)
• PART 2a: City v Chelsea, Liverpool v Bournemouth and Spurs v Leicester previews (10m 30s)
• PART 2b: The race for the Top 4 (20m 30s)
• PART 2c: A word on the FA Cup - and Tears for Fears (26m 00s)
• PART 2c: Shape dama...2019-02-0758 min
The Totally Football Show with James RichardsonShape damageJimbo has Emma Saunders, Duncan Alexander and James Horncastle on board to discuss the jitters and jiggling at the top of the Premier League. Plus, Marco Silva returns to Vicarage Road; the DryWorld Cup; and tales from the French 6th divisionRUNNING ORDER: • PART 1: City back on top - and who’ll be third in the two horse race? (01m 00s)• PART 2a: City v Chelsea, Liverpool v Bournemouth and Spurs v Leicester previews (10m 30s) • PART 2b: The race for the Top 4 (20m 30s)• PART 2c: A word on the FA Cup - and Tears for Fears (26m 00s) • PART 2c: Shape damage and...2019-02-0758 min
Three At The Back20 – Academy analysis at Arsenal and breaking into the football analysis industry. Research.Hosted by Ryan Bahia, Arsenal lead academy analyst James Krause joins the podcast alongside a returning Donald Barron, now at the University of Suffolk.
Broken down into two parts, the first half focuses on James’ role at Arsenal and the wider topic of innovation within performance analysis.
A common discussion point within this space is how people can break into the sports analysis industry. As well as sharing their own experiences, Donald draws on his thoughts as an employer (from his time at Norwich City) and how his life in the academic world has given a new perspective on this qu...2018-10-2600 min
Three At The Back19 - Interview with Nick Cushing, Manchester City Women's Manager. Gaffer.Manchester City Women’s Manager Nick Cushing joins host Ryan Bahia and OptaPro Data Scientist Tom Worville for this episode of Three At The Back.
In an in-depth discussion, Nick shares detailed insight on his football philosophy and how this is implemented with the team, his relationship with his analysis team and how City approach recruitment.2018-08-2200 min
Three At The Back18 - Data, technology and international federations. Cap.Recorded in the lead-up to the 2018 World Cup finals, host Ryan Bahia is joined by Head of OptaPro Ben Mackriell to discuss how international federations are using data and technology to inform and support performance.
In a conversation that explores how federations are using data from first-team through to talent pathways and early identification, the pod finishes by touching on how the presence of technology on the touchline could influence the role of the analyst this summer.2018-06-1100 min
Three At The Back17 - Interview with Wolverhampton Wanderers Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell. Promotion.Wolverhampton Wanderers Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell joins OptaPro for this latest episode of Three At The Back.
Also featuring Ben Mackriell (Head of OptaPro) and hosted by Ryan Bahia (OptaPro Marketing Manager), this episode focuses on an in-depth discussion on the role of a sporting director.
Alongside the implementation of a club philosophy, Kevin also draws on his background in academy football; with conversation revolving around player pathways and the integration of an academy culture alongside the first-team.2018-04-1600 min
Three At The Back16 - #OptaProForum and interview with Devin Pleuler and Luke Bornn. Insiders.Recorded the day after the 2018 #OptaProForum, this latest episode of Three At The Back features both guest speakers – Devin Pleuler, Senior Analytics Manager at Toronto FC and Luke Bornn, VP Strategy and Analytics, Sacramento Kings.
Both Devin and Luke share their Forum highlights, discuss the evolving nature of football analytics and outline their thoughts around the future of this industry.2018-02-2000 min
Three At The Back15 - #OptaProSoccer and interview with Paul Carr. Stateside.This episode sees OptaPro’s Three At The Back become Four as host Ryan Bahia is joined by OptaPro data scientist Johannes Harkins, OptaPro lead for North America Olive Miller-Farrell and special guest Paul Carr, senior researcher at ESPN.
The discussion, taking place just after the first #OptaProSoccer event in Philadelphia, revolves around the event in the context of analytics in North American soccer along with exploring the use of data for different audiences, and where there are clear differences and overlaps, looking at how each sectors can learn from one another.2018-01-3100 minThree At The Back14 - Interview with Arsenal academy analyst Ptolemy Coburn. Gunner.Ptolemy Coburn, Arsenal academy analyst, speaks with OptaPro in this latest episode of Three At The Back.
Hosted by Ryan Bahia and also featuring Sam Gregory OptaPro data scientist), Ptolemy discusses how working across other sports has influenced the way he approaches his role at Arsenal, the differences between academy and first team football from an analyst perspective as well as sharing further insight on the Arsenal-StatDNA relationship.2018-01-0500 minThree At The Back13 - Scout7 becomes part of OptaPro. Signing.The latest episode of Three At The Back focuses on Scout7 becoming part of OptaPro.
Hosted by Ryan Bahia, Head of OptaPro Ben Mackriell and Scout7 MD Lee Jamison discuss recruitment across the professional football landscape as well as exploring how this industry may evolve in the future.2017-11-1700 minThree At The Back12 – Interview with former Norwich City head of technical scouting Donald Barron. Canary.This latest Three At The Back episode is hosted by Ryan Bahia and features Tom Worville along with special guest Donald Barron.
Donald has over 12 years’ experience within the professional game across three different clubs: Leicester City, Coventry City and Norwich City, where he was most recently head of recruitment.
In this wide-ranging episode, Donald discusses his own roles across these different clubs, his thoughts on how data can be most effectively applied within a professional environment along with how analysts have to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing world of professional football.
Donald also shares his thoughts around the Op...2017-09-1900 minThree At The Back11 – How data can inform tactical selections. Line-up.Host Ryan Bahia is joined by Ben Mackriell (head of OptaPro) and Tom Worville (data scientist, OptaPro) for this episode. The two guests share how data can be integrated into playing philosophies, and each selects an XI where their decisions have been informed by data.2017-08-0300 min
Three At The Back10 - An introduction to sequences and possessions. Style.Host Tom Worville is joined by fellow OptaPro data scientists Johannes Harkins and Sam Gregory to discuss the new possessions framework, share insight on the process behind creating it and showcase examples and applications of the model in action, with specific reference to RB Leipzig and Mohamed Salah.
Read the first article introducing this work: http://www.optasportspro.com/about/optapro-blog/posts/2016/blog-introducing-a-possessions-framework/
Watch OptaPro’s analytical film on Borussia Dortmund that is underpinned by this possessions framework: http://www.optasportspro.com/about/optapro-blog/posts/2017/film-a-statistical-analysis-of-borussia-dortmund/
Show intro music can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/jckdvnprt/i-s-f-p2017-07-0400 min
Three At The Back9 - Five years of OptaPro. Reflect.Host Ryan Bahia is joined by Ben Mackriell and Simon Farrant, who makes his Three At the Back debut. Simon, now VP marketing at Perform Group, was part of the core OptaPro team when it founded in 2012.
This episode reflects on not only OptaPro’s past five years, but a wider look at the analytics industry – both inside and outside of the professional game.2017-05-1200 min
Three At The Back8 - German football analytics conference roundup. First.Host Ryan Bahia is joined by Ben Mackriell and Three At The Back debutant, Philipp Obloch. Philipp is the OptaPro lead in Germany and led last week’s first OptaPro football analytics conference in Germany, which is the focus of this episode.
Presentations from the day will soon be made available.2017-03-2900 min
Three At The Back7 - Interview with Chris Anderson. Numbers.Host Ryan Bahia is joined by Tom Worville and Chris Anderson for a wide-ranging discussion on the use of data within professional football and how it can be applied most effectively in this industry.2017-02-2200 min
Three At The Back6 – January transfer window. Deadline.Host Ryan Bahia is joined by Ben Mackriell (Head of OptaPro) and Sam Gregory (Data Scientist) for a discussion on the January transfer window. Ben discusses his own experiences and club processes and Sam leads the talk on previous players to have moved in the first calendar month of the year.
Intro music "ISFP" by jckdvnprt can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/jckdvnprt/i-s-f-p2016-12-1400 min
Three At The Back5 - Interview with Steve Head. Addick.Ryan Bahia hosts this episode in which Steve Head (Chief Scout, Charlton Athletic) and Ben Mackriell (Head of OptaPro) discuss the use of data at different levels of the game, and how roles have changed since data has become more widespread in professional football.
Intro music "ISFP" by jckdvnprt can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/jckdvnprt/i-s-f-p2016-10-1800 min
Three At The Back4 - OptaPro Analytics Forum. Proposal.Ryan Bahia hosts this episode focusing on the OptaPro Analytics Forum and is joined by Sam Gregory, a former presenter at the event, and Johannes Harkins, an OptaPro Forum judge.
More information on the forum:
http://www.optasportspro.com/about/optapro-blog/posts/2016/news-2017-optapro-analytics-forum-accepting-proposals/
Intro music "ISFP" by jckdvnprt can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/jckdvnprt/i-s-f-p2016-09-1600 min
Three At The Back3 - Applied data analysis in MLS and NASL. Stateside.This episode focuses on data analysis on the other side of the Atlantic. Brendan Kent of MLS’ Portland Timbers and Andrew Puopolo of New York Cosmos (NASL) join OptaPro’s Tom Worville, discussing their respective roles in recruitment and match analysis.
Intro music "ISFP" by jckdvnprt can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/jckdvnprt/i-s-f-p2016-08-2500 min
Three At The Back2 – Preparation, analysis and recruitment in pre-season. Groundwork.This episode of Three at the Back looks at the work of analysts during pre-season and discusses how summer transfers can integrate into new sides, focusing on Idrissa Gueye’s move to Everton. Features Ben Mackriell (Head of OptaPro), Sam Gregory and Tom Worville (Data Scientists).
Relevant Links:
Johannes Harkins on grouping teams by their style of play:
http://www.optasportspro.com/about/optapro-blog/posts/2016/blog-grouping-team-styles/
Michiel Jongsma on defensive involvement in the Eredivisie:
http://www.optasportspro.com/about/optapro-blog/posts/2016/blog-visualising-defensive-involvement-in-the-eredivisie/
Sam Gregory on players adapting to new leagues:
http://www.optasportspro.com/about/optapro-blog/posts/2016/blog-%E2%80%9Ccan-he-adapt-to-our-league%E2...2016-08-1200 min
Three At The Back1 - #HackMCFC interviews. Citizen.Discussion, analysis and conversation from OptaPro on data analysis and analytics within professional football.2016-08-0300 min
Analytics FC PodcastEpisode 13: Michael CoxIn Episode 13 of the Analytics FC Podcast we are joined by Michael Cox (writer at Zonal Marking, The Guardian and ESPN FC among others) to talk about the origins of Zonal Marking (the blog), the combination of tactics and analytics and the future of analytical football writing. Michael also gives some tips on how to break into football journalism. You can read Michael's blog at http://www.zonalmarking.net
Another plug for Intopress, if you're an aspiring young writer and want to get started in the football journalism industry check it out: www.intopress.co.uk/
Also a reminder to...2015-10-1647 minAnalytics FC PodcastEpisode 12: Gab MarcottiIn Episode 12 of the Analytics FC Podcast we are joined by journalist Gab Marcotti to talk about the recent anti-stats pieces, analytics in the mainstream media, how analytics and #FootballMen can work together, the future of football (and sports) analytics and we take questions from Twitter!
Another plug for Intopress, if you're an aspiring young writer and want to get started in the football journalism industry check it out: www.intopress.co.uk/
Also a reminder to apply for the Opta Pro Forum here: www.optasportspro.com/about/optapro-blog/
Please take the time to give us a rating on iTunes...2015-10-131h 11Analytics FC PodcastEpisode 11: Second Podcast Syndrome with Bobby Gardiner and Ben TorvaneyIn Episode 11 of the Analytics FC podcast, we're joined by Bobby Gardiner and Ben Torvaney, two fellow analytics bloggers (and students!)
We discuss PDO and its downfalls, analytics in mainstream journalism, Brendan Rodgers sacking, Chelsea's poor start and take some questions from Twitter also.
Make sure you check out Intopress if you're an aspiring young writer and reach out to Bobby if you want to get involved: http://www.intopress.co.uk/
Please take the time to give us a rating on iTunes here: itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/analy…id991610009?mt=2. It really helps us grow the audience for th...2015-10-071h 09Analytics FC PodcastEpisode 10: Ryan BahiaEpisode 10! Thanks to everyone who's listened to and shared the podcast so far, we're thrilled to have made it this far!
In this episode we talk with Ryan Bahia from Perform Group about Opta and the upcoming OptaPro Forum, tips for applying, previous forums and what clubs are looking for in an abstract. Note that the deadline for these is 18/10/2015, so get sending in soon!
In the second half of the podcast we discuss Rory Smith's latest article on ESPN FC (see here: http://www.espnfc.com/blog/espn-fc-united/68/post/2626868/football-coverage-is-more-intellectual) and the sacking of Brentford's manager Marinus Dijkhuizen.
Is...2015-09-2935 min
Soccermetrics PodcastEpisode #11: Jonathan GruhlJonathan Gruhl is a data scientist at a major technology company with extensive experience
in applying quantitative knowledge to fields such as management, finance, and sports. He presented
research at the OptaPro Analytics Forum on developing similarity scores in football using match event
data. We discussed his work, go over some of the surprising and not so surprising results, and muse on
what makes player similarity studies so challenging in soccer.2014-03-1100 minSoccermetrics PodcastEpisode #10: Oliver PageOliver Page is a sports trader with experience at a number of firms in the United Kingdom
and interests in applying academic research and mathematical concepts to sports statistics and betting.
He presented research at the OptaPro Analytics Forum on shotmaking strategies and expected goals in
football. We discussed his work and the challenges of presenting probabilistic information to the rest of
the football industry.2014-02-2200 minSoccermetrics PodcastEpisode #9: Simon Farrant and Devin Pleuler (OptaPro Analytics Forum)Simon Farrant and Devin Pleuler are with OptaPro, the professional services arm of
Opta Sports. In this episode (recorded at Opta's headquarters in London), we discuss the recently
concluded OptaPro Analytics Forum and a few of the highlights from that conference.2014-02-1200 min