Performance Analysis in Japanese Rugby: Black Rams Tokyo

Meet Daisuke Matsuura

Daisuke Matsuura has a long history with rugby and performance analysis. 

A graduate of Cardiff Metropolitan University - where he gained a Master’s degree in Sports Performance analysis - he has worked as a rugby coach in both his native Japan and the rugby mecca of New Zealand.

Five years ago, Daisuke joined Black Rams Tokyo as a performance analyst, working his way up to his current role as Head of Performance Analysis. During this time, he has worked in conjunction with JS Inc, the official Nacsport distributors in Japan, to fully integrate video analysis into the daily routines of the Black Rams.

So, what do Daisuke's workflows and philosophy of analysis look like? Let’s hear it directly from the horse’s mouth.

Hi Daisuke. Can you tell us about the goals of your video analysis work and how this fits into the philosophy of the team?

Hi there! Well, my main goal as an analyst is to create the perfect learning environment for each individual athlete and the team as a whole.

To do this, we have generated clear guidelines which we hope will help lead the team to improve their performance and, eventually, win the championship.

Part of this was creating an environment where IT plays a big part in the process, allowing both players and coaches to access new technology which can help them address game data quickly and efficiently.

Video analysis, in particular, provides us with deeper insights into our own performance. It highlights our own strengths and weaknesses and shows us the areas where we must improve. We also use it for opposition analysis, which helps us to develop our strategies for the game.

Technology has evolved much quicker than anyone expected, something that rarely happens on the rugby field, and it can be quite daunting keeping up to date with the latest trends and adapting new innovations to the needs of the team.

How does video analysis fit into your working week and how often do you use it on a day-to-day basis?

Basically, I use video analysis every day and there are four main areas where I use software such as Nacsport. These are:

Match Preparation

• Opposition analysis. We review our opposition’s previous matches in order to identify patterns, strengths and weaknesses.

• A Study of set-piece attacks and defense. This includes the analysis of scrums, lineouts and strike plays in order to inform our strategies for the upcoming game.

• Player Scouting. The evaluation of key players helps us to understand their tendencies and decision-making.

Live Game Analysis

• Real-time tagging. During a live game, we capture and tag key events such as line breaks, turnovers and defensive structures.

• Halftime adjustments. Performing a live analysis means that we can provide quick insights to coaches so they can make tactical tweaks.

Post-Match Review

• Team performance review. A post-match analysis allows us to get deeper insights into the game. We can break down how the team executed the game strategy as well as looking at individual actions such as decision-making and work rate.

• Individual Feedback. Part of the post-match routine involves creating a reel of video clips for each player. This allows them to review their own personal performance during the game and helps them see areas they need to work on before the next game.

Training Analysis

• Filming and reviewing training sessions. This allows us to check if training drills we practice during the week have translated effectively into real game scenarios.

• Skill Development. Slow-motion and frame-by-frame analysis helps us to refine the techniques of both individual players and the team as a whole.

As you can see, I have a lot of duties to cover during the week and I would not be able to get everything done without the use of video analysis software like Nacsport. I just wouldn’t have the time!

Let’s talk more specifically about Nacsport. For how long have you been using the software?

I’ve been using Nacsport for four or five years now. When it comes to tools available in the software, I really like the play-by-play window, as it provides a clear picture what I tag during the tagging process. 

I’m also extremely happy with the options for real-time tagging in Nacsport and how clips can be sent to anywhere in the stadium with the Nacsport Live app. 

In addition, I’m now a hybrid user, employing both Nacsport and Hudl Sportscode in my workflow, so I appreciate the synergy that exists between both pieces of software. 

How many teams within your club’s structure use Nacsport and how is video analysis used at each level? 

We utilise Nacsport with the top-level team. We use both Nacsport and Sportscode to tag key aspects of the game, whilst the Nacsport Live app is used to share clips and data with the bench during a game or training sessions.

How do you present your insights to players?

Generally speaking, the analysts don’t get directly involved in team presentations. Instead, we’ll prepare data and video for the coaches to review.

These coaches will then use these insights to present to the players, either individually or as a whole team.

We do, however, try to educate the players on how to use the software. This means that they can collect their own clips and self-evaluate their performances and gives them unique insights into the game.

How do you think video analysis, and in particular Nacsport, has helped to improve the team’s performance?

Apart from all the features that I mentioned earlier, I would like to single out the Nacsport Live app. Without a doubt, this has been a complete game-changer for us. 

It allows us to understand performance instantaneously and provide feedback to coaches while it's still fresh in the mind. It means that we can make an immediate impact on the game.

Conclusion

We’d like to thank Daisuke for taking time out of his busy schedule to give us this glimpse into the ever expanding world of Japanese rugby.

We’d also like to thank Black Rams Tokyo for putting their trust in Nacsport for their live analysis needs. It has been a pleasure working with you all.

If you are in Japan, or anywhere else in the world, and would like more information about Nacsport or the Nacsport Live app, please feel free to check out the Nacsport website in Japanese or contact JS Inc, the official Nacsport distributors in Japan. They can arrange  a free trial of any Nacsport product. Whether you are just starting out on your analysis journey, or are an experienced analyst looking for proven, cost effective solutions they can help.

You can also start a free trial of any Nacsport product directly from our website. Click here to get started.

Should you have any questions about anything you have read in this blog, you can also contact us via any of our social media channels or through our website. We’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

Until then…

Thanks for reading.