Delivering Analytics to the Coaching Staff: From Overwhelmed to Actionable Insights

If you’ve ever been around a coaching staff when the words “data analytics” are mentioned, you might have noticed the immediate anxiety that spreads through the room. Recently, after an NCAA Division 1 soccer game, Chip (DSA Labs’ CEO) and I spoke with the coaching staff, and just the mention of “analytics” sent their heart rates skyrocketing. It’s not unusual—many coaches feel overwhelmed at the thought of making sense of endless stats and complex data.

In fact, one coach put it bluntly: “It’s too overwhelming to even think about.”

But here’s the thing: analytics doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

With more and more data sources available to coaches—whether through wearables, platforms like WyScout, or performance tracking systems—the time has come to centralize that information and turn data into decisions.

The Current State of Data Use in Soccer

Let’s start by asking a simple question: What are you using your GPS / wearable for?

For many teams, the answer is basic: “Distance covered, duration, and player load.” These metrics are often the go-to because they’re easy to understand and apply. But are they the most valuable insights your wearable can provide? Probably not.

Then, there’s WyScout, a data source that provides detailed breakdowns of game performance. Coaches sift through report after report and watch hours of highlight clips, but how often does that data actually influence decisions on the training pitch or match day? More often than not, these reports end up sitting on a desk or computer, untouched because the sheer volume of data is intimidating.

Data without a decision is just a distraction.

Turning Data into Decisions

So how can we make analytics accessible and actionable for coaches? The key lies in centralizing data and focusing on what matters most.

Here’s how you can break it down:

1. Start with the End in Mind

What specific decisions do you need to make based on data? Whether it’s planning training, selecting a lineup, or monitoring player performance, clarifying the goal will help you filter through the noise and focus on relevant metrics. We speak to a lot of coaches – we probe of “what questions they are looking to answer” and often the answer is “I don’t know.”

2. Centralize Your Data Sources

One of the main reasons coaches feel overwhelmed is the fragmented nature of their data. Wearable stats are in one place, WyScout reports in another, custom metric tracking is in an assistant coach’s notepad, and game footage somewhere else entirely. A centralized platform that aggregates data in one place, like StatLink, allows you to see everything at a glance and makes the decision-making process smoother.

3. Choose Actionable Metrics

Not all data is created equal. Just because you have access to hundreds of data points doesn’t mean you should use them all. Focus on metrics that directly impact decisions and filter out the noise. For example:

• Chances Created

• Chances Stopped

• Free Kick Execution

• Second Balls Won

• Lines Broken

• Penetrating Runs, etc.

4. Communicate Insights Clearly

 It’s not enough to hand over raw data or reports. You need to translate numbers into stories that are easily digestible. Coaches are busy, and they don’t have time to dive into complicated spreadsheets. Whether you’re presenting analytics in a team meeting or through a dashboard, focus on clear, visual insights that show trends, performance rankings, and recommendations.

Shifting the Culture of Data Usage

One of the biggest challenges is shifting the culture around data analytics. Within many coaching staffs, the data team can feel like the “outcasts” because their insights aren’t fully integrated into the decision-making process. But that’s changing.

The teams that are most successful today are the ones that embed analytics into their daily operations. Data becomes a trusted tool rather than a daunting task.

Coaches who embrace analytics in this way don’t need to be experts in the numbers—they just need to know how to ask the right questions and make decisions based on the answers the data provides.

The Time Is Now

With the technology available today, coaches are in a better position than ever to leverage analytics to their advantage. But the key is to avoid letting data overwhelm you. By centralizing your data, focusing on actionable metrics, and communicating insights clearly, you can transform your data from a distraction into a powerful decision-making tool.

It’s time to put your data to work for you. The time is now - ask us how.