Assessing the Efficacy of Video Telestration in Aiding Memory Recall Among Elite Professional Football Players

Elite football clubs have invested heavily in the use of video telestration software in recent years, however, little is known regarding the benefits of this technology in aiding players’ ability to recall events. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of video telestration in aiding memory recall of information amongst professional male football players. A randomised controlled trial was conducted, where an experimental group (n = 7) experienced telestration and a control group (n = 7) experienced no telestration over five sessions in 15 days. Following watching the telestrated or non-telestrated clips, each individual completed a questionnaire 24-hours later comprising of questions regarding possession, chances creation and set-piece. The study revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in recall percentages for total recall, possession, chance creation and set-piece categories between the telestrated and non-telestrated groups. Set piece information was recalled the most when supplemented with video telestration and recalled the least in its absence (86.86% ± 7.20% vs 48.00% ± 9.24%). Subsequently, the results validate the investment in this technology, and it is suggested analysts and coaches should consider the use of telestration to support the wider performance analysis and coaching process to aid recall and facilitate player learning.