Pompey Academy making the most of video analysis

And Pompey Academy’s under-18s boss certainly made the most of the technology on offer to him this week as he picked the bones out of his side’s 10-goal thriller at AFC Wimbledon.

A longer than usual DVD review session on Tuesday with the Blues’ youngsters followed a remarkable 5-5 draw at the Dons as they got their Merit League One campaign off to a memorable start at the weekend.

And for Harris, it was time well spent.

He said: ‘Video analysis is absolutely massive nowadays.

‘We utilise it on a weekly basis, both for individuals and for the team – it is a really good education tool.

‘On Tuesday, we had a long analysis session as you can imagine.

‘It was good, it is always good when you have got the DVD and can go through things and show the lads what happens.

‘On the day, it is very difficult to get a real feel of what is going on.

‘As a player, you do sometimes think: “I am not sure I did anything wrong there”.

‘But we managed to break it down with them and show them some good things and real positives to come from the game.

‘Also we picked out some negatives.

‘The main thing we learnt from the game was in terms of our line in relation to the ball as a defensive unit.’

Video analysis is not just limited to a group-based classroom environment, though, with the onus on players to self-analyse also.

‘The lads always get sent a copy of the game,’ said Harris.

‘We encourage them all to watch it and to reflect on it and to make notes of positives, negatives and things they can improve on.

‘We don’t hold their hand through that process, though.

‘The ones who want to improve and get better will do it.

‘The ones who don’t want to do it will miss out.

‘It’s the same old story about ownership and making sure they take responsibility for their own development – that is as well as the team and individual sessions that we do with them.’

With lessons learnt from their Dons draw, attention now turns to the Blues’ Merit League One clash at south-coast neighbours Bournemouth on Saturday (11am).

Harris added: ‘It will be a very difficult game but it is one we look forward to.

‘It is a short trip west and it will be a good game – it always is with them.

‘And hopefully all of the lads will put in a good performance and improve upon Saturday.’

– JEFF MARSHMAN