Application of Indirect Observation in High- Performance Judo From a Mixed Methods Perspective

This study analyzed, for the first time, the application of indirect observation to high performance judo, covering both male and female categories. Indirect observation involves, to a large extent, the analysis of textual material generated secondarily
from transcriptions of verbal behavioral records, such as interviews. The aim of this study was to apply this methodology to the field of elite judo in order to explore the existence of communicative patterns related to technical and tactical adaptations to the
opponent, aimed at achieving IPPON. Nine in-depth interviews were conducted with the following participants: Olympic judokas (n = 3), strength and conditioning coach of an Olympic judoka (n = 1), judo instructors in the Bachelor’s Degree in Physical
Activity and Sports Sciences (n = 3), and club coaches (n = 2). These interviews were analyzed by means of indirect observation through a quantitizing process based on the construction of an ad hoc observation instrument. The transcripts were segmented into
textual units and a code matrix was elaborated that allowed a polar coordinate analysis to be carried out. This analysis facilitated the detection of communicative patterns related to the behavior “technical and tactical adaptations based on the opponent”.
The results showed statistically significant associations between these adaptations and variables such as standing judo and judo groundwork, dominance in kumikata, the time period of the match, and the score. The use of indirect observation proves to
be a valuable tool for future studies focused on gathering athletes’ perspectives and contributes to giving scientific value to their views on various aspects of the sport.