What’s Better? Statting From the Bench or End Line?

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tl:dr

• The pros and cons of statting from the bench or end line are usually the inverse of each other

• Overall, I prefer to stat from the bench as you can have a real impact on the game since you can give feedback to the coach and players in real-time

• However, I probably do stat cleaner from the end line, especially if I am in an elevated position

Statting from the Bench or End Line?

You can see in the two photos above that there are usually two spots where you can stat a match from.  The first is from the bench and the second is from the end line.  There are pros and cons to each and they are usually the inverse of each other, i.e. a pro for statting at the bench is usually a con for statting at the end line.  Below are the pros and cons of some factors that I can think of.

thevolleyballanalyst’s Preference

Generally, I prefer to stat from the bench.  The overriding reason is so I can easily give immediate feedback to the coach and players.  It could be based on real-time analysis (e.g. telling the setter to set to the player who is killing every ball) or a strategy based on the team report (e.g. reminding the coach to put in a serving sub for the middle player) or a strategy based on the opposition scout report (e.g. serve on a particular weaker passer).  This is where I feel I can have a real impact on the match outcome and the whole reason why I am there. 

However, I probably do stat cleaner when statting from the end line, i.e. I make fewer errors.  This means my data accuracy checks should be done quickly.  

Statting from an Elevated Position

Of course, another option is to stat from an elevated position.  I’ve done it both ways (high sideline and high end line) at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (click on the links to read my experience and my performance analysis reflection at the major event).  One big advantage is it is easier to judge directions from an elevated position.  However, it is harder to see shirt numbers being so far away.  I still prefer to stat from the bench.