Dr Andrew Butterworth

Andrew joined Loughborough University in September 2021 as University Teacher in Applied Performance Analysis, and successfully transitioned to Lecturer in the School in early 2024. Andrew initially joined the School to develop and teach bespoke content on the new and innovative MSc in Applied Performance Analysis. He blends engaging, technologically rich delivery methods and contemporary research-informed content, alongside his considerable practical expertise as a performance analyst in elite sport. Andrew received an “Inspirational Lecturer of the Year” award in 2019/20 at his previous University, and a Dean’s Award at Loughborough in 2023.

Andrew leads the year-long Coaching Process and Applied Performance Analysis Workflows module on the MSc Applied Performance Analysis programme, whilst also leading the research project module for the programme. He contributes to teaching, assessment and supervision of performance analysis content on undergraduate programmes. In addition, Andrew undertakes a leadership role within the school, as the learning and teaching group discipline lead for teaching and research staff in PE, Pedagogy & Coaching.

Prior to joining Loughborough, Andrew was programme leader and senior lecturer at the University of Derby on the BSc (Hons) in Performance Analysis & Coaching Science, where he spent six years developing and delivering the course. Outside of academia, Andrew has worked extensively in practical performance analysis roles with England Netball as senior analyst for the Roses, Badminton England, Team GB, Paralympics GB, Badminton World Federation and many others. Still active as an analyst now, Andrew is also the Head of Performance Analysis for Loughborough Lightning Netball in the Netball Superleague, a role held since 2015, a time in which the side have reached five grand finals, winning the title in 2021 and 2023. 

Andrew’s research actively explores the use and implementation of technologically rich performance analysis within elite sport. Specifically, his research focusses on the use and implementation of technologies within the coaching process to establish the usefulness and perceptions in real world empirical environments, with a core focus on implementation and in elite women's sport.

Andrew is active in supporting projects aligned to the use of analysis workflows in elite environments, with particular specialisms within live match analysis workflows and GPS tracking. Current projects and collaborations include doctoral research supervision as director of studies for students undertaking research with elite sporting clubs and organisations, exploring the use and implementation of such technologies.

Andrew is the Head of Performance Analysis for Loughborough Lightning Netball, who compete in the Netball Superleague. Working closely with coaches, players and other members of the sport science staff, this role is responsible for the innovative, creative and reliable delivery of performance analysis throughout the Lightning pathway. Andrew has implemented sector-leading performance analysis workflows throughout the pathway, significantly aided by a talented and diverse student analyst team who Andrew recruits, trains and mentors. To date, Lightning have reached five grand finals in Andrew’s seven seasons, successfully winning in 2021 and 2023, with Andrew and the team setting out to become the first team to win back to back titles in the 2024 season.

Books

Butterworth, A. (2023). Professional Practice in Sport Performance analysis. London: Routledge.

Journal papers

• Butterworth, A., Hamblen, A. & O’Donoghue, P. (2024). The development, implementation and evaluation of an objective match scoring system in elite netball. In Press.
• Travis, P. & Butterworth, A. (2024). Elite football players perceptions of pre-match analysis. In Press.
• Dayus, J., Callaway, A., Ellis, S. & Butterworth, A. (2021). Analysis of playing style across different developmental stages in football. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 21(1), 1-19.
• Mitchell, J., Maratos, F., Giles, D., Taylor, N., Butterworth, A. & Sheffield, D. (2020). The visual search strategies underpinning effective observational analysis in the coaching of climbing movement. Frontiers in Psychology, 11.  
• Jones, D., Rands, S. & Butterworth, A.D. (2020). The use and perceived value of telestration tools in elite football. International Journal of Performance Analysis, 20(4), 1-16.
• Butterworth, A.D., O’Donoghue, P. & Cropley, B. (2013). Performance profiling in sports coaching: a review. International Journal of Performance Analysis, 13(3), 572-593.
• Butterworth, A., Turner, D.J. & Johnstone, J. (2012). Coaches’ perceptions of the potential use of performance analysis in badminton. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 12(4), 452-467.