Cutting-edge performance analysis boost for Essex Rebels

State-of-the art performance analysis technology will boost Essex’s elite record-breaking athletes for the first time.

The new facility has brought Sky Sports standard equipment to the University of Essex to bolster its Essex Rebels basketball and volleyball teams.

The high-tech hub is the only facility of its kind in the Women’s British Basketball League and will allow new Head of Basketball Performance Ashley Cookson to highlight and hone his game plans for the new squad.

Boasting a 100-inch touchscreen TV and sound system the equipment will allow playback of match video, and give coaches the ability to highlight tactical improvements.

Step inside the suite in the video below

Students will also be drafted in to perfect and develop strategies for the new professional Essex Rebels Volleyball side – which this year enters its second season.

Ashley said: “This is an exciting step forward for the University of Essex and the Rebels programme.

“I don’t think anybody else has a space like this, it’s definitely a professional area.

“For the players it is going to be a really important culture builder, in terms of on court performance and also off the court.

“We’ll be able to learn, talk and really push on as a team by studying and breaking what we can do to improve.”

The facility is nestled in the heart of the Essex Sport Arena and will boost the University’s professional teams’ seasons which are now underway.

The women’s basketball team will hope to build on the success of last year which saw the side smash the attendance record for a home WBBL fixture.

An amazing 1505 people packed into the Arena to celebrate International Women’s Day and witness a famous victory.

Dr Dave Parry, Director of Sport, said: “Last year was incredible and we aim to build on its momentum, with greater success on the court, and more fans cheering on the teams.

“Essex is the home of sport in the East and our ongoing investment in enhanced facilities shows how serious we are about developing our elite athletes.

“This state-of-the-art facility also means our students studying sports-related degrees get to supercharge their careers and get hands-on experience working with some of the nation’s best ballers.”