2/2019
vol. 20
abstract:
Original paper
Defensive positioning on the pitch in relation with situational variables of a professional football team during regaining possession
1.
University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
Hum Mov. 2019;20(2):50–56
Online publish date: 2019/04/24
Purpose To analyse how the quality of opposition, match location, and match status affect the positioning of the team during ball recovery.
Methods Overall, 510 ball recovery situations from a professional soccer team were analysed with a tracking system (AmiscoPro). Five compound positional variables (team compactness [TC ], compactness behind ball location [CB ], compactness forward ball location [CF], team width [TW], and game centre index [GC]) and three situational variables (match location,
quality of opposition, and match status) were considered in this study. Data were examined with the use of a linear regression model.
Results The GC was reduced by 1.391 meters (p < 0.05) and TW was advanced by 2.204 meters (p < 0.05) when the team was winning and losing, respectively, as compared with when the scores were even. Playing against strong opposition increased CF by 3.055 meters (p < 0.05). No effects were detected on TC or CB.
Conclusions The team modifies the tactics as a consequence of the match conditions. Different field positions emerge in relation with situational variables. This information can be used to better understand the positional behaviour during ball recovery.
keywords:
association football, notational analysis, performance indicators, compound positional variables, ball recovery
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