Defensive positioning on the pitch in relation with situational variables of a professional football team during regaining possession

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.