Space configuration and numerical relationship during professional soccer matches: a proposal for small-sided games design

Abstract

Purpose. the purpose of this study was to analyse the most recurrent characteristics of soccer attacking sequences regarding the effective space available, the numerical relationship, and the distance between the defensive line and the goal. Methods. Overall, 4 Brazilian professional matches were recorded and the trajectories of 101 players were obtained by a tracking method. the variables of the studies were: length (the distance between 2 more distant players, longitudinally), width (the distance between 2 more distant players, laterally), numerical relationship (the number of attacking players vs. the number of defending players inside a given area), and the distance to the goal (the distance between the defensive player closer the goal line and the goal line). Results. the mean values and standard deviations were 24.59 (± 13.40) m for the length, 44.13 (± 12.51) m for the width, and 29.19 (± 11.40) m for the distance to goal line. A match was characterized mostly by the interaction among a large number of players (p < 0.001). the length, width, and distance to goal line changed depending on the numerical relationship. However, the effective space available was characterized by the width, being greater than the length, and the game had more situations of defensive numerical superiority, followed by the numerical equality (p < 0.001). Conclusions. the study presented insights regarding strategies for soccer games that can guide coaches in the design of training drills in accordance with real situations in a soccer match.

The Relationship between Shot on Goal Level and the Final Results of Soccer Matches in the 2021 Indonesian League 3 Bali Zone

“…Based on the above review, in fact many previous researchers have revealed the performance of soccer at the elite or professional level namely, the playing style of a team when attacking and defending was analyzed [14], physical and technical performance in each different playing position in the English Premier League [15], identification of scoring opportunities and offensive and defensive strategies as indicators that can be distinguished between teams winning or losing matches in the 2012 European Soccer Championship [16], percentage of ball possession and successful passing of teams that were successful in 2014 FIFA World Cup [17], technical performance profiles of the teams involved in the 2016 European Soccer Championship [3], described how scoring opportunities arise and chances were executed in Major League Soccer by considering indicators of offensive and defensive tactics [18], measuring guard performance goal in all matches at EURO 2016 [19], the level of centrality between playing positions in the national team that played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup [20], analysis of goalkeeper performance related to the role in the game [21], competitive profile of the best leagues in Europe such as the Spanish League, Italian League, English League, Germany League, Portuguese and French Leagues [22], the characteristics of the sequence of attacks in soccer that are most effective on the opponent's defensive area, and the distance between the defensive line and the goal [23], the situation of the game from the recovery of the ball to the goals scored by professional soccer players. men's and women's League 1 Portugal [24], identification of technical and tactical action at each player position during play in the Ukraina Premier League [25], characteristics of goal scoring passing networks during the 2016 European Soccer Championships [26], influence of small-sided games on the game performance of young soccer players [27], observation of the motor activities of Greece professional soccer players on this during one competitive season [28], analysis of the quality of the team in the ball recovery which is influenced by the quality of the opponent, the quality of the field and the status of the match [7], shooting characteristics and goal scoring in the 2019 Women World Cup Soccer Tournament [29], analysis of the goal process scored during Euro 2020 [30], and analysis of corner kicks during the 2018 FIFA World Cup [5].…”