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The influence of situational variables on defensive positioning in professional soccer

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  • Pedro Santos
  • Carlos Lago-Peñas
  • Oscar García-García

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of match conditions on the defensive positioning in professional soccer. One hundred and ten ball recovery situations from an elite soccer team were analysed using a tracking system (Amisco Pro). Three team performance variables (ball recovery location (BRL), position of the defensive line (PDL) and position of the offensive line (POL), and three situational variables (match location, quality of opposition and match status) were considered. The results suggest that teams alter their style of play as a consequence of the match conditions. BRL was advanced by 4.87 and 1.80 m (p < 0.05) when the teams were losing and winning, respectively, and POL by 3.67 m (p < 0.05) when losing, than when the scores were even. Playing away decreased the BRL, the PDL and the POL by 4.62, 3.41 and 3.48 m compared with playing at home (p < 0.01). Playing against strong opposition decreased the BRL and the PDL by 5.32 and 3.51 m (p < 0.01) respectively, compared with playing against similar opponents. A combination of these variables can be used to develop a model to predict future performances. The findings emphasise the need for match analysts and coaches to consider the impact of match conditions during assessments of technical and tactical components of football performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Santos & Carlos Lago-Peñas & Oscar García-García, 2017. "The influence of situational variables on defensive positioning in professional soccer," International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(3), pages 212-219, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rpanxx:v:17:y:2017:i:3:p:212-219
    DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2017.1331571
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    Cited by:

    1. Joaquín González-Rodenas & Rodrigo Aranda-Malaves & Andrés Tudela-Desantes & Félix Nieto & Ferran Usó & Rafael Aranda, 2020. "Playing tactics, contextual variables and offensive effectiveness in English Premier League soccer matches. A multilevel analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Julen Castellano & Miguel Pic, 2019. "Identification and Preference of Game Styles in LaLiga Associated with Match Outcomes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Fernando Manuel Otero-Saborido & Rubén D. Aguado-Méndez & Víctor M. Torreblanca-Martínez & José Antonio González-Jurado, 2021. "Technical-Tactical Performance from Data Providers: A Systematic Review in Regular Football Leagues," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-15, September.
    4. Iyán Iván-Baragaño & Rubén Maneiro & José L. Losada & Antonio Ardá, 2021. "Multivariate Analysis of the Offensive Phase in High-Performance Women’s Soccer: A Mixed Methods Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-16, June.

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