A topography of free kicks in soccer

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial relationship of performance variables for soccer free kicks. In order to suggest ways in which players might optimise their performance, we collected data from free kicks (<35 m to goal line) of two German Bundesliga seasons (2013/14, 2014/15) (n = 1624). In the analysis, we applied the ISO-map approach using colour gradients to visualise the mean values of a variable on a 2D-map of the pitch. Additionally, variograms were used to describe the degree of spatial dependence of the free kick variables. Results show that DENSITY, TYPE OF PLAY, PLAYERS IN WALL, DISTANCE TO WALL and RULE VIOLATION were strongly spatially dependent. Centrality and proximity to the goal increased the variables PLAYERS IN WALL, RULE VIOLATIONS and INTERRUPTION TIME, and the ratio of goals scored increased from 5.9% (central far) to 10.9% (central near). In 70.9% of the shots, players preferred a switched laterality, which did not result in a higher success rate. Furthermore, there was no statistical advantage for the defensive team when DISTANCE TO WALL was below 9.15 m or when there was a RULE VIOLATION. Crosses had a success rate (i.e., first controlled ball contact after the cross) of 20.8%. Played with natural laterality, they were 5% more successful than with switched laterality. Crosses from the right side outside the penalty box were 10% more successful than from the left side. Therefore, it might be worthwhile practising the defence of balls coming from this side.

Analysis of teams’ corner kicks defensive strategies at the FIFA World Cup 2018

“…It is believed that this style of corner kick is favourable as the ball swings away from the goalkeeper and towards the approaching attacking players. The potential benefit of this style of delivery is that it may reduce the goalkeeper's attempts to intercept the ball (Link, Kolbinger, Weber, & Stöckl, 2016;Pulling et al, 2018) and increase the time and space needed for the attacking player to create an attempt at goal (Casal et al, 2015). The results of this study further demonstrated that most goals were conceded from inswing corner kicks, thus corroborating previous findings which highlighted that inswing corner kicks were generally more successful in creating goals (Carling et al, 2005).…”

What Performance Analysts Need to Know About Research Trends in Association Football (2012–2016): A Systematic Review

“…Despite the importance of set-piece goals in modern football, free kicks have not been extensively studied [45,46]. The study by Link et al [46] revealed an average of 34.9±7.6 free kicks per match, while Casal et al [45] concluded that on average each team takes three indirect free kicks aimed at scoring a goal per match. Of these, 21.8% ended in a shot, 9.3% ended in a shot between the posts and 2.9% ended in a goal.…”

“…The type of attack and the number of players involved in the process has a direct influence on the outcome. Furthermore, Link et al [46] analyzed variables like position (2Dlocation of the free kick on field) and zone (free kick location in the attacking third on the field of play (35m from goal), according to a specific categorization by the authors of the playing area. This included: density (number of free kicks in each 1m 2 sector on field), interruption time (timespan between the foul that led to the free kick and the moment of ball contact when taking the free kick), distance to defensive wall (shortest distance between ball and defensive wall at the moment of ball contact), number of players participating in the wall, rule violation, type of play (shot on goal, cross, pass), and outcome shots (goal scored, header, save made by the goalkeeper, etc.).…”

Football-specific validity of TRACAB’s optical video tracking systems

“…There have been many scientific studies based on TRACAB's data, dealing with individual ball possession [9], fatigue development [10], match half variation [11] and seasonal variation [12]. Others focussed on the pressure on players [13], situation assessment [14], attacking [15], space control [16], pressure [13], and free-kick performance [17]. However, all these studies share the limitation, that there is no validation available proving the quality of TRACAB 1 data.…”