Ball Possession Strategies in Elite Soccer According to the Evolution of the Match-Score: the Influence of Situational Variables

Abstract

In soccer, the ability to retain possession of the ball for prolonged periods of time has been suggested to be linked to success.

Effects of match situational variables on possession: The case of England Premier League season 2015/16

“…"weak" or "strong" and their position on league rankings), and match status (if winning, losing or drawing) were identified as the most important situational variables that dictates possession patterns [9][10][11][12][13] . Concerning match location, playing home presented stronger interaction with team possession than playing away 6,8,14 , which might be explained by a more familiar environment and a more consistent style of play 15,16 . The quality of opposition is also a determinant variable when investigating possession in soccer 12,16 .…”

“…This emergent behaviour was stated because possession maintenance usually leads a team to victory 5,6 , but different possession strategies may be adopted during the same match depending on situational variables of the game 7,8 . According to previous studies 3,6 , by adopting a more defensive pattern of play (i.e., control the match) it is possible to increase possession time and find a way to goal by passing the ball or by long distance shots to offensive field, both being predictors of success.…”

“…According to Taylor,Mellalieu 10 , when facing strong opponents, teams perform more passes and fewer dribbles. Moreover, there's association between playing with strong opponents and the reduction in possession time 3,8 . In addition, recent researches have found interaction between match location and quality of opponents, in manner that when a team faces a strong opponent in home, for example, the possession time is likely to increase when comparing the away situation 4,8 .…”

“…Moreover, there's association between playing with strong opponents and the reduction in possession time 3,8 . In addition, recent researches have found interaction between match location and quality of opponents, in manner that when a team faces a strong opponent in home, for example, the possession time is likely to increase when comparing the away situation 4,8 . Authors have shown evidences that stronger teams presented more consistent patterns of play and did not benefit the same home advantage outcomes as weaker opponents 6,8,17 .…”

Comparison of tactical principles efficiency among soccer players from different game positions

“…Moreover, the implementation of core tactical principles helps teams to maintain ball possession [9], change the pace of play, take opponents to previously defined sectors, and destabilize the organization of the opponent team [10]. collective tactical efficiency during a match contributes to better performance as much for the player as for the team.…”