Soccer Scoring Techniques—A Biomechanical Re-Conception of Time and Space for Innovations in Soccer Research and Coaching

Abstract

Background: Scientifically, both temporal and spatial variables must be examined when developing programs for training various soccer scoring techniques (SSTs). Unfortunately, previous studies on soccer goals have overwhelmingly focused on the development of goal-scoring opportunities or game analysis in elite soccer, leaving the consideration of player-centered temporal-spatial aspects of SSTs mostly neglected. Consequently, there is a scientific gap in the current scoring-opportunity identification and a dearth of scientific concepts for developing SST training in elite soccer. Objectives: This study aims to bridge the gap by introducing effective/proprioceptive shooting volume and a temporal aspect linked to this volume. Method: the SSTs found in FIFA Puskás Award (132 nominated goals between 2009 and 2021) were quantified by using biomechanical modeling and anthropometry. Results: This study found that players’ effective/proprioceptive shooting volume could be sevenfold that of normal practice in current coaching. Conclusion: The overlooked SSTs in research and training practice are commonly airborne and/or acrobatic, which are perceived as high-risk and low-reward. Relying on athletes’ talent to improvise on these complex skills can hardly be considered a viable learning/training strategy. Future research should focus on developing player-centered temporal-spatial SST training to help demystify the effectiveness of proprioceptive shooting volume and increase scoring opportunities in soccer.

Soccer Scoring Techniques: How Much Do We Know Them Biomechanically?—A State-of-the-Art Review

“…The study revealed that scoring with a one-touch shot accounted for 69.3% of goals, setting up a shot resulted in only 17.9% of goals, and a shot after individual dribbling had the lowest percentage (12.8%). A recent study [5] unveiled similar results: 56.8% for zeropossession shots, 13.6% for one-possession shots, and 29.6% for more-than-two-possession shots. These results suggest that, with an increase of ball-contact times, the scoring chance is continuously decreased.…”

“…Hence, it is logical for both researchers and practitioners to explore all means that could increase the chance and effectiveness of shots taken. Until now, practitioners have unearthed numerous SSTs that can be applied in various game situations; in contrast, scientific investigations (especially biomechanical studies) have only been conducted in a few of the SSTs seen in the game [3,5]. This scenario has resulted in the lack of science-based SST training in current soccer practice.…”

“…Therefore, they are characterized as high risk and low reward. So far, they have been neglected by training books and/or manuals and almost overlooked by researchers [3,5].…”

“…Unfortunately, passing sequences (temporal) [28][29][30] and field geography (spatial) [30][31][32] related to successful shots in professional games have attracted the attention of researchers and coaches, and as such, soccer study and training have overwhelmingly focused on team tactics and strategy. As a result, consideration of the temporal-spatial aspects of SSTs is overlooked [5].…”

“…Since diverse SSTs are the last destination that determines the outcome of every "emotional drama," the quality of performing these SSTs is obviously an essential core of soccer coaching and training; of course, it should be a focus of biomechanical investigations on soccer. Unfortunately, biomechanical studies on various SSTs fall far behind the practice, resulting in a practical scenario that most participants acquire SSTs through personal experience without research-based instruction [3,5,6].…”