The impact of ball recovery type, location of ball recovery and duration of possession on the outcomes of possessions in the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the ball recovery type, location of ball recovery and the duration of the possession on the outcomes of possessions in both the EPL and the Spanish La Liga. Methods: In total, 4971 possessions were observed across 20 matches from the 2017/2018 season of both the EPL (n = 2469) and La Liga (n = 2502). Ball recovery was analysed across four zones, supplemented by five types of ball recovery (interception, tackle, goalkeeper save, set-play and turnover) and three different possession duration categories (<5 seconds, 5-12 seconds and >12 seconds). Each of these were analysed according to five different attacking outcomes. Results: La Liga teams scored relatively more goals when recovering possession through a tackle (2.5% of tackles led to a goal). EPL teams scored relatively more goals and took more shots after turnovers (2.0% of turnovers led to a goal and 14.6% of turnovers led to a shot). EPL teams are more likely to score a goal or create a shooting opportunity when utilising shorter possessions (<5 seconds), whereas La Liga teams are more likely to score a goal after utilising longer possessions (>12 seconds).

No sport for old players. A longitudinal study of aging effects on match performance in elite soccer

“…In this sense, scientific literature revealed that Spanish LaLiga have a more possessionbased playing style and teams are more likely to score a goal after utilizing longer possessions (12 s) compared with other European competitions. 30,31 Thus, the age-related compensatory increase in PA observed in present study may have important practical implications as PA remain a strong predictor of success in LaLiga and could represent an age-specific evolution for players in this competition.…”

A systematic review about the performance indicators related to ball possession

“…The duration of ball possession is the epitome of the team’s offensive tactics, and the playing style of the team is composed of the offense or defense characteristics per possession. Generally, the duration of ball possession is divided into three categories, that is, 0–5 seconds, 5–12 seconds and >12 seconds [ 9 , 19 , 40 – 42 ]. Investigating the characteristics of ball possession time is conducive to understanding the offensive patterns of modern football.…”

“…However, there are also some studies considering that the attack efficiency was higher when the ball possession was regained by tackles. Cooper and Pulling [ 40 ] found that during the 2017–2018 season in the EPL and La Liga, the team from La Liga had superior scoring efficiency (2.5%) compared with the team from the EPL after tackling. Hugh and Franks [ 5 ] reported the most goals were scored in the possession regained by tackles in La Liga.…”

Associations of situational and performance variables with defensive transitions outcomes in FIFA World Cup 2018

“…Nevertheless, if possession is recovered in F , but in a retreated field zone, subsequent offensive success would be influenced negatively. 13,14 In such situation, following ball recovery, teams will have to advance for longer, with fewer forward passing options available. Transitions finished in peripheral areas, between the offensive and midfield sectors, were associated with an inability to prevent spatial progression and to recover the ball.…”

“…12 reported that the distance between ball carrier and his closest defender, or the ability to prevent opponent’s passes, was associated with the rankings in the Spanish La Liga. After analysing twenty matches from elite championships, Cooper and Pulling 13 found that ball losses in retreated field zones, and shorter possession durations, had negative impacts on defensive outcomes achieved, with a larger number of goals being conceded. According to Hughes and Lovell, 14 the type of ball loss and the first actions which were allowed to the opposite team, could affect the capability to impede scoring opportunities.…”