Determinants of possession of the ball in soccer

Abstract

In research on the importance of the possession of the ball in soccer, little attention has been paid to its determinants. Using data from 170 matches of the 2003 – 2004 Spanish Soccer League, we explain why differences in the possession of the ball among teams are so great. In particular, four variables are examined: evolving match status (i.e. whether the team is winning, losing or drawing), venue (i.e. playing at home or away), and the identities of the team and the opponent in each match. Results of linear regression analysis show that these four variables are statistically significant and together explain most of the variance in possession. In short, home teams have more possession than away teams, teams have more possession when they are losing matches than when winning or drawing, and the identity of the opponent matters – the worse the opponent, the greater the possession of the ball. Combinations of these variables could be used to develop a model that predicts possession in soccer.     

Mechanical properties of the triceps surae: Differences between football and non-football players

Abstract

We investigated the mechanical properties of the triceps surae between professional, junior, and non-football players. Fifty-nine men participated in this study. The mechanical properties of the right legs’ triceps surae were measured in vivo using a free oscillation technique; no significant differences existed between the groups. The mean results for musculo-articular stiffness, damping coefficient, and damping ratio were as follows: professional football players (21523 N· m^?1, 330.8 N · s · m^?1, and 0.201); junior football players (21063 N · m^?1, 274.4 N · s · m^?1, and 0.173); and non-players (19457 N · m^?1, 281.5 N · s · m^?1, and 0.184). When analysed according to position, the results were as follows: defender (21447 N · m^?1, 308.6 N · s · m^?1, and 0.189); midfielder (20762 N · m^?1, 250.7 N · s · m^?1, and 0.157); winger (21322 N · m^?1, 335.1 N · s · m^?1, and 0.212); forward (22085 N · m^?1, 416.2 N · s · m^?1, and 0.254); and non-players (19457 N · m^?1, 281.5 N · s · m^?1, and 0.184).

Thus, football training, football games, and the position played had no effect on triceps surae mechanical properties. These results may be attributed to opposing adaptations between different types of training that are usually implemented in football. Alternatively, the minimum strain amplitude and/or frequency threshold of the triceps surae required to trigger adaptations of mechanical properties might not be achieved by football players with football training and matches.     

Comment on ‘Performance analysis in football: A critical review and implications for future research’

Abstract

MacKenzie and Cushion (2013) recently reviewed performance analysis research in association football (soccer). Their critical review focused on several themes related to methodological approaches such as sample size, match context and operational definitions and the implications of research findings to professional practice. In this response letter, we comment on additional pragmatic concerns regarding these key themes as well as some of the difficulties commonly faced when conducting performance analysis research.     

Manchester's Footballing Pioneers, 1863–1904: A Collective Biography

Association football had become a prominent part of Manchester's sporting landscape by 1904 when Manchester achieved its first national success. Its journey had been difficult, relying on the efforts of several key individuals whose relentless determination to widen the sport's participation ensured the game succeeded. This paper provides an analysis of three pioneering figures, John Nall, Fitzroy Norris, and Joshua Parlby, who took the game from its formalized inception in the region through to its first national successes, considering their class, experience, shared history, and connections, while analyzing what these narratives add to the wider origins of football debate. The author concludes that football's emergence depended primarily on the activities of key individuals from varying backgrounds who provided the energy, enthusiasm, and organizational structures necessary, while relying on cross-class connections, to establish the game within a region.     

普通高校足球专项课程设置及其教学改革的理论构思

本文依据《全国普通高等学校体育课程教学指导纲要》,运用文献法、调查法及分析与综合、归纳与演绎等研究方法,并借鉴体育教学论的理论与方法,对普通高校足球专项课程的开设时机及其时间跨度、用教学目标替代教学任务、优选教学内容、合理分配教学时数、优化教法结构等涉及提高教学质量的重要理论问题进行了讨论.     

时空观背景下中国女足主要技术运用的研究

运用文献资料法、访谈法、观察法、数理统计法和对比法对2007女足世界杯中国女足参加的比赛以及八强赛中在对抗条件下的主要技术运用情况进行分析,发现：中国女足对于时空观背景下技术运用内涵的理解落后：对抗中主要技术运用的总体情况和4项主要技术指标的成功率比较低：在主要技术运用与控制时空阶段主要存在身体直接对抗时的技术运用能力差。     

对第18届世界杯足球赛运动员年龄特征的分析

通过文献资料法和数理统计法对参加第18届世界杯足球赛运动员的年龄结构特征加以比较分析。结果发现：世界高水平足球运动员的最佳竞技阶段时间跨度加大,各位置年龄特征具有极强的规律性。     

普通大学女生参与足球运动竞赛情况的调查分析

采用问卷调查、专家访谈等方法,对社团和校队两种形式的大学女生足球运动竞赛情况进行调查分析,结果发现：大学女生最看重的足球竞赛价值是培养良好心理品质．两种形式的女足队伍最喜欢参加的比赛类型正好相反．在竞赛赛制方面,选择11人制和7人制比赛的女生最多．社团形式的女足参与者倾向于时间较短的比赛．两者都认为最好的学习足球运动竞赛规则的方式是教练讲解．     

试析职业足球的商业价值──兼论我国足球市场开发

体育运动的商业化是现代竞技运动的典型特征之一,职业足球的商业价值充分地反映了体育市场的发展前景。本文从足球俱乐部的经营、球员身价和职业联赛三个方面分析了职业足球的商业价值,在此基础上讨论了我国足球市场中存在的问题以及开发的可能性。