Contextual Analysis: Harnessing Pitch Network for Integrated Soccer Performance Evaluation
Zhou, Changjing Huang, Kongyun
Zhou, Changjing
Huang, Kongyun
Abstract
Pitch passing networks, as a critical tool for studying team collaboration and on-field player interaction, have been increasingly utilized in sports science. This study employs Social Network Analysis (SNA) to delve deeper into the impact of situational factors—such as team quality, match outcomes, and match location—on the England Premier League (EPL) pitch passing networks. The use of SNA is motivated by its ability to reveal the intricate patterns of player interactions and tactical execution within a team, offering a nuanced perspective on collective behavior that can inform strategic decisions. The soccer pitch was divided into 49 zones using a 7x7 grid, with each zone identified by an "x-y" coordinate system that designates the lateral and depth positions on the field. Centrality measures, including degree, closeness, and betweenness centrality, were calculated to determine the strategic importance of each zone within the passing network. Statistical tests were utilized to assess the significance of differences in these measures across various match scenarios. Key findings indicate that strong teams have a higher degree and closeness centrality in central zones, particularly in areas closer to the opponent's goal, suggesting a more effective ball distribution and control in these regions. Betweenness centrality analysis revealed that strong teams predominantly exert control in the front middle area and near their own goal, highlighting their ability to dictate play and create goal-scoring opportunities. In contrast, weak teams showed higher betweenness centrality in the midfield's side zones, which may imply a more peripheral approach to creating chances. The study also observed that home teams, regardless of strength, tend to have higher centrality values in offensive zones, which may be attributed to the home-field advantage. In summary, the central and defensive midfield zones are pivotal in soccer strategy, with strong teams capitalizing on these areas for tactical superiority. The insights from this study are invaluable for soccer analysts and coaches seeking to optimize team performance through targeted tactical adjustments.
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Date
2024-09-20
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University of Wyoming Libraries
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Keywords
pitch network,performance evaluation,contextual analysis