Journal article
The effect of playing formation on the passing network characteristics of a professional football team
Human Movement, Vol.19(5, Special Issue), pp.14-22
2018
Abstract
Purpose: The playing formation of football teams influences how players interact with each other via passing. The aim of this study was to use network analysis to determine the passing characteristics of playing positions within a professional a professional football team across two consecutive competitive seasons, when playing two different formations. Methods: In season one (2016/2017) the team played 1-4-2-2-2 in 21 matches, and in season two (2017/2018) the team played 1-4-2-3-1 in 21 matches. Network analysis was applied to calculate the individual centrality metrics of indegree centrality (IDC), outdegree centrality (ODC), closeness centrality (CC), and betweenness centrality (BC) for the playing positions, using the Social Network Visualizer (SocNetV). The centrality metrics were compared across the playing formations and as a function of match outcome. Results: The forward positions in 1-4-2-2-2 had significantly (p < 0.05) more outgoing passes compared with 1-4-2-3-1. The defensive midfield positions in 1-4-2-3-1 had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher ΒΌ compared with 1-4-2-2-2. The forward positions had increased %IDC and %ODC when playing 1-4-2-2-2 in matches drawn compared with 1-4-2-3-1. Conclusions: The current study shows that subtle changes to playing formation elicit differences in the passing contributions of the players. The results suggest that coaches may adopt the playing formation 1-4-2-2-2 compared with 1-4-2-3-1 owing to the increased passing involvement from the forwards.
Details
- Title
- The effect of playing formation on the passing network characteristics of a professional football team
- Authors
- Scott McLean (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health & Sport SciencesPaul M Salmon (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastAdam D Gorman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health & Sport SciencesJason Wickham (Author) - Brisbane Roar Football ClubElise Berber (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health & Sport SciencesColin Solomon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health & Sport Sciences
- Publication details
- Human Movement, Vol.19(5, Special Issue), pp.14-22
- Publisher
- Sciendo
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.5114/hm.2018.79416
- ISSN
- 1899-1955; 1899-1955
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Thompson Institute; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Law and Society; External; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451437602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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