Passing Networks and Tactical Action in Football: A Systematic Review

Sergio Caicedo-Parada, Carlos Lago-Peñas and Enrique Ortega-Toro
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Sergio Caicedo-Parada: Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
Carlos Lago-Peñas: Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, 36310 Pontevedra, Spain
Enrique Ortega-Toro: Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Science, Regional Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-19

Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the most significant literature on network analyses and factors associated with tactical action in football. A systematic review was conducted on Web of Science, taking into account the PRISMA guidelines using the keyword “network”, associated with “football” or “soccer”. The search yielded 162 articles, 24 of which met the inclusion criteria. Significant results: (a) 50% of the studies ratify the importance of network structures, quantifying and comparing properties to determine the applicability of the results instead of analyzing them separately; (b) 12.5% analyze the process of offensive sequences and communication between teammates by means of goals scored; (c) the studies mainly identify a balance in the processes of passing networks; (d) the variables allowed for the interpretation of analyses of grouping metrics, centralization, density and heterogeneity in connections between players of the same team. Finally, a systematic analysis provides a functional understanding of knowledge that will help improve the performance of players and choose the most appropriate response within the circumstances of the game.

Keywords: passing networks; tactical action; football (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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