Javier Arana

Observational analysis of the offensive sequences that ended in a shot by the winning team of the 2010 UEFA Futsal Championship

Abstract This article analyses the offensive phase of the national team than won the 2010 UEFA Championship. More specifically, the observational sampling includes all plays in which the Spanish national futsal team managed to “shoot” in the competition in question. This data was obtained by adapting an observational and recording tool typically used for football to the technical specifications of futsal; the SOF-CODER (Jonsson et al., 2006). Two types of analysis have been performed. One statistical analysis using the SPSS programme, version 15.0, the most relevant results from which refer to the significant differences found on linking: the zone from which the shot is made and the type of shot (χ² = 55.821, P = 0.006); and the contact surface used and the type of shot (χ² = 30.293, P = 0.017). And another, using the Theme programme, version 5.0, through which regular behaviour structures (temporal patterns) have been detected within the plays that include shooting. The temporal patterns obtained – in addition to elaborating on the relationship between the area from which the shot is made, the contact surface used and the type of shot – enable a tactical interpretation of the technical actions that support the development of the offensive phase of futsal.

Comparative analysis of sequentiality using SDIS-GSEQ and THEME: A concrete example in soccer

Abstract Within an observational design aimed at studying what type of soccer is better adapted to the possibilities of the 11–12 year-old child, a comparison was made of the results obtained using two fully consolidated analysis techniques in observational methods, and which form the basis in the development of two respective software programs: SDIS-GSEQ and THEME, which allow one to detect the existence of sequential patterns hidden in a data set. This work is intended to shed light on the comparison of results obtained using these two analysis techniques. In particular, the data used for the analysis are multicode event data (using the lexicon of the sequential analysis), and do not incorporate the duration parameter. Accordingly, for the detection of regular structures using the THEME program (T-patterns), a constant duration has conventionally been assigned to each occurrence. Using THEME, among the greatest number of sequential structures detected, diachronic and synchronic correspondence was observed (T-patterns reflecting identical multi-events) with each and every one of the sequential patterns obtained using the lag technique, by the SDIS-GSEQ software. This coincidence strengthens the link between the algorithms that support SDIS-GSEQ and THEME. The results indicate that 7-a-side soccer and 9-a-side soccer types facilitate the spatial mastery of the game by the child, compared with the adult form, 11-a-side soccer.

Comparative analysis of T-patterns using real time data and simulated data by assignment of conventional durations: the construction of efficacy in children’s basketball

The use of analytical techniques based on algorithms for identifying behaviour patterns using existing regularities has had a considerable methodological impact on the study of behaviour and human interaction also in the field sport-. This work focuses on the algorithm developed by Magnusson (1996, 2000) which, implemented in the THEME programme, enables the detection of T-patterns: a particular hierarchical structure between pairs of events in a time series. This work fulfils the objective of examining in depth the ability of THEME to detect temporal and sequential behavioural structures, through the comparison of the Tpatterns detected in records consisting of: real time data-expressed in frames-and simulated data-the same data with conventionally assigned duration (1, 10 and 100)-. And it does this at the core of an observational design that studies the construction of offensive sequences that end in a shot in basketball in the 13 and 14 years category. Regular structures in the game that show the detected T-patterns, equally in sequences that result in a basket as in those that lead to a miss, have allowed us to obtain particularly relevant information concerning the development of effective and ineffective sequences.

Spatial and temporal analysis of karate kumite moves: comparative study of the senior and 12-13 year old groups

This article presents a study of karate using an observational methodology. Our interest in studying children’s sport prompted us to consider a comparative study of the senior category and the 12-13 age group. Data for this study were obtained from fights filmed at Spanish national karate championships. An ad hoc observation instrument was constructed to record the different actions performed during the karate combats and their spatial and temporal performance. Two analyses were carried out of the data obtained: a comparative statistical analysis using the SPSS programme; and an analysis of temporal patterns using the Theme programme. Significant differences were observed in technical-tactical performance.

An Example of the Informative Potential of Polar Coordinate Analysis: Sprint Tactics in Elite 1,500-m Track Events

ABSTRACT Polar coordinate analysis is a powerful data reduction technique based on the Zsum statistic, which is calculated from adjusted residuals obtained by lag sequential analysis. Its use has been greatly simplified since the addition of a module in the free software program HOISAN for performing the necessary computations and producing easy-to-interpret results in the form of polar coordinate maps. In this study, we provide a simple and practical example of how this technique can be used to analyze tactical behaviors in sport and physical exercise. We studied 158 performances by 82 male runners in thirteen 1,500-m finals held at the Olympic Games, the World Championships in Athletics, and the European Athletics Championships between 2000 and 2012 to investigate associations between the initiation of sprints by race winners and other runners (focal behaviors) and the lap and zone of the track in which the sprints were initiated (conditional behaviors). The significant prospective/retrospective activating/inhibitory relationships shown in the polar coordinate maps confirm the decision to start a sprint is a tactical one and are consistent with a winning strategy consisting of avoiding giving rivals the benefit of the slipstream while conserving sufficient energy for a final winning burst. Polar coordinate analysis is a powerful technique for studying tactical behaviors in the field of sport.

Optimization of Game Formats in U-10 Soccer Using Logistic Regression Analysis

Abstract Small-sided games provide young soccer players with better opportunities to develop their skills and progress as individual and team players. There is, however, little evidence on the effectiveness of different game formats in different age groups, and furthermore, these formats can vary between and even within countries. The Royal Spanish Soccer Association replaced the traditional grassroots 7-a-side format (F-7) with the 8-a-side format (F-8) in the 2011-12 season and the country’s regional federations gradually followed suit. The aim of this observational methodology study was to investigate which of these formats best suited the learning needs of U-10 players transitioning from 5-aside futsal. We built a multiple logistic regression model to predict the success of offensive moves depending on the game format and the area of the pitch in which the move was initiated. Success was defined as a shot at the goal. We also built two simple logistic regression models to evaluate how the game format influenced the acquisition of technicaltactical skills. It was found that the probability of a shot at the goal was higher in F-7 than in F-8 for moves initiated in the Creation Sector-Own Half (0.08 vs 0.07) and the Creation Sector-Opponents Half (0.18 vs 0.16). The probability was the same (0.04) in the Safety Sector. Children also had more opportunities to control the ball and pass or take a shot in the F-7 format (0.24 vs 0.20), and these were also more likely to be successful in this format (0.28 vs 0.19).

Detection and Selection of Behavioral Patterns Using Theme: A Concrete Example in Grassroots Soccer

Observational methodology provides a rigorous yet flexible framework for capturing behaviors over time to allow for the performance of subsequent diachronic analyses of the data captured. Theme is a specialized software program that detects hidden temporal behavioral patterns (T-patterns) within data sets. It is increasingly being used to analyze performance in soccer and other sports. The aim of this study was to show how to select and interpret T-patterns generated by the application of three “quantitative” sort options in Theme and three “qualitative” filters established by the researchers. These will be used to investigate whether 7-a-side (F7) or 8-a-side (F8) soccer is best suited to the learning and skills development needs of 7- and 8-year-old male soccer players. The information contained in the T-patterns generated allowed us to characterize patterns of play in children in this age group. For both formats, we detected technical-tactical behaviors showing that children of this age have difficulty with first-touch actions and controlling the ball after a throw-in. We also found that ball control followed by a pass or a shot at the goal are common in the central corridor of the pitch. Further, depth of play is achieved by ball control, followed by dribbling and a pass or shot. In F8, we saw that depth of play was achieved through ball control, followed by dribbling and passing of one or more opponents leading to a pass or shot. However, in F7, we saw that players succeeded in advancing from their goal area to the rival goal area through a sequence of actions.

Aplicación de modelos de regresión logística en metodología observacional: modalidades de competición en la iniciación al fútbol.

This study shows how simple and multiple logistic regression can be used in observational methodology and more specifically, in the fields of physical activity and sport. We demonstrate this in a study designed to determine whether three-a-side futsal or five-a-side futsal is more suited to the needs and potential of children aged 6-to-8 years. We constructed a multiple logistic regression model to analyze use of space (depth of play) and three simple logistic regression models to determine which game format is more likely to potentiate effective technical and tactical performance.

Successful and Unsuccessful Offensive Sequences Ending in a Shot in Professional and Elite Under-16 Basketball

Abstract Following observational methodology, we analyzed successful and unsuccessful offensive attacks by professional and elite under-16 (U16) basketball players in Spain using an adapted ad hoc observation instrument designed to study efficiency in basketball. We identified both similarities and differences between how players from both categories built their attacks. The synchronic statistical analysis based on frequency counts showed that shots were more efficient in professional basketball and that U16 basketball was less static and had a higher frequency of fast breaks. Diachronic analysis, which consisted of T-pattern detection using Theme software, allowed us to identify characteristic successful and unsuccessful offensive sequences in professional and elite U16 basketball. These results have practical implications as they can be used to design training drills and prepare for competitions in U16 and professional basketball.

Use of effective play-space by U12 FC Barcelona players: an observational study combining lag sequential analysis and T-pattern detection

ABSTRACT This observational methodology study had a substantive and a methodological aim. The substantive aim was to analyse the use of overall and effective play-space (EP-S) in the construction of offensive sequences ending in a shot by under-12 (U12) FC Barcelona (FCB) players. Analysis of EP-S helps to contextualise play in terms of a player’s relationship with the ball and other players on the pitch. The data analysed corresponded to all the matches played by FCB during an international U12 tournament. The reliability and generalisability of the data were confirmed. The methodological aim was to illustrate the complementary use of two of the most common diachronic techniques in observational methodology: lag sequential analysis and T-pattern detection. The software for both techniques (GSEQ and Theme, respectively) is free. The patterns detected for the use of space in general and EP-S using both techniques show that FCB’s U12 team exhibits certain features of play that the senior team is well known for, namely, elaborate play; frequent use of the wings to widen the area of play and press forward to ultimately break through the last line of defense; and recovery of the ball in forward positions within the EP-S of both teams, enabling rapid completion of sequences ending in a shot. We also detected behaviours that reflect a playing style adapted to the smaller size of the pitch used in 7-a-side soccer (e.g. the use of distant shots from within the rival team’s EP-S).