The development of metrics for measuring the level of symmetry in team formation and ball movement flow, and their association with performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective In the current study, we examined how football players’ usage of space and the teams’ ball movement flow throughout the match are associated with the quality of performance achieved in competition. Methods We constructed two novel metrics that aimed at measuring spatial symmetry and passing flow on a team-wide scope. Our aim was to clarify whether the way players position themselves throughout the match, and the passing patterns they produce, can explain team success. Results An analysis of all matches played in the 2018–2019 English Premier League season (N = 380) revealed a positive relationship between the teams’ spatiotemporal dynamics and team performance. Conclusion Based on the findings of our analysis, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the newly-developed metrics, and stress the need for additional studies examining their effectiveness.