The impact of ball recovery type, location of ball recovery and duration of possession on the outcomes of possessions in the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the ball recovery type, location of ball recovery and the duration of the possession on the outcomes of possessions in both the EPL and the Spanish La Liga. Methods In total, 4971 possessions were observed across 20 matches from the 2017/2018 season of both the EPL (n = 2469) and La Liga (n = 2502). Ball recovery was analysed across four zones, supplemented by five types of ball recovery (interception, tackle, goalkeeper save, set-play and turnover) and three different possession duration categories (<5 seconds, 5–12 seconds and >12 seconds). Each of these were analysed according to five different attacking outcomes. Results La Liga teams scored relatively more goals when recovering possession through a tackle (2.5% of tackles led to a goal). EPL teams scored relatively more goals and took more shots after turnovers (2.0% of turnovers led to a goal and 14.6% of turnovers led to a shot). EPL teams are more likely to score a goal or create a shooting opportunity when utilising shorter possessions (<5 seconds), whereas La Liga teams are more likely to score a goal after utilising longer possessions (>12 seconds).