Using the theory outlined in Chapter Two Section II, two pattem s of play were found for both comer-kicks and throw-ins. These two pattem s of play correspond to comer-kicks and throw-ins taken on the right side or on the left side of the pitch, Pattem 1 (comer-kicks on the right) represents 59 comer-kicks; Pattem 2 (comer-kicks on the left) represents 72 corner-kicks. Pattern 1 (throw-ins on the right) represents 96 throw-ins; Pattem 2, (throw-ins on the left) represents 118 throw-ins. For free-kicks, no obvious types of pattem of play emerged. For this reason, all 209 free-kicks are taken into account and are considered as 209 unique movements.
An analysis of the relationship between final actions and pattem s of play for corner-kicks and throw-ins, was carried out using the chi-squared test. This indicated th at there was no significant relationship between pattem s of play and final actions (%^ = 1.45 and 3.23 for comer-kicks and throw-ins respectively, P > 0.05). Clearly, comer-kicks and throw-ins taken from either side of the pitch are not producing significantly different outcomes. In general for all the teams the relationship between pattem s of play and final actions are shown to be not significant by the chi-squared test. The tables of set plays movements for each team are presented in A ppendix 2:5 pp. 452
^
6 7.
Since analysis of set plays for team A showed that there were no significant differences between comer-kicks taken from either side of the pitch and between throw-ins taken from either side of the pitch, it was considered desirable to examine short com er-kicks, long throw-ins and direct free-kicks which were taken by direct shots on
Chapter Four target. In general for all the team s, there were very few short comer-kicks, long throw-ins and direct free-kicks which were direct shots at the goal employed by the teams. Because of the lack of data it was not possible to carry out the proper statistical analysis, (for example team A had employed 11 long throw-ins out of the total 214 throw-ins, team B had employed 9 long throw-ins out of the total 185, team D had employed 4 long throw -ins out of the total 173 throw -ins..,.etc. see Appendix 2:5 pp. 454-463). However, the data were analysed as shown below.
Shooting analysis :
Although no relationship has been found between the pattem s of play of offensive set pieces and the outcome of each move, it is worth examining further the effectiveness of set pieces. Furthermore, it was considered desirable to assess the relationships between shots on/off target for set plays with the results of the home and away matches w hich were analysed. From F igure 4.6, w hich indicates the relationships between frequency of shooting in set plays and the results of the matches analysed, the following points have emerged: (i) Those matches which were won had a greater total num ber of shots on target from set plays than those which were drawn or lost.
(ii) The total number of set plays per se gave no indication of success. (iii) Despite the team having more throw-ins and free-kicks away from home, there were more shots on target at home.
The relationships between long comer-kicks (consisting of a single cross into the opposition goal area) and short comer-kicks (consisting of a num ber of short passes) with shots on/off target were examined. It was found that comer-kicks which included a greater num ber of short
Figure 4.6
Summary of the association between shots at goal from set pieces and the results of the m atches for team A.
^ No shots
9 Shots off target
HOME Shots on target
■ Goal Comer-kicks Match No. Result 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 L o st D rew W o n W on W o n W on W on Throw-ins
I
I
*s
z Match No. Result 1 2 3 4 5 L o st D rew W o n W on W on Free-kicks 20 ^ 18 - 16 - 14 - A 12 - V 10 - « 8- o 6- o 4- Z 2- o j Match No. ResultFigure 4.6 Continued.
AWAY
Comer-kicks
^ No shots
H Shots off target [ ] Shots on target ■ Goal
i
*oS
Match No.Result D rew W o n D rew W on L o st W on W on W o n
Throw-ins
I
*o
ê
Match No.
Result D rew W o n D rew W on L o st W on W on W on
Free-kicks
II
*o
ê
Match No.
Result D rew W o n D rew W on L o st W on W on W on
Chapter Four
had played a greater num ber of long corner-kicks (88 long corner-kicks employed) th a n sh o rt corner-kicks (44 sh o rt comer-kicks employed), there were more shots on target from short comer-kicks. Short comer-kicks produced 27 shots on target out of the total of 39 shots on target see Appendix A 2:5 pp. 453.
In addition, a useful assessm ent was made of the relationships between long throw-ins (throw-ins are often taken in the attacking third of the pitch and thrown into the oppositions penalty area for shooting) and short throw-ins (throwing the ball to a colleague in order to bring the ball into play and not lose possession, which always starts as an short attacking move) with shots on/off target. It was found that short throw-ins produced more shooting opportunities than long throw-ins. Short throw-ins produced 30 shots on target out of the total of 33 shots on target see Appendix A 2:5 pp. 454. It should be noted th a t the team had employed a greater num ber of short throw-ins (203 short throw-ins employed) than long throw-ins (11 long throw-ins employed).
Furthermore, it was interesting to evaluate the relative effectiveness of free-kicks taken in front of the opposition goal by direct shots on target in relation to free-kicks taken as a lay-off to another player. It was found that the free-kicks which taken as direct shots on goal did produce more shots on target. Free-kicks which taken by shots on goal produced 28 shots on target out of the total of 43 shots on target see Appendix A 2:5 pp. 455. It should be noted th at the team had employed a greater num ber of free-kicks which were taken as a lay-off to another player (166 free-kicks employed as a lay-off to another player) than free-kicks which taken directly by shot on goal (43 free-kicks employed as a direct shot on goal).
In summary, the analysis of set plays for the team A showed that 163
Chapter Pour
there was a greater num ber of shots on target (a) from short comer-kicks rather than from long comer-kicks, (b) short throw-ins rather than long throw-ins and (c) from direct shots at the goal from free-kicks rather than from lay-offs to another player.
TeaxnB :
During the soccer season 1987-1988 the team was analysed playing seven matches at home and seven matches away (see Table 4.1). For the purpose of analysis the team's attacking performance at home was separated from its attacking performance away and the two were analysed in the following manner: