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).

KEYWORDS:

• Effective play-space
• FC Barcelona
• under-12
• observational methodology
• lag sequential analysis
• T-pattern

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

We gratefully acknowledge the support of both Spanish government projects: La actividad física y el deporte como potenciadores del estilo de vida saludable: Evaluación del comportamiento deportivo desde metodologías no intrusivas (Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad) during the period 2016–2018 [Grant number DEP2015-66069-P (MINECO/FEDER, UE)] and Avances metodológicos y tecnológicos en el estudio observacional del comportamiento deportivo (Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad) during the period 2015–2017 [Grant number PSI2015-71947-REDT]. In addition, the authors thank the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya Research Group, Grup de recerca i innovació en dissenys (GRID), Tecnología i aplicació multimedia i digital als dissenys observacionals [Grant number 2017 SGR 1405]. Also, this study was funded by grants from the University of La Rioja.