Soccer Analytics Glossary
A comprehensive dictionary of 258+ terms used in football analytics. From basic statistics to advanced metrics and tracking data concepts.
258+
Total Terms32
Categories23
xG Metrics10
Advanced MetricsA 7
Action
Any on-ball event in a match, including passes, shots, tackles, dribbles, clearances, and other events tracked by data providers.
Data CollectionAerial Duel
A challenge for a ball in the air between two players. The winner is the player who gains possession or clears the ball. Aerial duel win rate is a key metric for defenders and target strikers.
DefensiveAerial Win %
Percentage of aerial duels won by a player. Calculated as aerial duels won / total aerial duels contested × 100.
DefensiveAge Curve
A statistical model showing how player performance typically changes with age. Most outfield players peak between 25-29, while goalkeepers often peak later around 28-32.
Player ValuationAssist
A pass that directly leads to a goal being scored. The final pass before a goal, provided no significant action occurred between the pass and the goal.
Basic StatsAttacking Third
The final third of the pitch closest to the opponent's goal. Actions in this zone are considered more dangerous and are weighted accordingly in many metrics.
Pitch ZonesAverage Position
The mean location of a player on the pitch during a match, calculated from tracking data or event data locations.
PositionalB 9
Back Pass
A pass played backwards, away from the opponent's goal. Often used to retain possession and reset attacking plays.
PassingBall Carry
Moving with the ball at feet without passing or shooting. Carries are tracked as a distinct action type showing ball progression.
PossessionBall Progression
Moving the ball towards the opponent's goal through passes, carries, or dribbles. Measured in yards/meters gained.
PossessionBall Recovery
Gaining possession of a loose ball that was not in either team's control. Different from tackles and interceptions.
DefensiveBig Chance
A clear goal-scoring opportunity, typically defined as a situation where a reasonable player would be expected to score. Usually corresponds to xG > 0.35.
Chance CreationBig Chance Created
Creating a clear goal-scoring opportunity for a teammate through a pass, cross, or other action.
Chance CreationBlock
Preventing a shot or pass from reaching its intended target by placing a body part in its path.
DefensiveBox Entry
Successfully moving the ball into the opponent's penalty area, either through a pass or carry.
Chance CreationBuild-Up Play
The phase of play where a team advances the ball from their own defensive third toward the attacking third, typically involving short passes.
TacticalC 11
Carry Progressive Distance
The total distance (in yards/meters) that a player moves the ball toward the opponent's goal through carries.
PossessionChance Quality
A measure of how likely a scoring opportunity is to result in a goal, often expressed as xG or categorized (low/medium/high).
xG MetricsClean Sheet
When a goalkeeper or defense concedes zero goals in a match. A key metric for defensive performance.
Basic StatsClearance
Kicking, heading, or otherwise removing the ball from a dangerous area near one's own goal.
DefensiveCluster Analysis
A statistical technique used to group similar players or actions together based on multiple variables.
Statistical MethodsCompleted Pass
A pass that successfully reaches a teammate. Pass completion rate = completed passes / attempted passes × 100.
PassingConversion Rate
The percentage of shots that result in goals. Calculated as goals / shots × 100. Elite strikers typically convert 15-20% of their shots.
ShootingCounter-Attack
A rapid attacking move immediately after winning possession, aiming to exploit the opponent's defensive disorganization.
TacticalCounter-Press
Immediately pressing to win the ball back after losing possession, rather than dropping into defensive shape. Also called gegenpressing.
PressingCross
A pass from a wide area into the penalty box, typically aimed at a teammate's head or feet for a shot on goal.
PassingCross Completion Rate
Percentage of crosses that successfully find a teammate. Typically much lower than overall pass completion (20-30%).
PassingD 12
Dangerous Attack
An attacking sequence that enters the penalty area or results in a shot. Used to measure attacking threat.
Chance CreationDeep Completion
A completed pass into the final third or penalty area. Measures ability to progress the ball into dangerous areas.
PassingDefensive Action
Any action aimed at winning the ball or preventing the opponent from progressing: tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances.
DefensiveDefensive Third
The third of the pitch closest to a team's own goal. Actions here are most critical for preventing goals.
Pitch ZonesDelta xG
The difference between actual goals and expected goals. Positive delta suggests finishing above expectation; negative suggests underperformance.
xG MetricsDirect Play
A tactical approach prioritizing quick, forward passes and minimal build-up. Opposite of possession-based football.
TacticalDispossessed
Losing the ball to an opponent's tackle or pressure while in possession. Not counting failed passes or shots.
PossessionDistance Covered
Total distance a player runs during a match, typically 10-13km for outfield players. Measured via tracking data.
PhysicalDribble
An attempt to beat an opponent while maintaining possession of the ball. Can be successful (beat) or unsuccessful (dispossessed).
PossessionDribble Success Rate
Percentage of dribble attempts that successfully beat the defender. Elite dribblers typically have rates above 50%.
PossessionDual Foot
A player comfortable using both feet equally. Rated by percentage of passes/shots with weaker foot.
Player ProfileDummy Run
A movement designed to create space for a teammate by drawing defenders away from the intended passing lane.
Off-BallE 12
Effective Playing Time
The actual time the ball is in play during a match, excluding stoppages. Typically 55-65 minutes of a 90-minute game.
Match AnalysisEPV (Expected Possession Value)
A model that assigns a value to every location on the pitch based on the probability of scoring within the current possession from that point.
Advanced MetricsError Leading to Goal
A mistake (miscontrol, poor pass, etc.) that directly leads to the opponent scoring. A crucial defensive metric.
DefensiveError Leading to Shot
A mistake that directly leads to an opponent's shot attempt, even if not scored.
DefensiveEvent Data
Data recording all on-ball actions in a match (passes, shots, tackles, etc.) with location and outcome. The foundation of most analytics.
Data TypesExpected Assists (xA)
The xG value of shots created by a pass. If a pass leads to a shot worth 0.3 xG, the passer receives 0.3 xA regardless of whether the shot scores.
xG MetricsExpected Goals (xG)
A metric measuring shot quality based on historical data. Factors include distance from goal, angle, body part, assist type, and game state. Values range 0-1, representing scoring probability.
xG MetricsExpected Goals Against (xGA)
The total xG of shots conceded by a team or goalkeeper. Lower is better for defensive performance.
xG MetricsExpected Goals Chain (xGC)
The total xG of all possessions a player was involved in, regardless of their specific contribution.
xG MetricsExpected Goals Buildup (xGBuildup)
xGChain minus xG from shots and xA from assists. Measures contribution to possessions without direct goal involvement.
xG MetricsExpected Points (xPts)
Points a team would expect to earn based on xG created and conceded, using match simulation.
xG MetricsExpected Threat (xT)
A model valuing ball progression by measuring how much each action increases the probability of scoring within the next few actions.
Advanced MetricsF 13
False Nine
A striker who drops deep into midfield rather than staying high, creating space and overloads. Famously used by Barcelona with Messi.
TacticalFBref
A comprehensive football statistics website powered by StatsBomb data, offering detailed player and team stats for major leagues.
Data SourcesField Tilt
The percentage of total touches in the attacking third belonging to one team. Indicates territorial dominance.
PossessionFinal Third
The attacking third of the pitch. Same as attacking third - the area closest to the opponent's goal.
Pitch ZonesFinal Third Entry
Successfully moving the ball into the attacking third through a pass or carry.
PossessionFirst Touch
A player's initial contact with the ball after receiving a pass. Quality of first touch affects subsequent actions.
TechnicalFixture Difficulty
A rating of how challenging upcoming opponents are, often based on historical performance, used in fantasy sports and prediction models.
Match PredictionFlank
The wide areas of the pitch along the touchlines. Teams often attack down the flanks to deliver crosses.
Pitch ZonesForward Pass
A pass that moves the ball toward the opponent's goal. Progressive metrics often focus on forward passes of significant distance.
PassingFoul
An illegal action against an opponent that results in a free kick. Includes trips, pushes, holds, and dangerous play.
Basic StatsFouled
When a player is the victim of a foul. High "fouled" rates can indicate players who draw defenders and win free kicks.
Basic StatsFrame of Reference
The coordinate system used to analyze positions - can be fixed (pitch-based) or dynamic (relative to ball/players).
Tracking DataFree Kick
A restart awarded after a foul. Can be direct (shot allowed) or indirect. Set piece analytics often focus on free kick efficiency.
Set PiecesG 10
g+ (Goals Added)
A comprehensive metric from American Soccer Analysis that values every action by how much it adds to (or subtracts from) goal probability.
Advanced MetricsGegenpressing
German term for counter-pressing: immediately attempting to win the ball back after losing possession, typically within 5 seconds.
PressingGK Distribution
The patterns and quality of a goalkeeper's passes and kicks. Can include short passing accuracy and long ball success rate.
GoalkeepingGoal Contribution
Goals plus assists. A simple measure of direct involvement in goals scored.
Basic StatsGoal Mouth
The area directly in front of the goal, typically the six-yard box. Shots from here have very high conversion rates.
Pitch ZonesGoal Probability Added (GPA)
Similar to g+, measures how each action changes the probability of scoring or conceding.
Advanced MetricsGoals Per 90
Goals scored normalized to per-90-minutes played. Standard way to compare players with different playing times. (Goals / Minutes) × 90.
Basic StatsGoals Prevented
The difference between expected goals conceded and actual goals conceded. Positive values indicate better-than-expected defending/goalkeeping.
DefensiveGolden Boot
Award for the top scorer in a league or tournament. Often analyzed through xG to assess finishing quality vs. chance volume.
AwardsGround Duel
A challenge for the ball between two players on the ground. Includes standing tackles and physical battles for loose balls.
DefensiveH 8
Half-Space
The zones between the central and wide areas of the pitch. Key areas in positional play systems for creating overloads.
Pitch ZonesHalf Turn
Receiving the ball facing sideways, able to see both forward and back. Preferred receiving position vs. back-to-goal.
TechnicalHeader
A shot or pass played with the head. Headers typically have lower xG due to reduced control and accuracy.
TechnicalHeat Map
A visualization showing where on the pitch a player or team performed actions, with color intensity representing frequency.
VisualizationHigh Block
Defensive positioning where the defensive line sits high up the pitch, compressing space for the opponent.
TacticalHigh Press
Pressing the opponent high up the pitch, often in their defensive third, to win the ball close to goal.
PressingHigh Turnover
Winning the ball in the opponent's defensive third. High turnovers often lead to high-quality chances.
PressingHistoric xG
A player's xG over their career or extended period, used to establish baseline expected performance.
xG MetricsI 7
In Possession
The phase of play when a team has the ball. In-possession metrics measure attacking and build-up quality.
PossessionIndirect Free Kick
A free kick from which a goal cannot be scored directly; the ball must touch another player first.
Set PiecesInfluence
A measure of how much a player affects the game, often captured through involvement in possessions or actions.
Player ValuationInjured Minutes
Time a player misses due to injury. Used in availability analysis and team planning.
PhysicalInterception
Reading and intercepting an opponent's pass before it reaches the intended target.
DefensiveInverted Full-Back
A full-back who moves inside into midfield rather than overlapping wide. Provides midfield control and passing options.
TacticalInverted Winger
A wide player who plays on the opposite flank to their stronger foot, allowing them to cut inside onto their preferred foot.
TacticalJ 3
Jockey
Defensive technique of staying goalside and shepherding an attacker away from danger rather than committing to a tackle.
DefensiveJSON
JavaScript Object Notation - a common data format for football event data, used by StatsBomb and others.
Data TypesJuego de Posición
Spanish for "positional play" - a tactical system emphasizing structured positioning, superiority creation, and rational ball progression.
TacticalK 3
Key Pass
A pass that leads directly to a shot, regardless of whether it results in a goal. More frequent than assists.
PassingKick-Off
The start of play at the beginning of each half and after a goal. Kick-off routines can be analyzed for strategic patterns.
Set PiecesKPI (Key Performance Indicator)
Specific metrics chosen to evaluate player or team performance against objectives.
AnalyticsL 9
Lateral Pass
A pass that moves sideways across the pitch rather than forward or backward. Neither progressive nor regressive.
PassingLine-Breaking Pass
A pass that bypasses an opponent's defensive or midfield line, progressing the ball into a more dangerous area.
PassingLive Ball
Play during open play, as opposed to set pieces (dead ball situations).
Match AnalysisLoad Management
Monitoring and adjusting player workload to optimize performance and reduce injury risk.
PhysicalLogistic Regression
Statistical method commonly used to build xG models, predicting binary outcomes (goal/no goal) from continuous variables.
Statistical MethodsLong Ball
A pass of significant distance (typically 30+ yards), often aerial. Can be a tactical approach or emergency clearance.
PassingLong Ball %
Percentage of passes that are long balls. Higher rates may indicate direct play style or defensive pressure.
PassingLoose Ball
A ball not in clear possession of either team. Recoveries of loose balls are tracked separately from tackles/interceptions.
DefensiveLow Block
Defensive positioning with a deep defensive line, absorbing pressure and limiting space behind the defense.
TacticalM 10
Machine Learning
AI techniques used in analytics for xG models, player similarity, injury prediction, and tactical pattern recognition.
Statistical MethodsMan Marking
Defensive strategy where each defender is assigned a specific opponent to track and mark throughout play.
TacticalMatch Momentum
A measure of which team is dominating a period of play, often visualized as xG over time or action frequency.
Match AnalysisMatch Report
Post-match analysis document combining statistics, visualizations, and tactical observations.
AnalyticsMedium Block
Defensive positioning in the middle third, balancing pressing opportunity with protection of space behind.
TacticalMiddle Third
The central area of the pitch between the defensive and attacking thirds. Where most midfield battles occur.
Pitch ZonesMinutes Per Goal
Average playing time between goals scored. Inverse of goals per 90 × 90.
Basic StatsMisconduct
Actions resulting in yellow or red cards. Accumulated data helps assess player discipline.
Basic StatsMissed Shot
A shot that fails to score - can be blocked, saved, or off target.
Shootingmplsoccer
Popular Python library for football data visualization, including pitch plots, shot maps, and pass networks.
ToolsN 7
Net Transfer Spend
The difference between transfer fees paid and received. Used in squad building and financial analysis.
BusinessNeutral Zone
The middle third of the pitch where possession transitions often occur.
Pitch ZonesNon-Penalty Expected Goals (npxG)
Expected goals excluding penalty kicks. Provides cleaner measure of open-play and free kick chance creation.
xG MetricsNon-Penalty Goals (NPG)
Goals scored excluding penalties. Often preferred for striker evaluation as penalties inflate goal tallies.
Basic StatsNon-Shot xG (NSxG)
Expected goals from possessions that don't end in shots. Measures chance creation quality even when shots aren't taken.
Advanced MetricsNormalization
Adjusting raw statistics to per-90-minutes or per-possession rates to enable fair comparison across different playing times.
Statistical MethodsNumber 10
Traditional attacking midfielder role, playing "in the hole" behind the striker. Named after the typical shirt number.
PositionsO 14
OBV (On-Ball Value)
A metric from StatsBomb that values every on-ball action by its contribution to goal probability.
Advanced MetricsOff-Ball Movement
Player movement without the ball - runs, positioning, and creating space. Tracked via tracking data.
Off-BallOff-Target Shot
A shot that misses the goal frame entirely. Doesn't force a save or hit woodwork.
ShootingOffensive Duel
A ground or aerial duel from the perspective of the attacking player attempting to beat the defender.
PossessionOn-Target Shot
A shot that would have entered the goal if not saved by the goalkeeper. Hits the target.
ShootingOne-v-One
A duel situation between an attacker and defender, often in dangerous areas. Can refer to chances vs. goalkeeper.
TacticalOpen Play
All play that isn't from set pieces. Excludes goals, shots, and passes from corners, free kicks, and penalties.
Match AnalysisOpponent Adjusted Stats
Statistics adjusted for the quality of opposition faced, giving more credit for performances against stronger teams.
Statistical MethodsOpta
Leading football data provider owned by Stats Perform. Powers FBref, ESPN, and many club analytics departments.
Data SourcesOut of Possession
The defensive phase when a team doesn't have the ball. Pressing, defensive shape, and recovery runs.
TacticalOverlap
A wide player (usually full-back) running past a teammate to receive the ball in a wider position.
TacticalOverload
Creating numerical superiority in a specific area of the pitch to exploit defensive gaps.
TacticalOverperformance
Scoring more goals than expected by xG, or better results than underlying metrics suggest. May regress to mean.
xG MetricsOwn Goal
A goal accidentally scored into one's own net. Credited to the attacking team but not to any individual attacker.
Basic StatsP 33
P90
Short for "per 90 minutes" - the standard rate for normalizing football statistics.
Statistical MethodsPass
An intentional ball movement from one player to a teammate. The most common event type in football data.
PassingPass Completion %
Percentage of passes that reach a teammate. Context matters - long balls have lower completion than short passes.
PassingPass Map
Visualization showing all passes by a player or team, with lines connecting start and end locations.
VisualizationPass Network
A visualization and analysis showing passing connections between players. Node size often represents volume, edge thickness represents frequency.
VisualizationPassing Angle
The angle between a pass direction and the goal. Used in analyzing passing patterns and xT models.
PassingPenalty
A direct kick from 12 yards after a foul in the penalty box. Approximately 76% conversion rate historically.
Set PiecesPenalty Area
The 18-yard box. Shots from inside have significantly higher xG than shots from outside.
Pitch ZonesPer 90
Statistics normalized to per-90-minutes played. Enables fair comparison between players with different minutes.
Statistical MethodsPercentile Rank
Ranking a player's metric relative to a comparison group. 90th percentile means better than 90% of players.
Statistical MethodsPitch Control
A model calculating which team controls each area of the pitch based on player positions and movements.
Tracking DataPlay Pattern
The classification of a goal-scoring opportunity: set piece, counter-attack, established possession, etc.
Match AnalysisPlayer ID
Unique identifier for a player in a database, enabling tracking across seasons and teams.
Data CollectionPlayer Radar
A visualization showing multiple metrics for a player in a circular chart, allowing quick comparison of strengths.
VisualizationPlayer Similarity
Using statistics to find players with similar profiles, often for recruitment and replacement analysis.
Player ValuationPlaying Style
Quantified team characteristics: tempo, directness, pressing intensity, width, etc.
TacticalSpace between opponent defensive lines where attacking midfielders can receive and turn.
Pitch ZonesPositional Play
Tactical system emphasizing structured player positioning and systematic ball progression (juego de posición).
TacticalPossession
Having the ball. Can be measured as % of time or % of passes. A team with the ball typically has 45-65% possession.
PossessionPossession Adjusted
Statistics adjusted for possession percentage, acknowledging teams with less possession have fewer opportunities.
Statistical MethodsPossession Sequence
A continuous period of team possession, starting with ball recovery and ending with loss of possession.
PossessionPossession Value
The expected value (in goals) of having the ball at a specific location. Foundation of xT and EPV models.
Advanced MetricsPost-Shot Expected Goals (PSxG)
xG calculated using shot placement information (where the shot was aimed). More predictive of saves than xG.
xG MetricsPPDA
Passes Per Defensive Action. Opponent passes in their defensive 60% divided by defensive actions. Lower = more pressing.
PressingPress
Defensive pressure on the ball carrier, attempting to win the ball or force a mistake.
PressingPress Resistance
Ability to maintain possession and composure under defensive pressure. Measured by retention rate when pressed.
PossessionPressing Intensity
How aggressively a team presses, measured by PPDA, press height, or frequency of high-territory recoveries.
PressingPressing Trigger
The situation that initiates a team's press: poor touch, back pass, ball to weak-footed player, etc.
PressingPrimary Assist
The final pass before a goal. Distinguished from secondary assist which sets up the primary assister.
PassingProgressive Carry
A ball carry that moves the ball at least 10 meters toward the opponent's goal or into the penalty area.
PossessionProgressive Pass
A forward pass that moves the ball at least 10 meters toward the opponent's goal or into the penalty area.
PassingProgressive Pass Reception
Receiving a progressive pass. Measures a player's involvement in forward ball movement.
PassingPSV (Possession Sequence Value)
The cumulative value generated during a possession sequence.
Advanced MetricsQ 2
Quality Over Quantity
Analytical principle that shot quality (xG per shot) matters more than shot volume for sustainable success.
AnalyticsQuartile
Dividing data into four equal groups. Used to categorize player performance levels.
Statistical MethodsR 10
Radar Chart
A circular visualization showing multiple metrics, useful for player scouting and comparison.
VisualizationRandom Forest
Machine learning algorithm using multiple decision trees, commonly used for player performance prediction.
Statistical MethodsRecovery
A player retrieving a loose ball without tackling an opponent. A type of ball recovery.
DefensiveRed Card
Dismissal from the match for serious foul play or accumulated yellow cards.
Basic StatsRed Zone
Dangerous attacking area, typically the central zone in and around the penalty area. Also called Zone 14.
Pitch ZonesRegression to the Mean
The statistical tendency for extreme performances to move toward average over time. Key concept in xG analysis.
Statistical MethodsRelative Performance
Comparing a player's stats to the average for their position, age group, or league.
Statistical MethodsRerun
An off-ball movement where a player changes direction to lose their marker.
Off-BallRest Defense
Players positioned defensively while team is attacking, ready to defend counter-attacks.
TacticalRotation
Players exchanging positions dynamically during play to create confusion and openings.
TacticalS 27
Save
A goalkeeper preventing a goal from an on-target shot.
GoalkeepingSave %
Percentage of on-target shots saved by a goalkeeper. Elite keepers typically save 70-75% of shots.
GoalkeepingSecond Assist
The pass before the assist. The player who sets up the player who sets up the goal.
PassingSecond Ball
A loose ball after an aerial duel or deflection. Winning second balls is crucial in direct play styles.
DefensiveSequence
A period of continuous possession by one team, from winning the ball to losing it.
PossessionSet Piece
A restart situation: corner, free kick, throw-in, penalty, or kick-off. Accounts for ~30% of goals.
Set PiecesShot
An attempt to score by kicking, heading, or otherwise propelling the ball toward goal.
ShootingShot Assist
A pass that directly leads to a shot, whether or not the shot scores.
PassingShot Creating Action (SCA)
The two offensive actions leading directly to a shot. Can be passes, dribbles, or drawing fouls.
Chance CreationShot Location
Where on the pitch a shot is taken from. Primary factor in xG calculations.
ShootingShot Map
Visualization showing shot locations, often with size representing xG and color representing outcome.
VisualizationShot Quality
The average xG per shot. Higher shot quality indicates better chance creation.
ShootingShot Volume
Number of shots taken. High volume with low quality can indicate poor decision-making.
ShootingSmart Pass
A creative and difficult pass that unlocks a defense. More qualitative term used by some providers.
PassingSpace Control
Analytical concept measuring how much of the pitch a team effectively controls based on player positioning.
Tracking DataSpatial Analysis
Using location data to analyze patterns of play, defensive coverage, and attacking zones.
Tracking DataSprint
High-speed running, typically defined as >25 km/h. Number and distance of sprints measured via tracking.
PhysicalSquad Rotation
Using different players across matches to manage fatigue and injuries. Can be analyzed via minutes distribution.
TacticalStability
How consistent a metric is over time. High stability metrics are more predictive of future performance.
Statistical MethodsStandard Deviation
Statistical measure of variability. Used to understand consistency and identify outlier performances.
Statistical MethodsStatsBomb
Leading football data provider known for detailed event data, freeze frames, and popularizing xG.
Data SourcesStatsBombPy
Official Python library for accessing StatsBomb open data.
ToolsStatsBombR
Official R package for accessing StatsBomb open data.
ToolsStructural Superiority
Creating advantageous positioning through team shape rather than numerical overloads.
TacticalSub-Model
A specialized xG model for specific situations: penalties, headers, free kicks, etc.
xG MetricsSuccessful Dribble
A dribble that beats the defender and retains possession.
PossessionSwitch
A long pass across the pitch to change the point of attack, exploiting space on the weak side.
PassingT 19
Tackle
An attempt to dispossess an opponent of the ball through physical challenge.
DefensiveTackle Success Rate
Percentage of tackles that win the ball. Elite tacklers typically succeed 60-70% of the time.
DefensiveTarget Man
A striker who serves as an aerial target for long balls and hold-up play. Often profiled via aerial duel stats.
PositionsTeam Shape
The formation and compactness of a team, often measured by average position data.
TacticalThrough Ball
A pass played into space behind the defense for a teammate to run onto.
PassingThrow-In
Restart after ball leaves play over touchline. Long throw-ins can be tactical weapons.
Set PiecesTime in Possession
Duration a team has the ball. Alternative to pass-count possession percentage.
PossessionTime on Pitch
Minutes played by a player, including stoppage time. Foundation for per-90 calculations.
Basic StatsTop Speed
A player's maximum velocity reached during a match. Measured via GPS/tracking data.
PhysicalTouch
Any contact with the ball. Touch maps show involvement and positioning.
Basic StatsTouch Map
Visualization of all a player's touches, showing their areas of pitch influence.
VisualizationTracking Data
Positional data capturing locations of all 22 players and ball, typically 25 frames per second.
Data TypesTransfer Value
Estimated market value of a player. Can be modeled using age, performance, contract length, and market factors.
Player ValuationTransfermarkt
Website providing player market values, transfer history, and squad information.
Data SourcesTransition
The moment possession changes between teams. Teams aim to be organized in transition.
TacticalTriangle
Three players positioned to offer passing angles. Foundation of positional play and possession football.
TacticalTrue Position
A player's actual role based on tracking data, which may differ from nominal lineup position.
PositionalTrue Tackle Rate
Tackles won / tackles attempted. More accurate than raw tackle counts.
DefensiveTurnover
Loss of possession to the opponent. High turnovers in own half are particularly dangerous.
PossessionU 4
Underperformance
Scoring fewer goals than xG suggests, or worse results than underlying metrics indicate.
xG MetricsUnderstat
Website providing xG data for top European leagues, with shot-level detail.
Data SourcesUnderlap
A run inside the wide player rather than around them (opposite of overlap).
TacticalUnsettled Defense
A defensive line that is disorganized, typically after a turnover or quick transition.
TacticalV 5
VAEP
Valuing Actions by Estimating Probabilities. Framework valuing every on-ball action by change in scoring/conceding probability.
Advanced MetricsVariance
Statistical measure of how spread out data is. High variance indicates inconsistent performance.
Statistical MethodsVelocity
Speed with direction. More informative than speed alone in tracking data analysis.
Tracking DataVertical Compactness
Distance between a team's forward and defensive lines. Compact teams are harder to play through.
TacticalVoronoi Diagram
A pitch visualization dividing space into regions closest to each player. Used in spatial analysis.
VisualizationW 7
Weak Foot
A player's non-dominant foot. Usage percentage indicates two-footedness.
Player ProfileWide Play
Attacking down the flanks rather than through central areas.
TacticalWin Probability
Real-time estimate of chance each team will win, based on score, time, and momentum indicators.
Match PredictionWinger
Wide attacking player who provides width and crosses. Can be traditional (staying wide) or inverted.
PositionsWoodwork
Hitting the post or crossbar. These shots have high xG but don't result in goals.
ShootingworldfootballR
R package for scraping football data from FBref, Transfermarkt, Understat, and Fotmob.
ToolsWyScout
Football data provider offering event data, video, and scouting tools. Used by many clubs.
Data SourcesX 10
xA
Expected Assists. The sum of xG values for shots created by a player's passes.
xG MetricsxG
Expected Goals. The probability that a shot will result in a goal, based on historical data.
xG MetricsxG+/-
Expected Goal Difference. The difference between xG created and xG conceded.
xG MetricsxG Model
A statistical model that calculates xG values. Typically uses logistic regression or machine learning.
xG MetricsxG Overperformance
When a player or team scores more goals than their xG suggests.
xG MetricsxG Per Shot
Average xG value of shots taken. Higher values indicate better shot selection.
xG MetricsxGBuildup
xG contribution excluding shots and assists. Measures involvement in build-up play.
xG MetricsxGChain
Total xG from possessions a player was involved in. Captures overall offensive involvement.
xG MetricsxGOT
Expected Goals On Target. xG for shots that are on target, using placement information.
xG MetricsxT
Expected Threat. Values ball progression based on change in expected goals from each action.
Advanced MetricsY 2
Yellow Card
A caution for unsporting behavior or repeated fouls. Two yellows result in a red card.
Basic StatsYards Progressed
Total distance the ball is moved toward the opponent's goal via passes and carries.
PossessionZ 4
Zone 14
The central area just outside the penalty box. High-value area for receiving and creating chances.
Pitch ZonesZone Entry
Moving the ball into a designated area, such as the final third or penalty box.
PossessionZonal Marking
Defensive strategy where players mark areas rather than specific opponents.
TacticalZ-Score
Number of standard deviations from the mean. Used to compare players across different metrics.
Statistical Methods