26 Sep Tactical Optimization in Professional Football: The Power of Measuring Ball and Opponent Distance with Mediacoach Desktop
At LaLiga, we have developed an advanced model within the Mediacoach Desktop video analysis tool, which allows real-time tracking of the distance between each player and the ball, 25 times per second. This model, currently in the analysis phase, is designed to calculate the optimal distance to the ball, taking into account not only the position of the ball but also the distance to the nearest opponent and the influence areas of the surrounding players using Voronoi diagrams. By factoring in tactical context, formations, pressure blocks, and the game phase, the model determines the ideal positioning of each player on the field.
The Ball and the Opponent: Key Elements in Tactical Organization
The ball is the central focus of this analysis, as its location dictates the optimal positioning of every player, whether in attack or defense. However, the model also accounts for the proximity of the nearest opponents, allowing the system to adjust the optimal distance to the ball based on the positioning of the opposing players and their areas of influence. This ensures that each player occupies the most effective space on the field, responding to both ball location and opponent positioning.
How Does the Model Work?
- Defensive Phase:
In the defensive phase, Mediacoach Desktop measures both the defenders’ distance to the ball and to the nearest opponent. By using Voronoi diagrams, the system assigns influence areas to help determine whether a player is positioned correctly to cut passing lanes or prevent opponent advances. If a defender is out of position relative to the ball and opponents, automatic alerts are generated, allowing coaches to make real-time adjustments.- Practical application: When an opponent is close to the ball, the system alerts defenders to reduce their distance to both the ball and their opponents, adjusting pressure to prevent the rival from exploiting dangerous spaces.
- Offensive Phase:
In attack, the optimal distance to the ball also depends on proximity to the nearest defender. The model evaluates whether attacking players are strategically positioned relative to the ball and their markers. If a player is too close or too far from the ball or the defender, alerts are triggered to adjust positioning, improving ball distribution and creating opportunities.- Practical application: Attacking players are alerted to maintain the right distance to create space, receive the ball in better conditions, and bypass their markers.
- Tactical Context and Formations:
The model adapts the ideal distance to the ball based on the formation and pressure block being employed. For example, in a low block, defenders must stay closer to the ball to minimize space near the goal, while in a high block, the optimal distance might be greater to apply high pressure and force opponent errors. - Voronoi Diagrams and Influence Areas:
Using Voronoi diagrams, the model defines each player’s control area on the field, both for teammates and opponents. This ensures that players are always in the correct positions, occupying key spaces relative to the ball and the nearest opponents.
Scientific Support Behind the Development
Our approach is grounded in scientific studies that highlight the importance of measuring distance to the ball and opponents to improve tactical planning:
- «A Real-Time Opponent Modeling System for Rush Football»
This study demonstrates how real-time measurement of player-ball distance improves defensive positioning.
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gita-Sukthankar/publication/220814393_A_Real-Time_Opponent_Modeling_System_for_Rush_Football/links/00b7d528a16b30fc12000000/A-Real-Time-Opponent-Modeling-System-for-Rush-Football.pdf - «The Right Place at the Right Time: Advanced Off-ball Metrics for Exploiting an Opponent’s Spatial Weaknesses in Soccer»
This research explores how measuring the distance to the ball and nearby opponents helps exploit tactical weaknesses in the opposition.
Link: https://barcainnovationhub.fcbarcelona.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-right-place-at-the-right-time.pdf - «Automatic Event Detection in Football Using Tracking Data»
This study supports the idea that real-time measurement of distance between players and the ball, combined with opponent proximity, enhances tactical decision-making.
Link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12283-022-00381-6.pdf
Future Applications in Training and Competition
Once fully developed, Mediacoach Desktop will offer coaches the ability to optimize tactical decision-making in real time. Coaches will be able to correct tactical imbalances during matches, based not only on ball distance but also on the positioning of the nearest opponents, the team’s formation, and the pressure block in use. With real-time automatic alerts, adjustments can be made to player positions to maximize effectiveness in both defense and attack, providing a clear competitive edge during games.