19 Nov A Higher % of Walking Time Does Not Mean Losing a Match
For years, football has perpetuated a narrative that associates walking during a match with poor performance, laziness, or lack of commitment by players. In this recent study, using comprehensive data from the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season, we explored whether there is a direct relationship between the time teams spend walking on the field and their performance in terms of match outcomes.
Results: Does Walking Mean Losing?
There is no significant relationship between walking and losing. After analyzing hundreds of matches, we found that the total walking time percentage, whether during offensive or defensive phases, does not have a relevant impact on the final result of the match. The correlation between walking time and points earned is extremely weak, whether positive or negative, depending on the context (offensive or defensive phases).
Successful teams also walk more. Surprisingly, teams in the top quartiles of points (Q1 and Q2) have, on average, a higher percentage of walking time than those in the lower quartiles (Q3 and Q4). This indicates that high-performing teams are not only able to control the pace of the match but also use walking strategically to better manage their efforts and control game tempos.
Implications for Training and Competition
- Effort Management: Coaches can rethink the perception of «low intensity» during certain phases of play. The best teams do not run all the time but manage their efforts intelligently. Walking does not imply lower performance but knowing when and how to use energy.
- Controlling the Tempo: Teaching players to recognize when it is necessary to slow down and walk can be a valuable tactic to control the game. Instead of always pushing for high intensity, training can simulate situations where slowing down is beneficial, for example, to maintain possession or protect a lead.
- Contextualized Training: Data shows that walking during the offensive phase may be weakly associated with better results. In practice, coaches can design exercises that teach players to walk strategically in attack to create spaces, pause the game, and surprise the opponent.
- Strategic Match Reading: The fact that teams that walk more can win and control the game suggests that tactical analysis of opponents and match context is crucial. Coaches must identify when it is appropriate to lower intensity, whether to recover energy, slow down the opponent’s attack, or manage the score.
Conclusion: Balance is the Key
This study highlights that walking is not an indicator of poor performance but a tactical tool that, when used correctly, can be part of a successful strategy. Coaches should let go of the prejudice that running more is always better. Knowing when to walk can make the difference between a team that merely competes and one that dominates.
Methodology
The analysis was based on match data from the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season. Variables such as the percentage of walking time (total, offensive, and defensive) were evaluated in relation to performance measured by points earned and goals. Teams were grouped into quartiles based on their total points to identify behavioral differences. The Pearson correlation analysis was applied to measure relationships between variables, showing that walking time does not have a significant relationship with match outcomes.