19 Ago Distance Between Players During a Soccer Match: The Influence of Player Position
When we talk about tactics, we often focus on formations, pressing strategies, or passing networks. But what about the simple question: how close do players really stay to each other during a match?
This study analyzed player tracking data from 60 matches of LaLiga (first and second divisions), measuring how long players remained within 2 meters of an opponent. The findings have direct applications for coaches, analysts, and performance staff:
- Forwards are the most “exposed” players. On average, they spend about 21 minutes per match within 2 meters of defenders. This reflects the constant marking and pressure they face, and highlights why their movement off the ball is so critical to create space.
- Defenders come next, averaging around 15 minutes of close contact, mainly when marking forwards. This underlines the tactical importance of defensive duels and the consistency required to maintain focus over 90 minutes.
- Midfielders are more versatile. While their average contact is lower (12 minutes), they interact with different roles — defending, linking, or pressing. This reinforces their function as the most tactically flexible unit.
- Goalkeepers are outliers. They barely reach one minute of close contact with opponents, reflecting their unique role.
What does this mean for training and match preparation?
- Forwards need constant solutions to escape defensive pressure. Coaches can design drills emphasizing body positioning, first-touch orientation, and runs to break defensive lines.
- Defenders must adapt to individual duels. The heterogeneity found in defender-forward interactions shows that marking responsibilities are often uneven, so preparing multiple defenders to rotate or share coverage is key.
- Midfielders require multi-scenario training. Since they switch between marking forwards, other midfielders, and even defenders, their preparation should include diverse tactical demands.
In short, player proximity is not just about physical exposure but tactical reality. By understanding how often and how long players are in close contact, coaches and analysts can refine training to replicate match conditions more accurately.
Read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.723414