Influence of situational variables on changes in direction of ball possession in football

The aims of this study were (a) to identify how situational variables affect changes in the direction of ball circulation in football and (b) know the relationship between behaviors, players interpretations and the coach previous intention in the football team finishing situations. Twenty-five matches ( n =25) were shown in the 2016/2017 season. The matches video recordings were analyzed and coded after each event using observational methodology. Through the nonparametric test of Kruskal-Wallis, it was verified how the changes of direction of the circulation of the ball are related in a statistically significant way with the time of possession ( H =64.046; p <.001) and the partial result ( H =17,095; p <0.05). Opposing team level has not been significant. The multinomial logistic regression allowed to verify that as the duration of possession increases, the team plays as a local player and/or before teams located in the middle zone of the qualifying table, the chances of making three or more direction ball possession changes are increased (p <0.05). In addition, players interpretation is not always related to the external observation or previous intention of the coach. The results obtained provide information related to potential bifurcation points that may emerge during the game. It is expected that the results obtained will help technical staff and players understand the probabilities of managing more efficiently ball possession in competition.