RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar quais comportamentos táticos podem predizer a eficiência defensiva de jogadores de futebol de elite. A amostra foi composta por 533 sequências defensivas de seleções semifinalistas da Copa do Mundo FIFA 2014. Foi construído um instrumento ad-hoc com as variáveis: “zona de recuperação da bola”, “pressão defensiva”, “redução de profundidade”, “tempo defensivo gasto”, “número de corredores ocupados”, “número de faltas cometidas” e “número de faltas sofridas”. As sequências táticas foram analisadas com o software Match Vision Studio Premium. A regressão logística multinomial foi aplicada para predizer as chances de sucesso e fracasso de ações coletivas defensivas (P < 0,05). A recuperação da bola na zona defensiva do campo teve aumento de 19 vezes das chances de finalização de gol em comparação com a zona ofensiva média (OR = 19,39; P < 0,01). Por outro lado, reduzir a profundidade defensiva resultou em diminuição de 71% das chances de fazer um gol (OR = 0,29; P < 0,01). Além disso, cada falta cometida aumentou as chances de falha na fase defensiva (OR = 5,39; P < 0,01). Os times que recuperaram a bola longe dos próprios gols e coordenaram sua última linha defensiva para deixar os atacantes em posição de impedimento tiveram sucesso na recuperação da bola. Nível de Evidência IV; Série de casos.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to verify which tactical behaviors can predict defensive efficiency among elite football players. The sample was composed of 533 defensive sequences from national teams that were semifinalists in the FIFA World Cup 2014. An ad-hoc instrument was built with the variables: “ball recovery zone”, “defensive pressure”, “removing depth”, “defensive time spent”, “number of occupied corridors”, “number of fouls committed”, and “number of times fouled”. The tactical sequences were analyzed using Match Vision Studio Premium software. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to predict the chances of success and failure of collective defensive actions (P < 0.05). Recovering the ball in the defensive zone of the field had a 19-times better chance of goal completion compared to recovering the ball in the middle offensive zone (OR = 19.39; P < 0.01). On the other hand, removing defensive depth resulted in a decrease of 71% in the chances of completing a goal (OR = 0.29; P < 0.01). Moreover, every foul committed increased the chances of failure in the defensive phase (OR = 5.39; P < 0.01). Teams that recovered the ball far from their own goals and coordinated their last defensive line to leave attackers in an offside position had success in getting the ball back. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta investigación fue verificar qué comportamientos tácticos pueden predecir la eficiencia defensiva entre los jugadores de fútbol de élite. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 533 secuencias defensivas de selecciones semifinalistas en la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2014. Se construyó un instrumento ad-hoc con las variables: “zona de recuperación del balón”, “presión defensiva”, “reducción de profundidad”, “tiempo defensivo empleado”, “número de pasillos ocupados”, “número de faltas cometidas” y “número de faltas sufridas”. Las secuencias tácticas se analizaron utilizando el software Match Vision Studio Premium. Se aplicó la regresión logística multinomial para predecir las posibilidades de éxito y fracaso de las acciones colectivas defensivas (P <0,05). La recuperación del balón en las zonas defensivas del campo representó un aumento de 19 veces las posibilidades de finalización del gol en comparación con la zona ofensiva media (OR = 19,39; P <0,01). Por otro lado, eliminar la profundidad defensiva resultó en una disminución del 71% de las posibilidades de marcar un gol (OR = 0,29; P <0,01). Además, cada falta cometida aumentaba las posibilidades de falla en la fase defensiva (OR = 5,39; P <0,01). Los equipos que recuperaron el balón lejos de sus propios arcos y coordinaron su última línea defensiva para dejar a los atacantes en posición de fuera de juego, tuvieron éxito en la recuperación del balón. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Serie de casos.

Abstract Aim: This study verified the combined effects of game result and match location on centrality measures based on the interactions of Brazilian handball players. Methods: The sample consisted of 3435 interactions performed by 15 players during 7 official Brazilian Regional Championship matches. Social network analysis was applied to investigate the following network properties: degree of centrality, closeness centrality, degree of prestige, proximity prestige, and network density. Results: Results revealed that playing at home increases closeness centrality (η2 = 0.99; p = 0.01), and network density (η2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). When the handball team lost the game, an increment in the network density in relation to the draw and win scenario was observed (η2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). It was observed that closeness centrality and network density increased when the team had lost and played at home, while when the team was playing away from home and losing, closeness centrality decreased (η2 = 0.99; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In conclusion, contextual variables impact the way that handball players interact during a match.

Abstract Aim: To analyze success and failure of offensive sequences and the adopted offensive method in under-15 (U-15) and under-17 (U-17) soccer players. Methods: The sample was composed of 218 offensive sequences performed by U-15 and U-17 players selected from 28 matches, being 18 matches of an Italian team and 10 matches of a Brazilian team. All offensive sequences which ended in finalization were selected for the analysis. Using observational methodology, an adapted ad hoc observational instrument was built with the variables “number of players involved”, “ball touches”, “passing”, “duration”, and “corridor changes”. Next, offensive actions were classified into three offensive game methods: counter-attack, quick attack, and positional attack. Results: Results revealed that teams which use positional attack expend more time constructing an offensive play, involve extra players, and change the ball corridor more often during offensive actions when compared to counter-attack and quick attack (p<0.01). Moreover, offensive efficacy did not present an association with the offensive method employed (X2=0.47; p=0.78). Sequences that finished in success presented significantly higher values of the number of touches (p=0.02), passes (p=0.003), and duration (p=0.01) in comparison to failure. Conclusion: The findings suggest that all offensive methods adopted can be used to reach success during a game of U-15 and U-17 soccer players.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o desempenho tático, os indicadores antropométricos e as capacidades físicas entre diferentes grupos maturacionais em jovens futebolistas. Fizeram parte do estudo 48 jogadores de futebol (14,80±1,52 anos). Foram realizadas medidas antropométricas de massa corporal, estatura e altura tronco-cefálica. O Pico de Velocidade de Crescimento (PVC) foi utilizado como indicador relativo de maturidade somática. Foram realizados os testes de sentar-e-alcançar, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1, preensão manual, abdominal modificado e saltos verticais (Counter Movement Jump e Squat Jump). O desempenho tático foi obtido através do Sistema de Avaliação Tática no Futebol (FUT-SAT). Para análise estatística, utilizou-se a Análise de Cluster, Anova One-Way e o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Os resultados indicaram que os jogadores adiantados no processo maturacional apresentaram valores superiores no desempenho das capacidades físicas como resistência aeróbia e força muscular de membros inferiores (P<0,01). Os princípios táticos "cobertura ofensiva", "unidade ofensiva" e "concentração" foram mais executados por jogadores Pós-PVC comparativamente ao grupo Pré-PVC (P<0,05). Foram observadas correlações significativas entre o PVC e os princípios "cobertura ofensiva" (r=0,32), "unidade ofensiva" (r=0,39) e "concentração" (r=0,38). Tais resultados sugerem que o avanço na classificação maturacional exerce baixa influencia sobre a gestão do espaço de jogo de jovens futebolistas.

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to compare the tactical performance, anthropometric indicators, and physical capabilities between different maturational groups in young soccer players. Study participants were 48 soccer players (14.80±1.52 years). Anthropometric measurements of weight, height, and trunk-cephalic height were carried out. Peak height velocity (PHV) was used as a relative indicator of somatic maturity. For evaluation of physical capabilities, the sit-and-reach test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, handgrip test, modified abdominal test, and vertical jumps (Counter Movement Jump and Squat Jump) were performed. Tactical performance was achieved through the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). For statistical analysis, non-hierarchical k-means Cluster Analysis, One-Way ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used. The results indicated that early players in the maturational process presented higher values in the performance of physical capabilities such as aerobic endurance and lower limb muscle strength (P<0.01). Tactical principles "offensive coverage", "offensive unity", and "concentration" were executed more frequently by the Post-PHV group than the Pre-PHV (P<0.05). Significant correlations were observed between PHV and the principles "offensive coverage" (r=0.32), "offensive unity" (r=0.39), and "concentration" (r=0.38). These results suggest that advancement in maturational classification has little influence on the management of gaming space.