Three-defender versus two-defender systems in football: A comparison of offensive play

Scientific research on tactical formations in football is scarce and the studies that do exist focus on aspects linked to physical conditioning. Therefore, the objective of this work was to analyse offensive play differences between three-centre-back (3CB) and two-centre-back (2CB) formations. A tot...

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Published in:Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part P, Journal of sports engineering and technology Journal of sports engineering and technology, 2023-06
Main Authors: Otero-Saborido, Fernando M, Torreblanca-Martinez, Sergio, Torreblanca-Martinez, Victor, Nevado-Garrosa, Fabio, Nuñez-Campos, Manuel, González-Jurado, Jose A
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container_title Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part P, Journal of sports engineering and technology
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creator Otero-Saborido, Fernando M
Torreblanca-Martinez, Sergio
Torreblanca-Martinez, Victor
Nevado-Garrosa, Fabio
Nuñez-Campos, Manuel
González-Jurado, Jose A
description Scientific research on tactical formations in football is scarce and the studies that do exist focus on aspects linked to physical conditioning. Therefore, the objective of this work was to analyse offensive play differences between three-centre-back (3CB) and two-centre-back (2CB) formations. A total of 72 matches played by eight LaLiga teams (Spain) during the 2018–19 season were analysed. Four teams used a 3CB system and four teams a 2CB system. Data were obtained from the Opta sports company, and the reports were generated using Mediacoach. Three groups of variables were analysed (passes, possession and finishing). The results showed that both the number of team passes (‘passes received’, ‘passes attempted’) and their effectiveness (‘number’ and % of ‘completed’ passes) were significantly greater (p 
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