Author(s): ISHIZAKI, S., KOHDA, K., MURAI, S., YAMAMOTO, D., ISHIHARA, Y., Institution: SHIBAURA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1989

INTRODUCTION:
Advances in tracking technologies have enabled detailed analysis of physical performance in soccer. Prior research suggests that leading teams adopt more defensive strategies, whereas trailing teams emphasize ball possession and attacking play. However, the relationship between score-line status and ball possession remains insufficiently examined. Therefore, this study investigated associations between score-line status, ball possession, players’ running performance, and team positioning.
METHODS:
We analyzed 21 home matches played by a team in the 2022 J-League Division 2. Match footage was recorded using HD cameras, and positional data were collected with an automated tracking system at 20 Hz. The analysis included 281 outfield player appearances. Data were categorized into leading, drawing, and trailing conditions. Total running distance and high-intensity running distance (HIR ≥ 15 km·h⁻¹) were calculated separately for possession and non-possession phases. Offensive and defensive lines were defined using the longitudinal positions of the most advanced and deepest outfield players. Ball possession rate, phase-specific changes, and possession transitions were also examined.
RESULTS:
During possession phases, running distance was significantly lower when leading than when drawing or trailing across all positions (p < 0.05). During non-possession phases, running distance was significantly higher when leading than when drawing or trailing (p < 0.05). HIR distance during possession did not differ significantly across score-line conditions. Mean possession rate did not differ among conditions; however, changes in possession were significantly greater during transitions from trailing to leading compared with sustained trailing periods (p < 0.05). Offensive and defensive lines were positioned significantly higher when leading than when trailing (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrated that score-line status affects ball possession, players’ running performance, and team positioning in professional soccer—trailing teams increase possession and push their lines forward, whereas leading teams defend deeper.