Football Stats

Statistics is a part of math where numbers are collected and sorted. Football is considered as a game of numbers, which are used to determine the success or forecast future results. The use of analytics or using data and statistics to better understand something — is growing across most sports. This is especially true in soccer, where the most successful teams are also frequently the most dedicated to analytics.

Shots

1. A shot is an attempt that is taken with the intent of scoring and is directed toward the goal.

2. A cross or crossing pass is not a shot. A cross is a long kick from a wide position into the

penalty area in front of the goal. The intent of a cross is to set up a scoring opportunity for an attacking player.

A goalkeeper who intercepts a cross is not credited with a save. Exception: A cross that the goalkeeper stops that otherwise would have entered the goal is considered a shot, and the goalkeeper is credited with a save.

Example: Player A dribbles the ball the length of the field in the direction of the opponent’s net. They dribble the ball toward the corner before lofting a pass in front of the net to their teammate. However, while the ball is still in the air, Player B, Team B’s goalkeeper, grabs it to prevent the shot on goal.

Ruling: Even though the keeper grabbed the ball, it  is not considered a save because the intent of the offensive player was to pass to another player and not to shoot. Player A is not credited with a shot,  and the goalkeeper on Team B is not credited with a save.

3. A shot on goal is a shot that is on net. The results of a shot on goal must be either a save by the goalkeeper or defending team or a goal by the attacking team. A shot that hits the post or crossbar without being deflected by a goalkeeper or defender and does not cross the goal line is not a shot on goal.

Goals

An offensive player who either kicks or heads the ball into the goal is awarded a goal.  Each goal shall count two points in the player’s statistical record. When a defender kicks or heads the ball into the defender’s goal with the intent of making a pass to a teammate or of clearing the ball, a goal is not awarded to an individual but is recorded as an «own goal». An «own goal» counts towards the offensive (not defensive) team’s season total.

Assists

An assist is awarded for a pass leading directly to a goal. Not more than two assists may be credited on any one play. Each assist shall count one point in the player’s statistical record.

• If a scoring play consists of two consecutive passes without a defender gaining control of the ball, two assists may be awarded, provided the second player does not have to elude a defender to make the final pass. Both passes must have a direct influence on the outcome of goal scored. If the second player needs to elude a defender before passing to the goal-scorer, credit only that assist

Calculated Categories

Goals Per Game:

G/GP= Total Goals / Total Games Played

Assists Per Game:

A/GP= Total Assists / Total Games Played

Points Per Game:

P/GP = Total Points / Total Games Played

Goals-Against Average:

GAA = Goals Allowed x 80 / Total Minutes Played

Save Percentage:

Sv % = Saves / Saves + Goals Allowed

                  Role of Statistics in Football

Calculates the percentage of games one's team has won within the season or year.

REFERENCES

Hart, R. A., Hutton, J., & Sharot, T. (1975). A statistical analysis of association football attendances. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series C (Applied Statistics), 24(1), 17-27.

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