Defensive pressure strategies and their impact on offensive play in elite women’s football

  1. Casal, Claudio A. 1
  2. Losada, José L. 2
  3. de Benito Trigueros, Ana María 3
  4. Maneiro, Rubén 4
  5. Iván-Baragaño, Iyán 5
  1. 1 Catholic University of Valencia, San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
  2. 2 Universitat de Barcelona
    info
    Universitat de Barcelona

    Barcelona, España

    ROR https://ror.org/021018s57

    Geographic location of the organization Universitat de Barcelona
  3. 3 Universidad de León
    info
    Universidad de León

    León, España

    ROR https://ror.org/02tzt0b78

    Geographic location of the organization Universidad de León
  4. 4 Universidade de Vigo
    info
    Universidade de Vigo

    Vigo, España

    ROR https://ror.org/05rdf8595

    Geographic location of the organization Universidade de Vigo
  5. 5 European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Journal:
Cuadernos de psicología del deporte

ISSN: 1578-8423,  1989-5879

Year of publication: 2025

Issue Title: CPD2(2025) ; I-II

Volume: 25

Issue: 2

Pages: 32-51

Type: Article

DOI: 10.6018/CPD.649741 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR HANDLE: https://hdl.handle.net/10201/180609

More publications in: Cuadernos de psicología del deporte

Abstract

Recent studies have focused on offensive behaviours in elite women's football, but the relationship between defensive actions and opposing offensive transitions remains underexplored. This study analysed how defensive pressure during dynamic transitions affects offensive patterns in the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2023/2024. Data from 13 matches involving 16 teams and 1,324 transitions were coded using the “Transfootb” observation tool, developed by two UEFA PRO coaches. The analysis, supported by high inter- and intra-observer reliability (kappa indices of 0.9 and 0.85), incorporated 13 technical-tactical and 4 contextual criteria. Main results indicate that defensive pressure leads to more direct attacks by opponents, fewer passes, reduced player involvement, shorter possessions, and diminished offensive efficiency. Multivariate analysis revealed that variables like match result, match status, game period, team location, defensive positioning, ball recovery type, attacking player involvement, and period time shaped defensive pressure strategies. The findings highlight the adaptability of teams in modifying defensive approaches based on the interplay of technical-tactical and contextual factors, as well as the influence of a team's defensive behaviour on its opponents' offensive behaviour. These insights can inform training and tactical planning to optimize both defensive and offensive phases of play in elite women’s football.

Research Data

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