Content:
Sequence Starts
Ball Wins (BW)
Ball Start (BS)
Sequence Start Types
Sequence Result
Sequence Outcome
(If there is only Event data available, please use this article)
Sequence starts
There are two types of sequence starts: Ball Wins (BW) & Ball Starts (BS). By definition, BW starts are sequences that start with an open play transition and BS are sequences that start with either a set-piece or from a keep-ball possession situation. The exact definition logic for both types of sequence starts is as described below.
Ball Wins (BW)
These are sequences that start with an open play transition from team A to B or the other way around. An open play transition is defined as any change of possession, without a foul being called by the referee.
BW should contain at least two consecutive on ball actions by the same team of which at least one event should be a pass, cross, or shot made with the feet. There are two exceptions where a sequence can happen in the case of a single event, namely: shots and offside passes.
The type of the BW is defined by the location on the field where the ball win occurs. In the next section, you will find more information about these so-called Sequence Start Types.
Ball Starts (BS)
These are sequences that start with either a successful set-piece (i.e. free-kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner) or any outplaying event following a keep-ball possession (defined as an event where all opponents are behind the ball at the start of the event, and at least one opponent is outplayed), that is under pressure (defined as the closest opponent being within 5 meters of the ball, measured in the x-axis only).
BS can be further subdivided into two distinct categories:
BS 0: Sequences that start by the goalkeeper meeting the criteria listed below.
BS 1-4: Sequences that start from set-pieces or keep-ball possessions that are not a BS 0, meeting the criteria listed below.
Ball Start 0
There are four types of sequences defined as Ball Start 0:
A set-piece pass by the goalkeeper that outplays one or more opponents.
A short set-piece pass by the goalkeeper that doesn’t outplay any opponents, but is received by a player that is under pressure (closest opponent is within 20 meters distance in the x-axis).
Any failed (ball turned over to the opponent) set-piece pass by the goalkeeper.
A throw-in, where the preceding event is more than 3 seconds before the throw-in, and the throw-in is at the height of the defensive penalty box.
BS 1-4
There are two types of sequence starts that are defined as a BS 1-4, as listed below. Only sequences that have 2 or more events should be included:
Any successful set-piece (free-kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner) is defined as a BS 1-4, where the type is determined by the location of the set-piece.
Any outplaying event following a keep-ball possession (defined as an event where all opponents are behind the ball at the start of the event, and during event n-1, and at least one opponent is outplayed), that is under pressure (defined as the closest opponent being within 5 meters of the ball, measured in the x-axis only). The type is determined based on the location of the first outplayed opponent.
BS 1
BS 2
BS 3
BS 4
Sequence Start Types
The start is primarily determined by its location on the field (see: figure 1). Start types are based on the following rules:
BS 0: The start position of the first event is on its own third AND the first event is a set-piece.
BS 1: The start position of the first event is in zone 1 (1A-1E)
BS 2: The start position of the first event is in zone 2 (2A-2E)
BS 3: The start position of the first event is in zone 3 (3A-3E)
BS 4: The start position of the first event is in zone 4 (4A-4E + 4SG)
Figure 1: Sequence Start Types
Sequence result
A sequence ends by definition if the possession changes from one team to another, or if the ball goes dead (out of play, free-kick awarded etc.). Depending on the last event in a sequence, each sequence can have either a positive, neutral or negative result. In the table below, you can find a definition of each sequence result. The sequence result is displayed visually in the pitch view using the colors red (negative), orange (neutral), and green (positive).
Table 1: Sequence Results
Result | Definition |
Negative | Any sequence resulting in a turnover of the ball. The next sequence is not owned by the same team. |
Neutral | Any sequence ending in a new sequence by the current team. The ball goes out of play, a free-kick is awarded, a goalkeeper ends or a keep ball possession ends the sequence. |
Positive | Any sequence resulting in a direct scoring opportunity, or a goal. By direct scoring opportunity a shot or penalty awarded is meant. |
Negative
Neutral
Positive
Sequence outcome
The sequence outcome can be interpreted as the situation in which the sequence ended. In the table below, you can find an overview of possible outcomes including a definition.
Note that after one of these outcomes, a new sequence doesn’t start immediately. All events following these sequence ends that are in keep ball possession, without pressure and without outplaying, are skipped. The first outplaying event is then labeled as the start of the next sequence.
Table 2: Overview of possible Sequence Outcomes
Outcome | Definition |
No End | A sequence of events that did not result in a shot, a goal kick, a corner, a throw-in, or a free kick. |
Transition | A sequence of events that involves gaining possession of the ball and immediately transitioning into an attacking move. |
Ball Dead | A sequence of events that ends with the ball out of play or a stoppage in play. |
Goalkeeper End | A sequence of events that ends with the goalkeeper having possession of the ball. When two or more events are performed by the goalkeeper, over a time-window of more than 4 seconds, and all events are in keep ball possession (i.e. all the opponents behind the ball), the current sequence ends. |
Keep Ball | A sequence of events that involves a team maintaining possession of the ball without making any significant progress up the field. |
Shot | A sequence of events that results in a shot towards the opposition's goal. |
Penalty Awarded | A sequence of events that results in a penalty being awarded to a team. |
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