In this article, we introduce SciSports Defensive Events. SciSports, being a source-agnostic data platform, collaborates with various data providers in the industry. Each provider has its own definitions for events. While most definitions are similar, defensive events vary greatly. Common events like interceptions, recoveries, and tackles differ in definition across providers.
Concepts
We are introducing two unique concepts to capture the context of defensive events better:
Defensive Transitions: Events where multiple defensive actions occur in quick succession.
Defensive Disruptions: The initial act of breaking the opponent's play.
Context of Defensive Events
These events occur in different situations such as:
During set pieces
After ball loss
During open play
While defending an attack
Career Stats and Performance Definitions
Below are the exact definitions of the different career stats available in the SciSports Recruitment Center under Career Stats and Performance:
Transition Forcing in Air:
Label: Transition Forcing in Air
Description: Any defensive action that is in the air and part of a defensive transition. A defensive transition is a phase when multiple defensive actions occur in quick succession.
Set-piece Defense in Own Box:
Label: Set-piece Defense in Own Box
Description: The first defensive action executed in the defender’s own box following a set piece of the opponent. Disruption is the initial act of breaking the opponent’s possession.
Set-piece Defense in Air:
Label: Set-piece Defense in Air
Description: The first defensive action executed in the air following a set piece of the opponent. Disruption is the initial act of breaking the opponent’s possession.
Regain Possession:
Label: Regain Possession
Description: The final defensive action of a defensive transition in which the team gains or regains possession. A defensive transition is a phase when multiple defensive actions occur in quick succession.
Open Play Defense in Air:
Label: Open Play Defense in Air
Description: The first defensive action executed in the air during open play. Disruption is the initial act of breaking the opponent’s possession.
Disruption of Long Balls:
Label: Disruption of Long Balls
Description: The first defensive action executed after a long ball of the opponent, where the long ball travels at least 25 meters forward. Disruption is the initial act of breaking the opponent’s possession.
Disruption of Box Penetrations:
Label: Disruption of Box Penetrations
Description: The first defensive action executed after an opponent’s action towards the box (e.g., pass or dribble). Disruption is the initial act of breaking the opponent’s possession.
Disruption in Own Box:
Label: Disruption in Own Box
Description: The first defensive action executed after possession of the opponent, occurring in the defender’s own box. Disruption is the initial act of breaking the opponent’s possession.
Counter Interceptions on Own Half:
Label: Counter Interceptions on Own Half
Description: Defensive actions within 5 seconds after ball loss, executed on the defender’s own half. These actions aim to immediately disrupt the opponent’s counter-attack.
Counter Interceptions on Opponent Half:
Label: Counter Interceptions on Opponent Half
Description: Defensive actions within 5 seconds after ball loss, executed on the opponent’s half. These actions aim to immediately disrupt the opponent’s counter-attack.
Blocking Shots:
Label: Blocking Shots
Description: The first defensive action executed after an opponent’s shot. Disruption is the initial act of breaking the opponent’s possession.
Fouls:
Label: Fouls
Description: A foul resulting in either a free kick or a penalty kick for the opponent team.
Defensive Positioning
In comparison to the other defensive events from all the other categories, all Defensive positioning subcategories are not typical “on-the-ball-actions". Instead of looking at the chance of scoring and conceding a goal from the match situation, we evaluate the contribution a player has on the performance of their direct opponent. Read more about it here.
Suppress passing:
Label: Suppress passing
Description: Prevent the direct opponent from being dangerous with passing by defending well.
Suppress dribbling:
Label: Suppress dribbling
Description: Prevent the direct opponent from being dangerous with dribbling by defending well.
Suppress crossing:
Label: Suppress crossing
Description: Prevent the direct opponent from being dangerous with crossing by defending well.
Suppress finishing:
Label: Suppress finishing
Description: Prevent the direct opponent from finishing by defending well.