Defensive behaviour against crosses in elite football Spatial constraints, crossing characteristics, and tactical defensive adaptations (2022–2023)
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Abstract
This study investigated the defensive behaviours adopted by the top five teams in the English, Spanish, and German leagues during the 2023–2024 season against crosses delivered into the penalty area. The analysis focused on three variables: (1) the crosser’s dominant leg, (2) ball trajectory, and (3) defensive behaviour type. A total of 1,428 opposition crosses were examined using frequency and percentage analyses, while relationships between variables were assessed through Crosstabs and the chi-square (χ²) test. The findings revealed that the crosser’s leg significantly influenced defensive outcomes within the 11–5.5 m delivery zone (p < .05). Defensive failure rates were substantially higher for opposite-foot crosses (31.3%) than for same-side-foot crosses (13.9%). Ball trajectory also demonstrated a significant effect on defensive success in the LS: 5.5–0 m zone (p < .05). High-curved crosses generated the highest defensive failure rate (19.7%), whereas penetrating or cut-back passes resulted in the lowest failure rate (3.8%). Although the defensive behaviour type did not produce a statistically significant overall effect, frequency analysis indicated that the “Opposite Diagonal” defensive approach yielded the lowest failure rate (6.8%) compared with “Zone Defence” (15.2%).
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