2025-12-09 –, Ernst-Curie
Breaking away from traditional manual video analysis, this talk introduces a data-driven approach to automatically identify football playstyles in key moments before a shot on goal , using tracking and event data. By applying network science , which studies relationships and interactions within complex systems, we objectively analyze attacking and defensive strategies. Key spatial network metrics are used to reveal diverse playstyles through clustering techniques. The session concludes with insights into the results and possible applications of these findings in football analysis.
Football analysts and coaches rely on manual video analysis to identify playstyles and tactical behaviors, a process that is time-consuming and often subjective. This talk introduces an innovative approach that leverages tracking and event data to automatically identify playstyles in the critical moments leading up to a shot on goal. By employing advanced network science and football analytics, this method offers a comprehensive and objective analysis of both attacking and defensive strategies.
In this presentation, we will start with the introduction of spatial networks, where we approach football players as an undirected graph. Then, we will look into the developed spatial network metrics that are used in the identification of playstyles. These are summarized into three groups, measuring space control, pressure, and connectivity. With these metrics, we can use clustering techniques to obtain different attacking and defending playstyles. We conclude with the results of the clustering techniques and the possible interpretation and applications of the results.
With a background in mathematics and econometrics, Annemarijn combines analytical skills with practical solutions. As a data scientist, she is passionate about solving complex puzzles with mathematics and applying her knowledge to real-world problems. At Pipple, she uses her skills to develop practical, effective and creative solutions in various sectors.