Majority of Soccer Goals Stem from Initial Touch Shots

Research conducted at the Faculty of Education and Sport-Álava has revealed that the predominant source of goals in soccer comes from first touch shots. This groundbreaking study, the first of its kind to evaluate scoring from a goalkeeper's perspective, was published in the journal Apunts Sports Medicine.

Markel Perez, a researcher involved in the study, emphasized the importance of understanding real match scenarios to optimize goalkeeper training. He explained that without this knowledge, goalkeepers may be preparing for infrequent situations, neglecting the more common ones that require focused practice.

The study analyzed 179 matches from the 2019-2020 La Liga season, scrutinizing 2,238 shots directed at 15 goalkeepers. Sixteen specific variables were examined, including the shot's direction, the technique used by the shooter, the distance from which the shot was taken, and the actions of the goalkeeper in response to the shot.

The findings indicate that approximately 75% of goals are scored from first touch shots, which are characterized by their speed and unpredictability, leaving goalkeepers with minimal time for reaction. Perez noted that this suggests training sessions should be tailored to improve goalkeepers' responses to these rapid and challenging scenarios.

In addition to first touch shots, the study also highlighted the significance of deflected shots, which can dramatically alter the trajectory of the ball after hitting another player. Perez recommended that quick-reaction exercises be incorporated into training regimens to help goalkeepers adapt to these unpredictable situations.

The research also explored correlations between the performance of teams and their shooting patterns. It was found that teams at the top of the league standings tend to execute multiple touches before taking a shot, reducing their reliance on set pieces or crosses. This insight could aid goalkeepers in preparing for upcoming matches against elite teams by allowing them to focus on specific shooting styles.

Looking ahead, Perez suggested that similar studies be conducted in various leagues and countries to determine if the findings can be generalized across different contexts. He also indicated that environmental factors, such as pitch conditions, could influence play dynamics and should be considered in future research.

Markel Perez-Arroniz, a Ph.D. student at the University of the Basque Country, is focusing his thesis on goalkeeper training methodologies. His academic journey includes a degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, and he is under the supervision of experts in training and physiology related to elite sports.