Identification of optimal corner kick offensive strategy in the Chinese Super League based on decision tree analysis
Keywords:
Chinese Super League, corner kick, observational methodology, performance analysisAbstract
Although scientific knowledge regarding technical–tactical performance indicators in the Chinese Super League has advanced in recent years, a knowledge gap still exists concerning set-piece actions. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: (1) to describe corner kicks in the 2020 Chinese Super League and (2) to identify which criteria modify the outcome of corner kicks, as well as to reveal the interactions between criteria that provide a higher probability of success in these actions. Using observational methodology, 1272 corner kicks from the 2020 Chinese Super League were analyzed. The criteria that showed a statistically significant influence on the outcome of corner kicks were the temporality of the action, the position of the corner kick, the number of players in attack, the number of attackers involved, the zone to which the pass was directed, and the final zone of the play. Moreover, according to the results obtained, involving 3–4 players and using aerial connections in corner-kick attacks can achieve a higher success rate. These findings may be useful for implementing specific training tasks for set-piece actions.
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