Patterns Present in Sequences Ended in Goal From Set-Pieces in the Uruguayan Football Championship

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to analyse the sequences ended in goal from set-pieces in the professional football championship of the First Division of Uruguay. Observational methodology was used like methodology approach. The sample were 129 set plays sequences ended in goal in 233 games analysed through theory of graphs and sequential analysis. It was observed that more goals were converted through corner kicks from the right side than the left side, with a high relationship between kicking and ending zones. In the free kicks, proximity and centrality are key factors to score goals; the left side in front of the penalty area was a stronger relationship with the goal than the right side. The high number of right-handed players conditions these relationships between the kicking and ending zones. The amount of goals converted from set plays in the uruguayan championship was similar to the first level leagues and world championships.