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Speed Isn’t Everything: The Hidden Science of Pitch Control

December 1, 2025 · 5 min read

Every coach has shouted it: “Close him down!” But what if raw speed isn’t the secret weapon we think it is?A new study from the University of Zaragoza and La Liga analysts flips a classic assumption on its head. By tracking players across 100 top-flight Spanish matches, researchers found that speed and control don’t always […]

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Strategy

Speed Isn’t Everything: The Hidden Science of Pitch Control

Every coach has shouted it: “Close him down!” But what if raw speed isn’t the secret weapon we think it is?A new study from the University of Zaragoza and La Liga analysts flips a classic assumption on its head. By tracking players across 100 top-flight Spanish matches, researchers found that speed and control don’t always […]

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Health

Injury Prevention in Soccer: How Small Changes are Making a Big Impact

Soccer comes the risk of injury. No way around it. Yet, recent developments in sports science have been instrumental in minimizing these risks and enhancing player safety and performance. Let’s explore the latest research and practical applications that are making waves in soccer. Understanding the Risks Soccer injuries can range from minor sprains to serious […]

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Development

Big Change Coming in Youth Soccer: New Age Groups Start Fall 2026

If you have a child in youth soccer, get ready because starting in Fall 2026, age groups across the America will shift to a new seasonal calendar. This update changes how players are assigned to U-levels (U6, U7, U8, etc.) and is based on your child’s birthdate. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters. What’s […]

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Analytics

Exploring Physics and Psychology in the Beautiful Game

Soccer can be a fascinating interplay of physics and psychology. A recent piece from BBC Sport delved into the crucial moments that can alter the course of a football match, raising questions about referee decisions and their psychological impact on teams. The Physics at Play The game unfolds as a spectacular showcase of physics, as […]

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Uncategorized

Fun Soccer Variations for 5-Year-Old Players

Soccer is a fantastic way for young children to develop physical skills, social abilities, and a lifelong love for the game. For 5-year-olds, it’s important to keep games simple, fun, and engaging, with plenty of space for creativity and spontaneity. Here are several variations of the traditional soccer game that are perfect for young players. […]

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Analytics

The Big Data Game Plan

Coaches once relied on instinct, intuition, and a well-worn notebook. Today, every sprint, pass, and press can be tracked, analyzed, and visualized in real time. Modern soccer isn’t just played on the pitch—it’s played on screens, in code, and inside algorithms. Rein and Memmert’s 2016 landmark paper in SpringerPlus marks a turning point: soccer has […]

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Strategy

The Tactical Shift That Redefined Spanish Soccer

If you followed LaLiga in the early 2010s, you’d recognize a pattern: nearly every team lined up in the classic 4-2-3-1. Double pivots in midfield, a creative “10” pulling the strings, and wingers tucking inside. But something dramatic happened between 2012 and 2021. Coaches started abandoning the 4-2-3-1 for the more compact and balanced 4-4-2. […]

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