The action that makes a goal possible does not always appear on the scoresheet. That is exactly why we built The Situational Performance Framework™. It evaluates Football Actions (what a player does, with or without the ball) in context, and by what they create next.
Forward Football developed the framework to value actions by what they make possible. In this article, we show how it works in practice through Technoleon, our performance analysis software, using one clip of Vitinha.
The playing principle: depth before width
From a deep position, Vitinha spots Hakimi’s run in behind. He does not circulate the ball wide first. Instead, he chooses the direct forward option.
Then Hakimi receives the ball, provides the assist, and the move ends in a goal. Vitinha’s name is not on the scoresheet. But his action started it all.
How the Situational Performance Framework rates this action
The framework follows one simple chain:
- Football Situation
- Football Action
- Next Football Situation
Following this chain, we rate Vitinha’s action as P: Positive. Not simply because he completes the pass. We rate it positive because it advances the desired attacking route and creates a new Football Situation from which the team scores.
That makes Vitinha a valuable connector in the attacking chain.
“The difference lies not only in what a player does, but in what that Football Action enables.”
Exceptional ratings in the Situational Performance Framework
Within the depth before width playing principle, we reserve E: Exceptional for an action that directly results in a goal. Vitinha’s pass created the chance, but Hakimi’s action directly produced it.
That is why the framework is useful for coaches. Every rating also ties back to a playing principle. Players get clear feedback on what their action made possible, not just whether it succeeded. Combined with our video and data analysis, this gives staff a shared language for performance.
The same logic works for every position. A centre back who breaks a line with a pass, or a midfielder who switches play into open space, can be valued for what their action enables. Recruitment staff, analysts and coaches can then look past goals and assists. They can find the players who make the team better, even when those players rarely show up in the highlights.
Conclusion
Traditional stats reward the final touch. The Situational Performance Framework rewards the actions that make that final touch possible. In short, it helps clubs see the full attacking chain and value every connector in it.
Interested in learning more, or want to share your perspective? Send us a message.
Forward Football
Football improvement company from Amsterdam. We help clubs and academies develop players with data, video and technology. About us
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This article is based on our original LinkedIn post.