Some of the best defending happens without winning the ball. Yet most defensive analysis still focuses on tackles, interceptions and duels won. Those actions matter, but they only tell part of the story.
In Technoleon, we analyse those direct actions too. The Situational Performance Framework™ also looks beyond them. Sometimes an opponent’s backward pass reveals more about your defending than any tackle.
The playing principle: preventing depth play
For example, take this sequence between PSG and Bayern Munich. PSG protects the shortest route between the ball and its own goal. So Bayern cannot play through, around or over the PSG defensive organisation.
In the end, Bayern has to play back towards its own goal. PSG did not win the ball, but it won the situation.
Defensive analysis: why PSG’s defending is Exceptional
Within the playing principle preventing depth play, we rate this execution as E: Exceptional. An Exceptional rating means PSG prevented forward play and forced the opponent to play towards its own goal.
No single player made this happen. It happened because of collective positioning, good distances between the lines and the right pressure at the right moment. Yet traditional stats would give PSG nothing for this sequence. No tackle, no interception, no duel won. The framework changes that. Instead, it gives credit to the whole unit for what they prevented, not only for what they won.
“Effective defending is also visible in the actions the opponent is forced to make.”
Defensive analysis of the complete Football Situation
Through the lens of the framework, we never evaluate a pass as an isolated event. We analyse the complete Football Situation, the moment on the pitch in which players have to act:
- What forward options were available to Bayern?
- How did PSG’s positioning influence the decision?
- Which spaces did PSG protect?
- Why was Bayern forced to play backwards?
- What new Football Situation did PSG’s collective actions create?
The data shows that Bayern played backwards. The video helps us understand why. That combination is at the heart of our video and data analysis approach.
Conclusion
In short, good defending is not only about winning the ball. It is about controlling the situation and forcing the opponent into choices they do not want to make. With context-based defensive analysis, coaches can finally see and reward that work. It also gives defenders clear, positive feedback on the work that usually goes unnoticed.
How would you rate this defensive sequence of PSG? Share your view with us.
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This article is based on our original LinkedIn post.