Network and collective behavior in professional football teams

Abstract

Introduction: In football there is a great variability and unpredictability of actions that makes this game unique from the point of view of interpersonal relations between players. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the network of contacts and collective behavior that emerges in professional football teams. Methods: The sample consisted of the observation and analysis of two games, a professional team of football, adult category, referring to the First Portuguese League, season 2010/2011. Through the game analysis software - Amisco^®, the networks were used as an instrument that is used to measure, objectively, the key players (key players) team. Results: It appears that the player 4 (defender) and the player 6 (defense midfield) were the key players and the most influential in the analyzed games. Both players held their main interactions in the areas: 2CD, 3CD, 3CE, 4CD, 5CD and 5CE. They also found a high level of connectivity between players. Discussion and conclusion: Data corroborate the existence of a high interaction and connection between players of the game on the offensive phase. We concluded that the key player is a key part in the organization of the team, it balances its collective behavior and contributes to unbalance the action of the opponent.