The determination of which team controls the sphere for a greater proportion of the match is a key metric in football analysis. This statistic is derived from aggregating the time each team spends in control of the ball during active play. For instance, if Team A maintains control for 30 minutes out of a 90-minute match, their possession percentage would be calculated as 33.3%.
Analyzing control of the sphere provides valuable insights into a team’s tactical approach and overall dominance in a game. High percentage typically correlates with increased opportunities to create scoring chances and dictate the tempo of the match. Historically, the increased availability of sophisticated tracking technology has led to more precise and comprehensive measurement of this aspect of the game.
