Integrating notational and positional analysis to investigate tactical behavior in offensive and defensive phases of football matches.

This study focuses on analyzing individual and collective tactical behaviors during offensive and defensive game phases in football by integrating notational analysis with positional data from GPS devices. Using data from 18 matches involving 24 elite U-20 Brazilian players in the 2021 national championship, the research found that offensive phases are characterized by more spread tactical positioning compared to defensive phases. The study also examined the influence of contextual variables—match period, venue, and outcome—on tactical behavior, revealing that game phase had a greater impact than these contextual factors. The authors propose that splitting positional data by offensive and defensive phases enhances the understanding of tactical dynamics and recommend this integrated methodological approach for future football performance analyses.