Creating and sharing knowledge for telecommunications

Identifying the centrality levels of futsal players: A network approach

Oliveira, P. ; Clemente, F.M.C. ; Martins, F.

Journal of Physical Education and Sport Vol. 16, Nº 1, pp. 8 - 12, March, 2016.

ISSN (print): 1582-8131
ISSN (online): 2066-2483

Scimago Journal Ranking: 0,44 (in 2016)

Digital Object Identifier: 10.7752/jpes.2016.01002

Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify the differences of prominence levels between tactical positions in futsal (indoor football). For that reason, it was performed an analysis of variance between competitive levels and tactical positions for the centrality metrics computed by using network analysis. Forty-six futsal players from different competitive levels (U12, U14, U16 and Amateurs) it were analysed during three official futsal matches. Results revealed no differences in centrality metrics between competitive levels (p = 1.00; η_p^2= 0.001; very small effect size) had no significant statistical differences in the centrality metrics. Nevertheless, tactical position (p = 0.001; η_p^2= 0.593; moderate effect size) had significant main effects on the centrality metrics. Centrality metrics revealed that defenders are the most prominent players in to receive the ball. By the other hand, defenders and wings are the positions with greater centralities in to pass the ball for the teammates.