The main problem in analysing soccer is the existence of a large number of interacting variables. Far fewer difficulties exist for cricket, baseball, racket ball games or even American football, where the actions may be broken down into a series of discrete events which are relatively easy to record and assess. Despite the considerable interest which soccer matches provoke, and the many varied post-game discussions on its strategy which often result, little research has actually been conducted into the strategical aspect of play. This study is an attempt to examine patterns of play at professional level and more specifically, to investigate whether successful attacking patterns can be identified which are commonly used by all teams. The study concentrates on the analysis of patterns of play in soccer, by examining the suitability and accuracy of the two methods of obtaining objective data on patterns of play; the live match analysis technique and the video recording technique with subsequent analysis. The results show that both techniques produce the same results; however, the former is more convenient. Data for five league teams playing home and away matches and for an international team playing five home matches during the season 1987-1988 have been obtained and analysed. Analysis of patterns of play for the five league teams shows that there were similarities and dissimilarities between the top and the poorer teams. The distinct patterns of play identified for each team in both home and away matches were few in number. Top teams had the same number of successful patterns of play in home and away matches. The poorer teams also had the same number of successful patterns in home and away matches but they were fewer In number. Top teams applied the same strategies when they played at home or away whilst the poorer teams applied different strategies when playing at home or away. These findings led to another investigation which compared the patterns of play of the league teams with those of an international team. The international team and the poorer league teams had the same number of successful patterns of play in home matches but they were fewer in number than those of the top league teams. Successful patterns of play appeared more often for the international and league teams in those matches they won. The number of free attacking moves and set pieces in a match did not give any indication of success for the international and league teams. A team wins when it has a greater number of shots on target and a greater proportion of attacks producing shots regardless of whether the team is playing at league or international level. The final part of the study examines the defensive strategies employed against the successful attacking patterns of play of the five league teams. The results indicate that both the top teams and the poorer teams had distinct successful defensive strategies which were similar in home and away matches but the defensive strategies of the poorer teams were, of course, less successful than those of the top teams. These findings clearly indicate that there are similarities in employing defensive strategies in home and away matches for all teams, but the defensive strategies of the top and the poorer teams were markedly dissimilar. It is clear that close marking is a crucial element of the best defensive strategies (i.e. teams who marked their opponent players most frequently, succeeded in nullifying successful attacking patterns of play).

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-117).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-129).

Three general coaching methods have been developed to help increase the effectiveness of soccer coaches through appropriate training sessions and game analysis. This project examines and compares the different coaching courses and strategies sponsored by the American Youth Soccer Organization, National Soccer Coaches Association of America, and United States Soccer Federation.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-129). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

In recent times, the performances of the South African senior national team (“Bafana Bafana”) have not matched the impressive off-field advancements in South African professional soccer. At the historic 2010 FIFA World CupTM held in South Africa, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the first round of the competition. Such disappointments have compelled stakeholders in South African soccer to call for a re-assessment of all structures and programmes which have an impact on the playing abilities of South African players. Of prime importance is the need to obtain a better understanding of talent development in South African soccer. The aim of this research study was to determine the relevance of selected factors associated with successful talent development in South African male professional soccer players competing in the 2008-2009 ABSA PSL season. In order to accomplish the research aims, the literature relating to talent development concepts and models was examined. The literature review identified seven factors which are relevant to talent development in soccer. The empirical study was exploratory, and it utilized a descriptive, non-experimental approach. Data were collected via a 53-item questionnaire, which was designed to evaluate the identified seven factors. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 56 South African professional soccer players who played for clubs participating in the 2008-2009 season of the ABSA Premier Soccer League. The results obtained from the sample were analysed in terms of their descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The following six factors were statistically confirmed as being associated with the successful talent development of the sample: Training Environment, Motivation and Ambitions, Personal Development, Family Support, Cultural Factors and Coaching. These six factors accounted for 58 percent of the overall variance. The questionnaire had a reliability of 0.84, as measured by the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The study concludes that talent development in South African soccer is a multifactorial and complex process. Although the sample size was not suitable for discriminant analysis, theories such as the relative age effect and the „10-year rule‟ may be applicable to South African soccer. This study also adds to the limited body of knowledge on South African soccer, by identifying and scientifically analysing those factors which are associated with successful talent development. As success on the international stage becomes a priority in South African soccer, the identified factors serve as a sound scientific basis in the formulation of improved structures and strategies for perfecting the abilities of young soccer players, and increasing the competitiveness of Bafana Bafana.

El presente proyecto consistió en evaluar la implementación de un centro de alto rendimiento para jóvenes futbolistas, con un mercado objetivo constituido por varones que viven en Lima metropolitana, entre 12 y 18 años de edad, pertenecientes a los niveles socioeconómicos A, B y C, que practican fútbol y que les gustaría ser futbolistas profesionales. Después de la evaluación geográfica, demográfica y psicográfica, la demanda fue de 157,589 jóvenes que les gustaría ser futbolistas profesionales y estarían dispuestos a adquirir el servicio. Sobre la base de esta referencia se efectuaron las, evaluaciones y los análisis de todo el proyecto. / The present project consisted in evaluate the feasibility to implement a centre of formation of young boys to become professional football players, with a target market consistent of boys that live in the city of Lima , between 12 and 18 years old , belongs to the socioeconomic level A,B,C ; that practices football and would like to become professional players. After evaluating the demand using geographic, demographic and psychographic criteria; it was estimated in 157,589 young boys that would like to acquire the services of the centre. Upon the result of this evaluation it was effectuated the analysis of the full project. / Trabajo de investigación

Sports coaching has struggled to gain credibility as a profession. It has previously been described as a pseudo profession, though in recent years there have been a number of attempts to rectify this view in order to formally recognize coaching as a profession. Most literature on the professions focuses on the more established professions, with very little research undertaken into the professional development of football (soccer) coaches. The research undertaken examined the ways in which Scottish football coaches learnt their ‘trade’ once they had achieved their initial certification – in other words, how they became socialised into the profession of football coach in Scotland. In order to achieve this aim a number of different samples were examined. First, a sample of aspiring, young professional players were examined, followed by a sample of full time young professionals. Further, two samples of coaches undertaking their initial accreditation courses (SFA UEFA ‘B’ Licence and SFA UEFA ‘A’ Licence - this latter award being essential to become a full time professional football coach in Scotland). Finally, a sample of senior coaches (those that had been practising for at least five years) was examined. The methodology of choice was that of Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) which enabled an idiographic analysis of each coach to be carried out. Using the Repertory Grid (Repgrid) technique all samples, which were exclusively male, completed a grid and the group of senior coaches also had their grid data further analysed using the ‘Laddering’ approach, which enabled a more detailed set of core constructs to be derived. In addition, the development of the ‘Snake’ interview approach, enabled a more detailed examination of senior, elite coaches’tract development. This format enabled the senior coaches to describe perceived critical incidents that had occurred in their professional lives and discussed what meaning such incidents had in their professional development. Results indicated that there was a mismatch between what young professional players thought that coaches should do and what coaches actually did in their daily practice. Further, differences in constructs between “B” level, coaches and “A” level coaches and senior coaches were clearly definable. There was little evidence to support idealistic notions of what should happen in learning situations with senior professional coaches and reasons for such were discussed. It was argued that much more attention should be paid by the National Governing Body, the Scottish Football Association (SFA), to ensure that courses should be better structured to be more relevant to neophyte coaches in their initial learning. Thus, once these coaches become formally qualified (certificated) more precise mechanisms, in terms of realistic Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, mentoring of coaches at all levels and the establishment and encouragement of ongoing and accepted communities of practice, coaches will benefit and develop as professionals from such continuous life-long learning opportunities.

Thesis (MTech. degree in Architecture (Professional))--Tshwane University of Technology, 2010. / Major effort and substantial financing has gone into the recent upgrade of South African stadiums, exclusively for the FIFA World Cup 2010. It included building new stadiums, upgrading existing ones and improving infrastructure and services. After the Soccer World Cup, the country is obliged to maintain these very expensive stadiums and the infrastructure. In order to maintain them, it will not be sufficient only to organise events, but it will also require regular daily activities as well as further usage in order for them to be viable in the future. This thesis specifically focuses on the FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg, in terms of the context mentioned above. By providing educational and research facilities, the Stadium, the venue and the surrounding area becomes a more diversified and community friendly place. The educational facilities envisaged are intended to accommodate a Soccer Academy.