Football Analytics Glossary

This glossary explains the metrics and tactical terms used across FootballPress. Data providers such as Opta, StatsBomb and FBref sometimes define the same metric slightly differently, so where definitions vary we say so. Terms are grouped into shooting and chance quality, chance creation and progression, pressing and defending, and tactical concepts.

Shooting and chance quality

Expected goals (xG)

The probability that a shot becomes a goal, based on thousands of historical shots with similar characteristics: distance and angle to goal, body part, the type of pass or situation that created it, and (in some models) defensive pressure. Every shot gets a value between 0 and 1. A team’s xG for a match is the sum of its shots. Most models value a penalty at roughly 0.76–0.79 xG. For a worked example, read What Is xG? Expected Goals Explained With One Real Match.

Non-penalty expected goals (npxG)

xG with penalties removed. Because penalties are high-value chances that only some players take, npxG is a fairer way to compare how many good chances players create for themselves in open play and from set pieces.

Expected goals on target (xGOT) / post-shot xG (PSxG)

A second model applied only to shots on target, which also accounts for where the shot was placed in the goal. It rewards finishing into the corners. Comparing a goalkeeper’s post-shot xG faced with the goals actually conceded is a common way to judge shot-stopping.

Goals minus xG (finishing over/under-performance)

The difference between a player’s goals and their xG. A positive number means they scored more than an average finisher would from the same chances. Over a single season this is noisy; over several seasons it can point to genuinely elite finishing.

Chance creation and progression

Expected assists (xA / xAG)

Measures the quality of chances a player creates for teammates. Providers differ: some calculate the likelihood that a pass becomes an assist based on the pass itself, while others (such as FBref’s “xAG”) add up the xG of the shots that followed a player’s passes. Either way, it credits creators even when the shooter misses.

Shot-creating actions (SCA) and goal-creating actions (GCA)

The two attacking actions directly before a shot (or goal): passes, dribbles, fouls drawn or shots that lead to another shot. They capture creativity beyond the final pass.

Progressive pass

A completed pass that moves the ball significantly closer to the opponent’s goal, typically at least 10 yards further forward than its furthest point in the previous few actions, or any completed pass into the penalty area. Exact thresholds vary by provider.

Progressive carry

The same idea applied to running with the ball: a carry that moves the ball substantially towards the opponent’s goal, or into the penalty area. Useful for identifying midfielders and defenders who break lines by dribbling rather than passing.

Expected threat (xT)

A model that divides the pitch into zones and values each zone by how likely possession there is to lead to a goal within the next few actions. Moving the ball from a low-value zone to a high-value zone adds xT, so passes and carries that do not end in a shot still get credit.

Packing

Counts how many opponents a pass or dribble takes out of the game, that is, how many defenders end up behind the ball. It was popularised by the German analytics company Impect.

Per 90 minutes

A statistic divided by minutes played and multiplied by 90, so a substitute and a regular starter can be compared on equal terms. Small samples distort per-90 numbers, which is why analysts usually set a minimum (for example, 900 minutes) before comparing players.

Pressing and defending

PPDA (passes allowed per defensive action)

The number of passes a team lets the opponent make in the opponent’s own half or build-up zone before making a defensive action (tackle, interception, challenge or foul) there. A lower PPDA means a more intense press. Elite pressing sides often sit below 10; deep-defending sides can be above 15.

Field tilt

One team’s share of the final-third passes (or touches) made by both teams in a match. A 65% field tilt means one side made nearly two-thirds of the passes in the attacking third, a quick way to show territorial dominance.

High turnovers

Possession won close to the opponent’s goal (Opta uses within 40 metres). A high count usually reflects an effective press, and these turnovers often lead to high-quality chances.

Counter-pressing (gegenpressing)

Pressing immediately after losing the ball, while the opponent is still disorganised, instead of retreating into shape. Jürgen Klopp’s Dortmund and Liverpool made the idea famous.

Low block, mid-block and high block

Where a team sets its defensive line and starts pressing when it does not have the ball. A low block defends deep near its own box, a mid-block engages around the halfway line, and a high block confronts the opponent near their goal.

Rest defence

The players a team keeps behind the ball while it is attacking, positioned to stop counter-attacks if possession is lost. A “3-2” rest defence means three defenders and two midfielders stay back.

Offside trap / high line

A defensive line that steps up together to leave attackers offside. It compresses the space the opponent can play in, but a mistimed step leaves a striker clean through. See How the Offside Rule Works, With 5 Real Examples.

Tactical concepts

Half-spaces

The two vertical channels between the centre of the pitch and the wings. Players receiving there can see goal and both flanks, which makes them prime areas for creative players.

Zone 14

The central area just outside the penalty box. Analysis of top-level matches has long shown that a large share of assists come from here, so teams work hard to get playmakers on the ball in this zone.

Inverted full-back

A full-back who moves into central midfield when his team has the ball, instead of overlapping on the wing. It adds an extra midfielder for build-up and strengthens rest defence.

False nine

A centre-forward who drops into midfield instead of staying high. It drags centre-backs out of position and creates space for runners. Lionel Messi under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona is the classic example.

Double pivot

Two holding midfielders playing side by side in front of the defence, offering stability and two passing options in build-up, common in 4-2-3-1 shapes.

Regista and mezzala

Italian terms for midfield roles. A regista is a deep-lying playmaker who dictates play from in front of the defence. A mezzala is a central midfielder who drifts wide into the half-spaces to join attacks.

Overload and third-man run

An overload puts more players than the opponent into one area of the pitch to create a free man. A third-man run is a move where player A passes to B, who lays the ball off to a third player C running into space, a classic way to beat a press.

3-2-5 (attacking shape)

A common in-possession structure: three players at the back, two central midfielders ahead of them, and five attackers spread across the width of the pitch. Many teams line up 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 without the ball but attack in a 3-2-5.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good xG per 90 for a striker?

In Europe’s top leagues, a non-penalty xG of around 0.4 per 90 is solid for a regular striker, and elite forwards often reach 0.6 or more. Context matters: strikers in dominant teams get more chances.

Is a low or high PPDA better?

Neither is “better” on its own. A low PPDA shows an aggressive pressing style, while a high PPDA suggests a team that sits deeper and defends its box. What matters is whether the approach suits the players.

Why do different websites show different xG for the same match?

Each provider trains its own model on different data and includes different factors, such as defensive pressure or goalkeeper position. Totals for a match usually agree in direction but can differ by a few tenths of a goal.