Goalkeeper as an outfield player : shooting chances at critical moments in elite futsal

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify the importance of the goalkeeper?s chance to shoot at goal as an outfield player in elite futsal according to critical and situational variables. The sample consisted of 11,446 actions corresponding to 1325 matches from the Spanish Futsal League in the seasons from 2010 to 2015. Binary logistic regression and classification tree multivariate models were used to identify the best predictor variables related to the chance of shooting as a criterion of success. Results from the binomial logistic regression emphasised the success relationships when the teams played at home, against an equally ranked opponent, during balanced matches, and had up to two fouls. When the teams were drawing or losing, the actions of goalkeeper as an outfield player were unsuccessful. The classification tree results identified a greater chance of shooting in balanced matches during the playoffs, and with no more than two fouls. Negative effects were observed during the regular phase and when used by the teams in the final moments of a match. The identified trends will allow futsal coaches to recognise the most suitable situations for achieving success when using an attack with the goalkeeper as an outfield player.