#RBArecommends In recent years, #BrentfordFC has become a reference point for many, both in recruitment and playing style. But is it realistic—or even necessary—to replicate their approach elsewhere? buff.ly/3D162wZ

#RBAglossary Man or player marking is a defensive strategy in which each defender is assigned a specific opponent to track and neutralise throughout the game. The objective is to limit the marked player’s influence by staying close, contesting passes & disrupting their movement.

#RBArecommends This presentation explores whether left-footed players have an advantage over right-footers when playing as left-backs or left centre-backs. buff.ly/3Qw79HZ

#RBAquotes #Como1907 head coach Cesc Fabregas explains how to beat a high press. #football #soccer

#RBArecommends This article explains that xG isn’t just a metric or unit of measurement—it tells a story about probability, process, and context. #football #soccer buff.ly/P2B2X55

#RBAglossary The offside trap is a defensive tactic in which defenders move forward in sync to catch an attacking player in an offside position when a pass is played. This strategy requires precise timing and coordination, as any misstep can leave the defence exposed. #football

#RBAquotes #Juventus head coach Thiago Motta talks about formations and his vision. #football #soccer #Juve #JuventusFC

#RBArecommends This article analyses the cost of injuries in the #EPL 2023/2024 season. Looking at total lost time injuries, only five teams in the league have managed to reduce their injury burden compared to last season. buff.ly/pOboWbt

#RBAglossary A sliding tackle is a defensive move where a player slides on the ground to dispossess an opponent or block the ball. It requires good timing and technique to avoid committing a foul. #football #soccer buff.ly/yRm35J8

#RBArecommends Can adding team strength features to an xG model meaningfully improve its predictive performance and calibration? This analysis explores the answer. buff.ly/1QRIe6a

#RBAglossary To "nick a goal" means to score unexpectedly, often against the run of play. It comes from the slang "nick something," meaning to take or steal. For example, a team may defend all game and nick a goal at the end from a set piece.

#RBAquotes #AtleticoMadrid head coach Diego Simeone rejects the idea of labelling his team as purely defensive. #Atleti #football #soccer

#RBArecommends This article focuses on the data analysis required to make an informed choice when appointing a head coach. Among the metrics considered are pass length, defensive 3rd build-up, player involvement per possession and pressing effectiveness. buff.ly/2fXUNc7

#RBAglossary Verticality refers to a tactical approach focused on progressing the ball quickly and directly toward the opponent’s goal - often through forward passes, runs, or transitions - rather than prioritising possession or lateral movement.

#RBArecommends This PyData Eindhoven 2024 talk explains how to automate contextual metrics from tracking data at scale. Especially useful for data scientists, engineers, and analysts working with data. buff.ly/7oMtLgK

#RBAquotes Carlo Ancelotti, who will leave #RealMadrid at the end of the season, holds a rather unconventional - and at times contradictory - view on game organisation. Nevertheless, this approach can deliver results, especially at top clubs.

#RBArecommends This paper presents a new framework for player valuation by combining principles from financial mathematics and network theory. Unlike traditional approachesthis model focuses on in-game contributions as they evolve over time. buff.ly/KqFQmNC

#RBAglossary The age curve refers to the general pattern of how a player's performance changes over time as they age. While individual cases differ, outfield players usually peak between the ages of 23 and 29, whereas goalkeepers tend to peak between 28 and 34.

#RBAquotes Former #GenoaCFC head coach Alberto Gilardino, speaking about the importance of adaptation, suggests that it’s possible to achieve results through tactical means - even when the squad lacks top-level quality.

#RBAtrivia #ACMilan won the 1993–94 #SerieA title scoring just 36 goals in 34 games—the lowest ever for a champion. Their secret? An iron-clad defence that conceded only 15 goals all season under Fabio Capello. A masterclass in winning without attacking flair.