Relationship between ball possession and effectiveness in offensive processes in football

This study to verified the relationship between ball possession/ shots on goal (trials and efficacy) and the goal scoring in Spanish, English, Germany and Brazilian national football leagues. Data were gathered from a website (www.resultados.com and www.futebol.com), and the following variables were analyzed: ball possession, shots on goal and goals, which were used to access the team efficacy. Three seasons of each national league (expect Brazilian league, with 2 seasons), totaling 4060 matches, were considered in this study. Spearman correlation coefficient was used at a level of significance of 5%. Results showed significant correlations between ball possession and shots on goal in all years and leagues. Significant correlations were also presented between ball possession and goals in English, Germany and Spanish (except 2013/2014 season) leagues, and between ball possession and efficacy in the 2011/2012 season of English league.