Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season

Minas-panagiotis Ispirlidis; Ioannis Ispirlidis; Georgios Pafis; Angelos Kyranoudis; Mert Isbilir

doi:10.54141/psbd.1650552

Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze defensive efficacy and identify effective defensive actions against various types of crosses from different positions in elite football matches. Recordings and analyses were conducted on the top five teams from Germany (Bundesliga), England (Premier League), and Spain (La Liga) during the 2022-2023 season, covering 60 matches. A total of 1,428 crosses were examined to assess defensive responses. The study utilized the Wyscout platform, a personal computer (PC), and a tablet for analysis. Statistical methods included frequency and percentage ratio analysis, along with Crosstabs and the chi-square (x²) test to examine relationships between categories. Findings indicated that defensive line height significantly impacts defensive success across all crossing zones (p<0.05). The origin of the cross also plays a crucial role (p<0.05), with failures occurring more frequently when crosses originate from half-spaces rather than lateral areas. The data analysis indicated that the height of the defensive line has a significant impact (p<0.05) on defensive effectiveness across all zones of the crosser. The outcome zone is equally important (p<0.05), as defenders struggle more when the ball is played centrally between the center-back and weak-side full-back, behind the weak-side full-back, or within the penalty spot-to-goal area in cut-back situations. These results highlight the importance of structured defensive positioning and coordination, particularly in managing crosses from half-spaces and securing critical defensive regions.

Keywords

Project Number

“Not Assigned”

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Physical Training and Sports, Movement Education in Sports Science, Sports Science and Exercise (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Minas-panagiotis Ispirlidis ^*
0009-0001-3403-719X
Greece

Ioannis Ispirlidis
0000-0002-2932-6632
Greece

Georgios Pafis
0009-0009-5979-7679
Greece

Angelos Kyranoudis
0009-0000-4881-4175
Greece

Mert Isbilir
0009-0006-5750-4201
Greece

Publication Date

August 30, 2025

Submission Date

March 4, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 5, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 16 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1650552

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA82XM63RE

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Ispirlidis, M.- panagiotis, Ispirlidis, I., Pafis, G., Kyranoudis, A., & Isbilir, M. (2025). Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, 16(2), 449-467. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1650552

AMA

1.Ispirlidis M panagiotis, Ispirlidis I, Pafis G, Kyranoudis A, Isbilir M. Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2025;16(2):449-467. doi:10.54141/psbd.1650552

Chicago

Ispirlidis, Minas-panagiotis, Ioannis Ispirlidis, Georgios Pafis, Angelos Kyranoudis, and Mert Isbilir. 2025. “Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences 16 (2): 449-67. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1650552.

EndNote

Ispirlidis M- panagiotis, Ispirlidis I, Pafis G, Kyranoudis A, Isbilir M (August 1, 2025) Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences 16 2 449–467.

IEEE

[1]M.- panagiotis Ispirlidis, I. Ispirlidis, G. Pafis, A. Kyranoudis, and M. Isbilir, “Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season”, Pamukkale J Sport Sci, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 449–467, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.54141/psbd.1650552.

ISNAD

Ispirlidis, Minas-panagiotis - Ispirlidis, Ioannis - Pafis, Georgios - Kyranoudis, Angelos - Isbilir, Mert. “Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences 16/2 (August 1, 2025): 449-467. https://doi.org/10.54141/psbd.1650552.

JAMA

1.Ispirlidis M- panagiotis, Ispirlidis I, Pafis G, Kyranoudis A, Isbilir M. Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2025;16:449–467.

MLA

Ispirlidis, Minas-panagiotis, et al. “Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season”. Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences, vol. 16, no. 2, Aug. 2025, pp. 449-67, doi:10.54141/psbd.1650552.

Vancouver

1.Minas-panagiotis Ispirlidis, Ioannis Ispirlidis, Georgios Pafis, Angelos Kyranoudis, Mert Isbilir. Defensive Actions in Crossing: Analysis of Top Spanish, English and German Elite Teams in 2022-2023 Season. Pamukkale J Sport Sci. 2025 Aug. 1;16(2):449-67. doi:10.54141/psbd.1650552