Goals scored and received in 5vs4 GK game strategy are constrained by critical moment and situational variables in elite futsal

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the importance and meaning of goals using the goalkeeper as an outfield player in elite futsal according to critical and situational variables. The sample consisted of 11,446 actions corresponding to 1,325 matches from the 1st division Spanish Futsal League during the seasons from 2010 to 2015. Multinomial logistic regression and classification tree multivariate models were used to identify the best predictor variables related to the likelihood of scoring goals, receiving goals, or no goals. Results from Multinomial logistic regression emphasised goals scored in balanced matches and playing with the goalkeeper as an outfield player before the last eight minutes. When the teams were drawing or losing, finished with goals received or without goals. The classification tree results identified a greater likelihood of scoring goals when the teams were winning, in balanced matches, and within the last eight minutes. Conversely, a greater likelihood of suffering goals was observed using the goalkeeper as an outfield player when the teams were losing, in unbalanced matches and in the last eight minutes. The identified trends will allow futsal coaches to recognise the most suitable situations for achieving efficacy when using the goalkeeper as an outfield player strategy.