The aim of this study was to investigate the most effective zones on the pitch for creating goal scoring opportunities during the final phases of open play. With a further aim of this study investigating the type of pass used during these final two phases of play, and how this too impacts goal scoring opportunities. In total, 437 attacking phases of play where a shot isproduced were analysed from the 2019/20 English Premier League season. Location of both pre-assist and assist were recorded along with the type of pass made and the shot outcome.
There were 29 zones for the assisting passes which were grouped into four sections based on their location. These being; Offensive, Pre-Offensive, Pre-Defensive, and Defensive. There were also 6 types of pass that players could make from these zones; Short, Low Driven,Lofted, Penetrative, Cross, and Headed. It was found that during the pre-assist stage, thepre-offensive zones were the most effective for producing goals (28, 37.3%) with the offensive zones producing the most amount of goals during the assist phase (31, 41.4%). Short passes were the most used pass type during the pre-assist stage due to possession maintenance and produced the most goals (28, 37.3%), with penetrative passes also producing a lot of goals(24, 32%) at this stage. The most effective form of assist for producing goals was through crosses (27, 36%) with penetrative passes into the 18-yard box also proving an effective form of assist (25,33.3%). It was concluded that the application of both width in attack and support play aid in the effectiveness of pass location and pass types.