Indicators of Quantity and Performance Efficiency of Ball Reception by High-Quality Football Players in Competitive Conditions

The aim of this study is to establish indicators of the quantity and effectiveness of various ball reception techniques by high-quality football players. Material, participants and methods: the research was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024. Technical-tactical actions (ball receptions) were recorded during games of English Premier League (EPL) teams in the 2023/2024 season. A total of 10 games were registered and analyzed for this study. The methods employed included analysis of scientific and methodological literature, video analysis of matches, and mathematical statistical methods. Results: the study revealed that football players from English Premier League teams in the 2023/2024 season, on average, executed 370,9±35,3 ball receptions per game. This consisted of 337,4±34,2 rolling ball receptions and 33,5±1,8 airborne ball receptions. Additionally, players performed, on average, 280,8±27,3 ball receptions with the inside of the foot, 40,1±5,1 with the sole, 31,8±3,2 with the outside of the foot, 8,1±0,9 with the chest, 3,9±0,5 with the thigh, 3,8±0,5 with the middle part of the shin, 1,5±0,2 with the abdomen, and 1,1±0,2 with the head. The most effective method of ball reception in the recorded games was using the sole (99,1±0,4%), while the least effective was with the head (59,7±12,0%). Conclusions: the study established indicators for the quantity and effectiveness of ball reception techniques by high-quality football players. Statistical differences were found in both quantitative and qualitative aspects of various ball reception techniques among EPL teams in the 2023/2024 season. It was established that the most popular way of receiving the ball is receiving the ball with the inner side of the foot, and the least popular is receiving the ball with the stomach and head. It was also established, the effectiveness of ball reception by football players depends on the technique used and the trajectory of the ball.