It’s episode 56 and we really enjoyed recording this one!

We chatted about the role of data and analytics further down the football pyramid, and how they can be used and implemented. Can teams at an amateur level still benefit from the use of data?

To help us answer this, we spoke with Robbie at Meadowbank Wednesday — a team in the Lothian and Edinburgh Amateur FA Sunday Premier Division — to get the current insight into the data at the amateur level. Robbie shared some great work that he has been doing and where Meadowbank Wednesday are looking to add to their use of data.

Let us know your own experiences!

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A slightly different topic for the podcast this week, as we explore the role of neuroscience within football.

Yes, you read that correctly. We take a closer look Neuro11, who are a scientific group founded by Niklas Hausler and Patrick Hantschke. The group is based in Potsdam of Germany, and they develop mental strength training programmes for professional sports.

We chat about their role within Liverpool Football Club and how they have helped with the club’s free kick and penalty taking. Let us know your thoughts!

Bio links:

Neuro11 website: https://neuro11.de/;

James Pearce article: https://theathletic.com/2864963/2021/10/11/meet-the-neuroscientists-aiming-to-help-liverpool-thrive-at-set-pieces-by-attaching-electrodes-to-mo-salahs-head/?source=emp_shared_article 

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In Episode 54, we were delighted to be joined by yet another guest to the podcast. 

We chatted to Tom Randolph, founder of Delphlyx – a platform designed to help sporting directors and agents make better informed decisions when using player data.

We chatted with Tom on how he came to create Delphlyx, why it is important to ensure that all users can understand the platform, and which clubs he is currently working with.

Thanks again to Tom for joining us!

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What a week to have an episode on Leeds United!

We were delighted to call upon Jon Mackenzie to discuss all things Leeds, as he uncovered some fantastic insight into their season so far. True to form, we chatted about things from a tactical and analytical perspective — there is plenty there for everyone to take something from.

Since we recorded with Jon, Marcelo Bielsa has parted ways with Leeds United and Jesse Marsch is now at the helm. Let us know your thoughts on Bielsa's departure and the man who is taking his place! You know where to find us!

Bio Links: 

 “A Podcast About Tactics”: https://twitter.com/podabouttactics 

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Somehow, we have gone more than 50 episodes without breaking down the art and science of a free-kick.

There have been so many weird and wonderful goals scored from free-kicks, so we unpack the process behind it, look into the numbers on goal probability, and read out some of your messages of your favourite free-kicks of all time!

The optimal distance to score from a free-kick? Wall or no wall? A well-placed curler or a blast at goal? We’ve got it all covered!

Bio links:

Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/FanalyticsPod/status/1493912910762061824?s=20&t=ONg8B98eibTqKii_AftOuQ;

Goalkeeper research: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0243287 

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When you kick a football, which foot do you use? What percentage of players are ‘right-footed’ vs ‘left-footed’? Which players do you think of as ‘two-footed’?

These are all questions we are exploring in this weeks episode, as we discuss the concept of being ‘ambipedal’.

We take a look at how you would define being ‘two-footed’, the idea that players can be a certain percentage dominant when using one foot, and much more!

Bio Links:

https://www.footballtechnicallab.com/the-myth-of-the-two-footed-footballer-part-1/; 

https://statsbomb.com/2019/04/pass-footedness-in-the-premier-league/ 

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At last, the Football Fanalytics Podcast has reached its half-century!

In Episode 50, we delve into a tactics-based topic where we break down the advantages and disadvantages of different defensive structures.

What are the differences between a low vs mid vs high block? How can each of them be effective and what does it force the opposition to do? What is the risk vs reward of each defensive block?

We cover all the above and more, before diving back into the Fanalytics mailbag and answering your questions — however quirky they may be!

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We’re back for 2022 and just one away from our half-century of episodes for the podcast!

With a whole host of high-profile players seeing their contracts expire in the upcoming summer, January is a time to discuss pre-contract agreements with a new club. But who might be putting in that extra bit of effort to land themselves a new deal?

In Episode 49, we discuss the “Contract Year Phenomenon”, taking inspiration from American sports to unpick how players statistically overperform in the year before signing a new contract. 

We’ve got stories, research, and games. Not one to be missed!

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As we draw 2021 to a close, we thought it would be a great opportunity to look back at some of the key things that we’ve learned or discussed on The Football Fanalytics Podcast this year.

We introduced some more analytics terms, discussed some interesting tactical concepts and had some fantastic guests who shared their experiences of working within football. What was your favourite episode of 2021? Get in touch and let us know!

Finally, we would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year from The Football Fanalytics Podcast. Here’s to a great 2022!

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In-swinging? Out-swinging? Short? 

In Episode 47, we look into different types of corner routines from an attacking and defending perspective. Is it more productive to go with man-marking or zonal marking? Should you put a player on each post when defending corners? Are in-swinging corners more lucrative than out-swinging corners when looking to score a goal?

We cover all the above, all backed up by the numbers! We also discuss some of our favourite goals from a corner, please do send yours in! 

Bio links: 

Corner article: https://theathletic.co.uk/2911374/2021/10/28/why-outswinging-corners-lead-to-more-chances-but-inswingers-lead-to-more-goals/;  

Paul Power 2018 paper: http://sportdocbox.com/World_Soccer/72816302-Mythbusting-set-pieces-in-soccer.html 

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