Equal Pass: Comparing Passing Networks of England’s Top Women’s and Men’s Football Leagues
A summary of the research:
This study compares passing networks in England’s top women’s and men’s football leagues using social network analysis. Researchers analyzed 328 FA Women’s Super League matches and 760 English Premier League matches, focusing on metrics such as passing density, team connectivity, and player influence. The results showed no significant gender differences in passing structures, suggesting that tactical and cooperative aspects of football function similarly across genders. Higher-ranked teams in both leagues demonstrated stronger passing networks than lower-ranked teams, highlighting the importance of well-structured ball movement in successful teams. Interestingly, while home and away team differences were present in men’s football, they were nearly nonexistent in the women’s game.
The study challenges the perception that women’s football is fundamentally different from men’s football in terms of team passing dynamics. While past research has noted physical and technical differences between male and female players, this study finds that women’s teams utilize passing strategies just as effectively as men’s teams. The lack of a home-field advantage in women’s football also raises questions about how factors like crowd size and travel conditions impact performance differently across genders.
Key Takeaways:
Passing Quality Determines Success Regardless of Gender – Since higher-ranked teams in both men’s and women’s leagues show superior passing networks, coaches should prioritize structured passing drills and team connectivity in training sessions.
Women’s Teams Do Not Experience Home-Field Advantage – Unlike in men’s football, home and away games do not significantly impact passing structures in women’s teams. This suggests that crowd size and travel conditions may not play as large a role in women’s football, which clubs can consider when planning travel logistics.
Team Cohesion Matters More Than Individual Physical Differences – Despite physical disparities between men and women, passing networks are equally effective in both leagues. This reinforces the idea that strategic play and teamwork are key drivers of success in women’s football, emphasizing the need for tactical awareness and structured game plans.
Authors: Chenyuyan Yang and Otto Kolbinger
You can read the entire article here.
