Structural and dynamical differences between short and long pass sequences: A temporal network analysis

초록

We propose a temporal network framework to analyze football passing sequences, moving beyond static aggregate graphs to reveal dynamic structural properties. Analyzing 302 matches from the South Korean national team (1980-2010), Euro 2024, and World Cup 2022, we classify sequences into Short (SPS, s = 3, 4) and Long (LPS, s = 5 - 8) Pass Sequences using a variancemaximization threshold. We identify a functional dichotomy: SPS acts as the primary driver of effective attacks, characterized by high forward velocity, directional synchronization (r approximate to 1), and triangular motifs. Conversely, LPS exhibits a transition into a diffusive, low-velocity state used primarily for stability. Spatially, a universal core-periphery structure emerges where LPS dominates the midfield, while SPS characterizes critical zones. Comparative analysis reveals a key evolution: while the historical Korean team used LPS reactively when blocked, elite modern teams utilize it proactively to manipulate defenses. These findings establish sequence size as a critical order parameter governing the trade-off between attacking efficiency and structural complexity.

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