Abstract
BACKGROUND: In football matches, passing is an important means of organizing attacks, creating shots, changing tactics, and achieving tactical objectives and is a frequently used technique. The purpose of the study was to explore the relevant factors that affect passes in the Chinese Super League (CSL) in different game contexts. METHODS: A total of 1,440 matches (2,880 samples) of 24 teams participating in the CSL in the 2014-2019 seasons were selected as the research object, and a mixed linear model was constructed to analyse the influencing factors of passes. RESULTS: (a) The passing success rate and the total number of forward passes were greatly affected by the stage of the season; (b) except for the passing success rate in the 30 m attack area, all other pass indicators in the home matches were significantly higher than those in the away matches; (c) the number of passes in the 30 m attack area was mainly affected by the team level (table position quartile); the higher the team level, the greater the number of passes in the 30 m attack area; (d) all passing indices for the matches between the first eight and the last eight were significantly greater than the matches between the first eight; (e) the passing success rate in the 30 m attack area in winning matches was higher than that in drawn matches; (f) the number of forward passes was significantly greater in matches won by two or more goals, and the number of defender passes was significantly greater in losing matches. CONCLUSION: The various passing indices of the CSL were affected by different game contexts (including season stage, venue, team level, match type and match outcome), and understanding these influencing factors of passes will help coaches and players better understand football matches.