Metrics Glossary A–Z
Every working term of football analytics, from the symbol to the failure mode. Each entry gives the formula where one exists, the model that computes it, and the situation in which the number misleads.
A
B
C
D
Deep CompletionA pass received inside a defined zone near the opponent's goal.Defensive ActionAn intervention by a defender to win or disrupt the ball.
E
Expected Goals (xG)The probability that an average player converts a given attempt.Expected Assists (xA)The value of the shot a pass created, credited to the passer.Expected Goal Involvement (xGI)Expected goals plus expected assists in one figure.Expected Threat (xT)The probability of scoring from a given position on the pitch.Expected Goals Against (xGA)The expected goals a side allowed its opponents.
F
Field TiltThe share of final-third activity belonging to each side.Finishing SkillThe claim that some players consistently exceed expected goals.
G
Goal-Creating Actions (GCA)The two offensive actions immediately preceding a goal.Goals PreventedPost-shot expected goals faced minus goals conceded.
H
High TurnoverA possession regain made inside a defined area near the opponent's goal.Half-SpaceThe channel between the centre and the touchline.
L
N
O
P
PPDAOpponent passes divided by your defensive actions, inside a stated zone.Progressive PassA pass that moves the ball a set distance closer to goal.Progressive CarryA player advancing the ball a set distance closer to goal.Post-Shot xG (PSxG)Expected goals revalued after the ball has been struck.PressureA measure of how close and how many opponents are to the player on the ball.Possession-Adjusted StatisticsDefensive counts restated per unit of exposure rather than as raw totals.Packing RateThe number of opponents a pass removes from the game.
R
S
Shot-Creating Actions (SCA)The two offensive actions immediately preceding a shot.Set-Piece xGExpected goals generated from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins.Shot QualityThe average expected-goals value of a side's attempts.Sample SizeThe number of events a figure rests on, which decides how much of it is signal.Save PercentageSaves divided by shots on target.Switch of PlayA long pass from one side of the pitch to the other.
T
X
xG BuildupThe expected goals of a move credited to every player involved except the shooter and assister.xG ChainThe expected goals of moves a player was involved in at any point.