Sprawność działania zespołów w Mistrzostwach Świata RPA 2010 z uwzględnieniem systemów gry

Background. The aim of the study was to develop cognitive models of efficiency of male footballers during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In addition, this study tried to determine the efficiency level of shots and passes of the ball based on: activity, efficiency and reliability of players’ actions. Material and methods. While developing play models, the author used materials collected on the basis of the system of analysing players’ performance, so-called the Castrol Performance Index. It includes the performances of all 599 players who participated in the tournament. The univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) for individual classification was used in statistical analysis. The post-hoc test was applied when significant differences occurred. Results. Among the teams playing in the three systems of play analysed here, there were no essential differences in the efficiency of shots to the goal. However, significant differences appeared in activity (p = 0.006), efficiency (p = 0.008) and reliability (p = 0.049) in passing the ball between the teams using the 1–4–2–3–1 system and those preferring the 1–4–4–2 system. The significant difference was also found in higher frequency of passes of footballers playing the 1-4-2-3-1 system when compared to the teams using the 1–4–3–3 system. Additionally, in certain lengths of passes appeared similar dependencies. The key element in the 1–4–2–3–1 system is arranging the team in 5 lines, which results in significant number of passes made. It favours a combinatorial play, thus providing an opportunity to exchange a great number of passes, especially of short and medium lengths. Key words: operational efficiency, the World Cup, football