What are Shot Charts?
A shot chart for a goalkeeper in soccer serves as a valuable analytical tool to evaluate their performance, positioning, and decision-making during a match. Here's how a shot chart is typically used for a goalkeeper:
- Visualizing Shot Locations: The chart plots the locations from where shots were taken against the goalkeeper. This can help in analyzing which areas of the goal or field the goalkeeper is more frequently challenged from.
- Assessing Save Distribution: By marking the shots that were saved, the chart provides insights into the goalkeeper's save distribution - whether they are more effective at stopping shots at close range, long-range, or in certain areas of the goal.
- Understanding Goals Conceded: The shots that resulted in goals can be examined to understand the circumstances under which the goalkeeper concedes. It could be used to identify patterns such as vulnerability to shots from specific angles, difficulties in dealing with set-pieces, or weaknesses in one-on-one situations.
- Evaluating Positioning and Technique: The chart can also be used to assess the goalkeeper's positioning and technique. For instance, if a cluster of shots from a particular area frequently results in goals, it might indicate a need for better positioning or technique adjustment in those scenarios.
- Shot Type Analysis: Including information about the type of shots faced (e.g., headers, volleys, penalties) can further help in understanding and improving a goalkeeper's readiness and response to different kinds of threats.
- Performance Over Time: Comparing shot charts from different games or seasons can highlight improvements or declines in a goalkeeper's performance, aiding in long-term development and training focus.
Types of Shot Charts
Basic Shot Chart
The Basic Shot Chart shows the location of all shots on target with the shape and color indicating if a shot was scored or not (Yes/No).
Saveable
The Saveable shot chart shows similar information to the Scored chart, but adds an element to show if a shot was savable (Yes/No), as judged by the person logging the shots.
Save Difficulty
The Save Difficulty chart shows qualitatively how difficult each shot was to save, based on the keeper position, shot location and other variables that may have impacted the play.
Shot Type
The Shot Type chart shows all of the shots on target, the shot locations and different symbols based on the type of shot (direct, cross, 1v1, PK, Free Kick).