Most Popular Soccer Pass Type Statistics Statistics

In this post, we will explore a compilation of intriguing statistics regarding the types and frequencies of soccer passes in various leagues and tournaments. From the dominance of short passes in the English Premier League to the emphasis on crosses by teams like Liverpool FC and Borussia Dortmund, these statistics provide valuable insights into the dynamics of modern soccer strategies. Let’s dive into the numbers and uncover the patterns that shape the beautiful game.

Statistic 1

"Short passes are the most popular type of passes, making up around 84% of all passes in a soccer match, according to a 5-year review of the English Premier League."

Statistic 2

"16.37% of all passes were across, with 62.54% being forward during the 2018 FIFA World Cup."

Statistic 3

"On average, Premier League teams completed 375.69 short passes per game in the 2020/21 season."

Statistic 4

"Key passes, which lead to goal-scoring opportunities, represent less than 2% of all passes made in a soccer match."

Statistic 5

"On average, a long pass is executed 57 times per game in Premier League matches."

Statistic 6

"Crosses make up around 8% of all passes in a match in La Liga."

Statistic 7

"In the 2020/21 season, Liverpool FC executed 24 crosses per game, more than any other team in the Premier League."

Statistic 8

"Approximately 35% of all passes are made to the left side of the field in most professional soccer matches."

Statistic 9

"During the 2019/20 Premier League season, 70% of all passes made were forward passes."

Statistic 10

"Napoli made an average of 91 long passes per game during the 2020/21 Serie A season, the highest in the league."

Statistic 11

"In the 2020/2021 Bundesliga season, one in every three passes was a square pass."

Statistic 12

"In the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League season, the average successful pass rate for key passes was around 76%."

Statistic 13

"In the 2018 Serie A season, Atalanta had the highest percentage of forward passes (forward pass match ratio: 0.59)."

Statistic 14

"Over 70% of back passes (passes to goalkeeper) are successful, according to Premier League data from 2019/20."

Statistic 15

"In the 2020/21 season, Borussia Dortmund made the highest average number of crosses per game in the Bundesliga with 25."

Statistic 16

"In the 2018 World Cup, Belgium had the highest percentage of successful passes (89%) in a single match."

Statistic 17

"In the 2019/20 season, Bayern Munich had an average of 702 short passes per match, the highest in the Bundesliga."

Short passes dominate the soccer field, comprising the majority of passes in various leagues and tournaments. Across different competitions, forward passes are predominant, showcasing teams’ tactical approach to advancing the ball. Key passes, critical for generating goal-scoring opportunities, are rare compared to other pass types. Teams vary in their passing strategies, exemplified by the range of cross frequencies and pass directions observed. Successful pass rates for key passes differ across competitions, highlighting the importance of execution under pressure. These statistical insights offer a comprehensive view of passing dynamics in elite soccer, underscoring the nuanced decision-making and skill required to control the game through effective passing strategies.