Video: Ineffectiveness of diagonal cross-field passes discussed at Opta Analytics forum

A 20 minute presentation at Opta Forum by Colm Mcmullan talks about how cross-field long balls, typically called “Hollywood balls”, are ineffective although they are mostly praised by commentators and pundits alike.

In the presentation, they assume that there is a better option available every time a long diagonal pass is played. At times, the combined effect of having a chance to counter and also the release of pressure makes the long diagonal a very effective weapon, especially for teams who sit back and don’t have technical players to carry or pass the ball from the back. For such teams, the long diagonals are effective tactical weapons.