Technical performances of teams competing in the
professional second divisions of England, Germany and France
were analysed over five seasons in order to determine which factors
influence the chances of promotion to the elite leagues. A total of
11,032 team-match observations were analysed via a series of
logistical regressions. The results revealed that teams with an overworked
defensive unit that were frequently asked to make blocks,
clearances and goalkeeper saves would have significantly reduced
chances of promotion. Conversely, set-plays and in particular taking
advantage of penalty kick opportunities significantly increased the
odds of promotion by 37%. In addition, scoring goals from corner
kicks were also revealed to significantly enhance the odds of promotion
by 35%. With regard to open play, creating chances in the
form of assists and through balls were revealed to significantly
increase the odds of promotion by 28% and 14%, respectively.
These results, therefore, indicate that lower league teams with
ambitions of achieving promotion to the elite level should adopt
a strategy which consists of frequent penetrative passing that leads
to chance creation. Furthermore, teams hoping to achieve promotion
should look to improve their efficiency from penalty kicks and
corner kick set-plays.