Multivariate analysis of performance indicators in elite women's futsal: A principal component approach to understanding game dynamics

The current study analysed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) specific to high-performing female futsal players using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches to better understand team dynamics in conjunction with individual performance. Data were collected from a sample of 10 female futsal players (mean age: 23.9 ± 3.4 years) over 25 official matches of the Spanish first division. Twenty KPIs were selected in collaboration with coaches and researchers to represent diverse offensive and defensive aspects of play. This study used observational methods and principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of data and determine key performance factors. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were conducted, with Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = 0.63) values and communalities evaluated for sampling adequacy. PCA shown two main components explaining 64.09% of the total variance. The first component, “ Aggressiveness in Attack ”, (47.02% variance), was strongly associated with offensive production, including high rates of goal plays, shots, goals, assists, and fouls received. The second component, “ Forceful Defence ” (17.07% variance), primarily reflected defensive effectiveness, characterized by high rates of successful disputes, ball recoveries, and defensive intensity indicators, along with fewer ball losses. Individual player profiles revealed distinct tactical roles, with some players showing strong tendencies toward either offensive or defensive abilities. In conclusion, the use of multivariate analyses provides valuable insights into the performance of women's futsal, offering practical implications for coaches and players seeking to improve strategies and enhance individual and team performance through data-informed training and tactical planning.