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Final Third Entries — overview

Final Third Entries

A Ballify concept guide — learn what it is, then spot it live.

Final Third Entries refer to any action where a player successfully moves the ball into the opposition's final attacking third of the pitch, the area closest to their goal line.
It's simply getting the ball into the most dangerous part of the field where you can actually score goals.
Final Third Entries — shape
Consistently getting the ball into dangerous attacking areas is a prerequisite for creating scoring chances, directly correlating with offensive threat and a team's win probability.

Two Ways to See It

Data Lens

This lens quantifies entries by number, type (pass, carry, dribble), and location (wide, central channels), correlating them with subsequent actions like shots, key passes, or expected goals (xG). Analysts might track entry success rates and identify patterns in where entries are most effective for a team.

Scout Lens

A scout observes the quality of the entry, such as the timing and precision of the pass, the player's decision-making under pressure, and how the entry impacts the opposing defense's shape. They assess the threat posed by the specific players making and receiving these entries, considering their individual skills and tactical understanding.

Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Kevin De Bruyne, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Watch for a player successfully passing, dribbling, or carrying the ball over the imaginary line that marks the beginning of the attacking third.

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