What you'll learn
- Field Tilt measures the proportion of a team's completed passes that occur in the final third of the pitch compared to the defensive third, indicating where a team holds possession
- How top teams use it
- Observe which half of the pitch the majority of a team's passes and sustained possession are taking place
- Common mistakes when reading it
Analytics documentary · Field tilt
Field tilt — who owned the territory
Not possession. Not shots. Where the game was actually played.
Opening…
Story beats
Break it down
Same concept, sharper angles — read it like a scout, not a textbook.
The idea
Field Tilt measures the proportion of a team's completed passes that occur in the final third of the pitch compared to the defensive third, indicating where a team holds possession.
In plain terms
It's a stat that shows how much of the game a team plays in their opponent's half versus their own half.
Why top teams use it
Top teams use Field Tilt to gauge their territorial dominance and attacking pressure, helping them understand if their game plan is effectively pinning back opponents or if they are being pushed deep.
Two ways to see it
Data Lens
Field Tilt is typically calculated as the percentage of a team's completed passes in the attacking third relative to passes in the attacking and defensive thirds combined. A high Field Tilt score indicates a team is spending significant time in the opposition's half, generating chances and maintaining pressure, often correlating with high xG and deep completed pass networks.
Scout Lens
From a scouting perspective, Field Tilt is observed by noting the average positioning of players, especially midfielders and attackers, and where the ball predominantly circulates. A team with high Field Tilt consistently has its defensive line pushed high and its attackers operating in dangerous areas near the opponent's goal, often forcing opponents into a low block.
Who shows it
Manchester City, Barcelona (under Guardiola), Liverpool, Arsenal (under Arteta)
Spot it live
Observe which half of the pitch the majority of a team's passes and sustained possession are taking place.
Mark progress
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