Listen, we know it can get a bit much at times.

Deciphering your xGs from your PPDAs is a slog, and the sheer volume of terms and phrases used to describe football these days can put people off digging deeper into tactical analysis. At the Hibs Observer, we promise not to overcomplicate matters when the simple explanation will do.

But sometimes a more granular analysis is required, and we want to ensure our readers are familiar with the terms deployed by the platforms we use to bring you closer to the action. With that mind, we've compiled a (hopefully) illuminating glossary with the help of StatsBomb and Wyscout, one we'll make sure is readily available with every tactics piece we publish.

Expected goals (xG)

An often-misunderstood term that provokes its fair share of hostility, it simply means a predictive model of a shot ending up in the net, taking into account factors such as location and the type of assist.

Post-shot xG

An extension of expected goals, this is xG calculated after the shot has been taken, and after it is known to be hitting the target.

xG/shot

A measure of a player or team’s shot quality, this calculates the average value of the shots the player or team takes.

xG conceded

The same as xG, but for shots conceded, not taken.

Open play xG

A team’s expected goal value from open play situations.

Set-piece xG

A team’s expected goal value from set-pieces.

Expected assists (xA)

A way of measuring the quality of assist, calculated using the xG of the shot that followed the pass.

Half-space

If you were to split the pitch into fifths, you would be left with the centre, the wings and the half-spaces – these are just the ‘pockets’ in between the centre and the wings.

Transition

A change in possession of the ball.

Duel

A challenge between two players to control, progress, or change the direction of the ball.

Counterpress

An attempt to win the ball back within five seconds of losing it.

Low block

A defensive tactic where a team puts multiple players behind the ball in an attempt to deny the opponent space.

Deep progression

A pass/dribble that moves the ball into the final third.

Single/double pivot

A team playing with one/two defensive midfielders. That’s it.

Recovery

Any action that ends the possession of the opposition team.

Overload

When one team has more players in an area of the pitch than the other.

Turnovers

How often a player loses possession via miscontrolling the ball or a failed dribble.

Long pass

We’re not insulting you with this one, honestly, just clarifying that StatsBomb defines a ‘long pass’ as 25 metres-plus if played along the ground, and 45 metres-plus if played in the air.

Defensive distance          

The average distance from their own goal at which a team engages in a defensive action. Useful for demonstrating whether a team presses high or sits off.

Passes per defensive action (PPDA)

How many passes the opposition make divided by a team’s defensive actions. Useful for demonstrating how a team presses the ball.

Successful box cross %

The percentage of a player’s/team’s successful passes which are crosses.

Tackle/dribbled past %

How often a player attempting a tackle wins the ball versus being dribbled past.

On Ball Value (OBV)

Introduced by Stats Bomb, OBV measures the value of events on the pitch. It can be used to show which player in a team is making the most valuable contributions, and can be broken down into specific areas, such as dribbling or passing.

Passing network

These graphics provide a visual overview of how a team passes the ball. It demonstrates where they make the most passes, who is most or least involved, and the areas players tend to receive the ball.

Shot map

A graphic which marks where teams have taken shots, the type of shot, and its end result.