Goal-scoring differences between male and female floorball players in the Swedish Super League

Abstract

The aim was to investigate sex differences regarding shooting position, shooting technique, and shot placement preceding open-play goal scoring in the Swedish Super League (SSL) in floorball. Video recordings of 3751 goals were analysed to determine the goal scorers’ positions on the pitch when they took the shots and which type of shots they used. In addition, the placement of the ball when it entered the goal was determined. The proportion of goals from the playing zone closest to the goal was higher for women (P < 0.001), whereas the relative number of goals from the playing zones to the left of the goal and from the central playing zone farthest from the goal was higher for men (all P < 0.001). Women used wrist shots and backhand shots more frequently to score goals than men (both P < 0.01); conversely, the proportion of goals scored using slap shots and volley shots was higher for men (both P < 0.001). In terms of shot placement, the percentage of goals scored in top-left corner was higher for male players (P < 0.05). Hence, there are sex-related goal-scoring differences in SSL and the findings may inform coaches in refining tactics and training.