Abstract
In soccer, home teams win about 67% of decided games. The causes for this home advantage are still unresolved. There is a
shortage of research on the psychological states of actors involved. In this study, we examined soccer coaches’ expectations,
goal setting and tactical decisions in relation to game location. Soccer coaches (N = 297) with different expertise levels
participated in an experimental, online management game and were randomly assigned to one of two groups, “home game
(HG)” or “away game.” Participants received information on the game for which they were asked to make decisions in
multiple points. The only differing information between groups was game location. Regardless of expertise, HG coaches had
higher expectations to win, set more challenging goals and decided for more offensive and courageous playing tactics.
Possible consequences of these findings concerning home advantage in soccer are discussed.
shortage of research on the psychological states of actors involved. In this study, we examined soccer coaches’ expectations,
goal setting and tactical decisions in relation to game location. Soccer coaches (N = 297) with different expertise levels
participated in an experimental, online management game and were randomly assigned to one of two groups, “home game
(HG)” or “away game.” Participants received information on the game for which they were asked to make decisions in
multiple points. The only differing information between groups was game location. Regardless of expertise, HG coaches had
higher expectations to win, set more challenging goals and decided for more offensive and courageous playing tactics.
Possible consequences of these findings concerning home advantage in soccer are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Sports Sciences |
| Volume | 33 |
| Issue number | 18 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1932-1941 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISSN | 0264-0414 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 06.03.2015 |