balbezit

Balbezit, or ball possession, is a statistic used in team sports, most notably football, to describe the amount of time a team controls the ball during a match. It is usually expressed as a percentage of total game time and serves as a proxy for how dominant a team is in terms of ball control.

Measurement and interpretation

Possession starts when a team gains control of the ball and ends when that control is lost, such as after a turnover, shot, stoppage, or the ball going out of play. Exact definitions vary by data provider, but common methods use tracking or event data to mark the beginning and end of each possession and sum the durations for each team. The resulting percentages reflect how much of the match each side spent in possession.

Relation to performance

High balbezit often indicates sustained attacking pressure or territorial advantage, but it does not guarantee scoring or victory. Teams with lower possession can still be effective through efficient or dangerous transitions, while long possession without progress may be less productive. Therefore, possession is typically analyzed alongside other metrics such as passes completed, progression, shots, expected goals, and defensive actions.

Limitations and use

Balbezit is influenced by tactical approach, opponent behavior, and game context, so comparisons should consider these factors. Analysts use balbezit to assess game plans, opponent strategy, and tempo, while broadcasters may report it as a readily understood indicator of control. As a standalone measure, it provides a broad view of ball control but should be interpreted together with quality and outcome indicators.