
Ball possession is one of the most important metrics in modern football, but its importance to team success and sports betting remains controversial. On the 1Win website 1winbet.ind.in and app, you can use this metric to improve your predictions and increase your chances of winning. Let’s look at how ball possession affects the outcome of matches and how to use this information in betting.
Why Ball Possession Matters
The basic idea behind possession is that a team that controls the ball is more likely to dictate the tempo of the game, create more attacking opportunities and limit the chances of the opposition. For example, in the 2022/23 season, Manchester City averaged 64.7 per cent possession, which not only allowed them to create a high number of accurate passes, but also lead the league in goals and wins.
However, ball possession does not always guarantee success. In World Cups such as the 2022 World Cup, teams with less possession, such as Morocco vs Spain (22% vs 68%), often compensate with effective defence and quick counter-attacks, as was the case in Morocco’s famous 1/8 final victory.
How to Use Ball Possession in Betting
Just looking at even such a meaningful metric is not enough. You need to know how to apply it correctly. We will tell you how to read ball possession to better analyse the situation on the pitch.
Analyse the Style of Play of the Teams
Each team has a unique approach to ball possession. For example, Barcelona and Manchester City play with short passes and ball control, while Leicester or Atletico Madrid use counter-attacks more often. Before betting, find out what style a team uses, especially against opponents with different tactics.
Example: In Barcelona matches, high possession is associated with the likelihood of a high number of goals, especially against weak defences. But against counter-attacking teams like Real Madrid, their possession can be less effective.
Compare Home and Away Performance
Teams often show better possession at home, where fan support helps them maintain control. For example, in the English Championship, clubs with high possession at home, such as Norwich, have a higher winning percentage than away, where they face strong opposition.
Use Data on Gears and Accuracy
The number of accurate passes correlates with the number of chances created. For example, a team with 600+ assists and high accuracy (around 85-90%) is more likely to dominate the attack, creating more chances for goals.
Strategies for Betting Based on Ball Possession

Now let’s get practical and see how the possession metric can make your 1Win bets become even more accurate.
Betting on Favourites with High Possession
When a top team plays against an outsider who rarely possesses the ball, betting on the first team to win becomes more likely. Example: “Manchester City against teams in the bottom half of the table almost always keep a high percentage of possession and win with a big score.
Betting on the Number of Goals
If both teams favour high ball control, you can expect a more relaxed game with a low number of goals. For example, a match between Barcelona and Manchester United could end 1-0 because of the cautious approach of both sides.
Analysing Matches with VAR
VAR (Video Assisted Refereeing) has increased the number of penalties awarded, especially in high possession games where the attacking team is more often in the opponent’s penalty area. This can be useful for betting on penalties or the overall match score.
Training via 1Win Statistics
In the 1Win app, you can study ball possession statistics through inbuilt analytical tools that provide:
- Real-time possession data, allowing you to adjust your bets as the match progresses;
- Match history to understand how teams perform in different environments;
- Graphs and tables visualising key indicators for better analysis;
- These tools are especially useful for live betting, where quick decision-making is key.
Reasoning: Is Ball Possession a Universal Metric Or a Localised Value?
Ball possession is useful to analyse, but it must be considered in the context of other indicators. For example, a team can be dominant in this indicator but lose the game due to inefficient realisation of chances. For example, Spain had 70% possession at the 2022 World Cup against Japan, but lost the game 1-2 due to counterattacks and poor execution.
On the other hand, ball possession can be a decisive factor against less organised opponents. For example, Bayern, using their ability to control the ball, often destroy the resistance of weaker teams by scoring 3-4 goals per match.
How Else to Work with Data for Analysis on 1Win
1Win provides a wide range of statistics that can be used for analysis:
- Ball possession graphs. Show how the teams controlled the game over time;
- Dynamics of shots and attacks. Helps link ball possession to chances created on the pitch;
- Match History. You can check how teams performed against specific opponents.
Conclusion
Ball possession is not just a statistic, but a valuable tool for analysing football matches. By using ball control data in combination with other metrics, you can make more informed bets on the 1Win operator’s website. However, it is important to remember that Football is a game where tactics, the realisation of chances and even luck play as much of a role as ball control.
Analyse, try strategies and increase your chances of winning with 1Win!