PPDA (Passes Allowed)
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
Formula
OppPasses / DefActions
About this calculator
PPDA (Passes Allowed) is a metric used in football to evaluate a team's defensive pressure. It is calculated by dividing the number of passes conceded to opponents by the number of defensive actions taken by the team. This provides an overview of how well a team is able to disrupt the opponent's flow of play and regain possession of the ball.
The formula for calculating PPDA is straightforward: OppPasses / DefActions. However, its interpretation can be complex. A low PPDA indicates that a team is effective in its defensive pressure, conceding few passes to opponents relative to the defensive actions it takes. On the other hand, a high PPDA suggests that a team is struggling to pressure the opponent and is conceding many passes.
PPDA is particularly useful for analyzing the performance of teams that play in a more defensive style or seek to control the pace of the game through ball possession. It can also be used to compare the performance of different teams and identify trends over the course of a season.
When using PPDA, it's essential to consider the context of the game and the strategies employed by teams. For example, a team playing against a stronger opponent may opt for a more defensive approach, which can result in a higher PPDA.
Frequently asked questions
What is PPDA in football?
PPDA is a metric that evaluates a team's defensive pressure, calculated by dividing the passes conceded to opponents by the defensive actions taken.
How to interpret a low PPDA?
A low PPDA indicates that a team is effective in its defensive pressure, conceding few passes to opponents.
And a high PPDA?
A high PPDA suggests that a team is struggling to pressure the opponent and is conceding many passes.
When to use PPDA?
PPDA is useful for analyzing teams that play defensively or seek to control the pace of the game through ball possession.
What precautions when using PPDA?
It's essential to consider the context of the game and the strategies employed by teams when interpreting PPDA.