# Scottish Premiership shifts to more technical play

> Early-season data shows Scottish Premiership teams are adopting more technical passing and higher possession levels.
- Title: Scottish Premiership shifts to more technical play · BBC Sport
- Summary: Early-season data shows Scottish Premiership teams are adopting more technical passing and higher possession levels. Scottish Premiership teams are…
- Keywords: scottish premier league, passing accuracy, possession, motherwell, dundee united, falkirk, hearts, rangers, celtic, st mirren, kilmarnock, hibernian
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cwnv0j499jrgo
- Published: 2026-10-08T06:52:49.713+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: scottish premier league, passing accuracy, possession, motherwell, dundee united, falkirk, hearts, rangers, celtic, st mirren, kilmarnock, hibernian
## Scottish Premiership style shift
Early-season data shows Scottish Premiership teams are adopting more technical passing and higher possession levels.
## Passing accuracy up to 81%
Passing accuracy has increased to 81% from 73% in 2023-24, with long passes dropping to 13% of total passes.
## Dundee United's change
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin said Jens Berthel Askou gave 'guys like myself a bit of a wake-up call'.

> guys like myself a bit of a wake-up call
## Motherwell and Falkirk success
Motherwell and Falkirk finished in top half of table with high attendances and transfer income after adopting technical play.
## Hearts' possession rise
Hearts increased their average possession from 42% last term to 50% this season with accurate passes per match rising from 219 to 320.
## More shots but fewer goals
Premiership goals per game are at lowest since 2021-22 but shots per match have increased to 29.
## St Johnstone promotion
St Johnstone's return to the league after replacing Livingston has added another team playing more expansive brand of football.
## Hibernian's new coach
Hibernian's new Dutch head coach Marink Reedijk promises 'brave and intense' style of play.

> brave and intense
## Key takeaway

Scottish Premiership teams are increasing passing accuracy to 81% and possession to 50% this season after adopting more technical play.