Janszen, G. J. J. (2014) Soccer Skill and Higher Order Executive Functions in Elite and Sub-elite Youth Soccer Players. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Background: Cognitive functioning in soccer can be related to soccer skill and higher order executive functions. Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine if soccer skill (including a cognitive component) and the higher order executive functions (i.e. planning, reasoning, and problem solving) differ between performance levels in youth soccer players. Methods: 53 elite and 55 sub-elite youth soccer players (11-15 years) performed the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) and the Tower of London (ToL) as a measurement of soccer skill and higher order executive functions respectively. Variables obtained from the LSPT were mean execution time, fastest execution time, mean performance time, and fastest performance time. The ToL brought in the variables, ToL score, decision time, and execution time. All variables were tested using multivariate analysis of covariance with performance level as fixed factor and chronological (years from birth) and biological age (maturity offset) as covariates. Univariate analyses of covariance and a stepwise discriminant analysis were used as follow up tests. Results: A significant main effect for performance level was present. Comparisons between groups revealed large effect sizes on all LSPT variables and on ToL execution time. In all comparisons the elite group outperformed the sub-elite group. Stepwise discriminant analysis classified 79.0% of the players correctly based LSPT fastest performance time, ToL execution time and chronological age. Conclusion: Differences in soccer skill and the higher order executive functions were present between performance levels. It seems that cognitive functions can be related to soccer performance level and may possess valuable information for talent identification. Keywords: Talent identification – Technical and tactical characteristics – Planning – Problem solving – Cognitive functioning.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Huijgen, B.C.H. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Apr 2022 12:48 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Apr 2022 12:48 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3024 |
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